Help please friends

[bunnymom]

Yesterday I had rib cage pain which despite heat and rest seemed to worsen as the evening progressed so much so that at bedtime I took 5 mg just to see if I could get some relief. I had added 1 mg in the afternoon already. I am currently at 12.5 after a year in February. My torso feels scalded and I have tender bruised spots all over my rib cage. What in the world is wrong with me? I was diagnosed with PMR with blood test results that the Dr. said were classic. I recall that my torso then felt very stiff and my legs hurt worse than my shoulders. Now thought I do feel some stiffness across my back. I did do some lifting on Thursday that I probably shouldn't have done and I will no longer do. Is this a flare? I want to be sorted out as I have travel and a wedding on the horizon for the end of the week. Right after I return I am seeing a Dr at a pain clinic so I hope help will be on the way.

[SheffieldJane]

It sounds to me like you've overdone it with your lifting and your body is protesting. If I have something big coming up like your wedding I try to have a "duvet day" where I go to bed and sleep on and off and maybe read, plenty of fluid. It's a bit lowering but it seems to put energy in the bank and help with the latest pain manifestation. I hope you are better soon.

[bunnymom in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you. Resting always is our constant helper.

[polkadotcom]

It might be costochondritis, it can run alongside some inflammatory arthrititises. That could be worsened by doing heavy lifting I would think. It's worth checking out.

I do hope you are able to enjoy the wedding and, as SJ says, some resting prior to that could help with the energy levels.

[bunnymom in reply to polkadotcom]

I do believe that's what it could be but there is nothing medically to be done for it is there? I already take maximum doses of tylenol for my shoulder. I will cut to my original dose of pred.

[polkadotcom]

Just wondering if topical gels/creams might give you some relief?

[bunnymom in reply to polkadotcom]

That is something I haven't tried. Thanks

[Meg1711b]

Hi Bunnymom,

I had bad rib cage pain several months back and tried using a heated corn pillow to help. It definitely was the wrong choice as it made it much worse. I recommend not applying any heat.

I periodically have gotten the very tender spots in my rib cage--for no apparent reason. I think they are just part of the weirdness of PMR.

My rib cage pain went away within a couple days. Hope yours does too.

You are not alone. Hugs.

[bunnymom in reply to Meg1711b]

Xoxo

[Patience47]

bunnymom, I've been having severe pain on the left / lower region of my ribs. Every time I have to increase my prednisone dose to 7MG or higher I experience severe rib pain, so it appears the higher dose of prednisone is causing the rib pain. Making Dr appointment as the pain is unbearable now. I wish you luck and hope you're feeling better soon.

[bunnymom]

I go and see an Ortho dr today at a pain clinic so I am eager to see what he has to say. Interesting that it could be the preds. All this is very hard to sort out isn't it? Hope you get some help today. Xoxo