Reoccurring costochondritis

[GwenVG]

I was diagnosed with Costochondritis a few months back and I have it again. I have just been having severe sternum pain. I haven’t been coughing a significant amount or anything unusual. Is there anything that could be causing this and what can I do to prevent it?

[shedevil49]

Every time I get an infection I get costochondritis then I get physio

[branch9]

Goodness, Gwen, the challenges just keep coming, don't they. I hope you were able to go to your summer camp that you love. Although I have not had costochondritis, I have had lots of episodes of fatigue and viral symptoms. Interestingly, I have noticed, these past few years, that if I go out to an activity, or a short trip, or a gathering, I feel lifted out of my physical symptoms and I feel healthy for a stretch of time. I can "power through" and forget that I was feeling bad, and start to have fun. I still have to rest up between times, but I feel better when I'm with positive people. So I hope you got to go to your camp, and that you can find ways to lift your spirits. It can help your health. I really hope you are having a good summer. My heart goes out to you. -Anne Marie

[GwenVG in reply to branch9]

Anne Marie! Good to hear from you, I saw my pulmonologist today and all is well. I leave for camp on July 26th and already have plans with my friends from Washington and Montana while I’m in Montana. I’m so excited. I work at the Aquarium now and love my job. I’m also in a musical, The Secret Garden, next weekend. And I’ve starting thinking about colleges.

My health has been better recently and might have another bronchoscopy later in the year. My only struggle is having to travel with my smart vest since it pretty much weighs more than I do.

Thank you for your advice and kind works. I really appreciate them. I hope your having a good summer as well!

-Gwen

[branch9 in reply to GwenVG]

Oh, Gwen, I'm so happy to hear of your many joys and successes! A job you love, participating in the arts that you love -- these are such gifts! And they are contributing to your well-being, as well as being fulfilling. I love musicals! Not only are they fun, but the cast and crew form a sense of community that is quite unique. Colleges! I don't know much, but I do know two young women who have majored in musical theater, one at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL (She's a bit older now, and continues to perform), and at Boulder, CO (She's just starting this fall). The college process is a long journey, so many aspects. Enjoy the ride! And... I did take a plane trip once with my Vest... that was miserable, not only because of the weight and bulk, but also because the TSA were venomous and furious with me, convinced I was bringing an explosive device. They were absolutely vengeful toward me. Have you flown successfully with it before? Good luck with that part. Nowadays, the appliance I would most travel with is my Pari nebulizer, with saline solution. It is much more effective (for me) in loosening and coughing up the mucous. I use the vest at home, but the doctor is OK with not taking it on trips. Ever since I started the nebulized saline, I have not had an exacerbation episode for a year! Well, good luck, and take flight! Thank you for writing! -Anne Marie