Rib Pain ...

[LemonZest11]

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope you all managed to have at least a few sips of Christmas cheer. It was pretty wild at my place yesterday with 9 grandkids under 10 and their parents doing absolutely nothing, but that’s what grandparents are for, right?? Haha!! Well not surprisingly I feel a bit knackered today and pretty sore. I just wanted to ask about rib pain. This is a new one for me and built up yesterday and through the night. It has subsided a bit this morning (pred at 3.30am) but it’s all just a bit tender. Anyone experienced this, or do you think it is PMR unrelated? Thanks xx

[SheffieldJane]

Yes. This rib pain has been discussed a number of times on here, often Costochondritis is suspected. An inflammation of the tendons and muscles that support your ribs. I used to call in my PMR hug. It is not directly PMR but the disease seems to make us prone to it. Warmth, prone rest and painkillers are soothing. Doctors don’t seem to offer anything else much. If it persists, they offer an XRay. I found that any kind of wiring on a bra was so uncomfortable. I wear soft cotton M&S sport type bras that give support but don’t dig in.. I guess you’ve been lifting, bending and carrying in all your loving care of your grandchildren. That will do it. I still envy you, having had to make do with FaceTime and videos of the fun, mayhem and mess, in Australia where my 4 grandchildren live. Do a search for rib pain. It is not uncommon.

[LemonZest11 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Oh thank you Jane, that does sound right. I was lifting, bending and carrying and it does feel like a “hug”, especially when I breath in quite deeply. That’s reassuring to know because it is a new one for me! Sorry that you children are far away but thank heavens for FaceTime. Where abouts in Australia are they?

[SheffieldJane in reply to LemonZest11]

I have two daughters in New South Wales, one in Boambee and one in Sawtell. Living the dream. 3 grandsons and one granddaughter aged 6. The boys are 11, 5 and 2. My son is still in the UK at uni in Edinburgh.

[LemonZest11 in reply to SheffieldJane]

You should join them Jane! We are in WA, but my husband is from Sydney and I’m from Melbourne. Your grandchildren are at such precious ages, I bet they really miss you, as would your daughters.

[Blearyeyed]

As Jane says it could be the beginning of Costochondritis or warning of it , or you may be lucky and it is temporary muscle inflammation from you doing a little too much activity that those muscles aren't accustomed to at the moment.

Just hand the physical jobs over to the family today and try some Paracetamol at regular intervals to dull the pain.

Lots of fluids , and sipping cool water when any breathlessness , or the " hug" comes on relieves the symptoms .

As does a little gentle stretching from side to side and deep breathing while sitting up in a comfy chair. Warmth helps.

If it continues to hang around and is Costochondritis , sleeping in bed with graduating pillows cushioning your shoulders and helping your airways , and elevating your feet as you sleep too also helps .

Take it easy today , more board games and cuddles and a good nap , and get your children on the chores instead.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks, good advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Where is it? Does it fit with costochondritis?

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, it sounds exactly as Jane described.

[Whatgrange]

Hello! I've had this quite often and put it down to discomfort from scar tissue from previous unrelated surgery! Then I had a thought! Because I’ve put on so much weight, especially round the midriff,, I went to have a proper bra fitting at a local lingerie shop! Excellent service and everything about ‘load bearing’ explained. I came away with a new, not very expensive bra!!! Rib pain has gone! It hasn’t cured the plenty of other pains - but I’m very grateful for this solution!

Good luck!

[LemonZest11 in reply to Whatgrange]

Thanks for this info Whatgrange, but it's not related to load-bearing, wish it was. I have taken Jane's advice and given it a rest. It has definitely improved! I think I overdid it with 17 for lunch on Christmas Day and with 9 littlies here all wanting a piece of me, well I just didn't get a chance to sit down. I am very fortunate to have my family but without a daughter to call the shots (I have 3 sons), nobody did much to help. DILs tend to sit back and chat ... haha, wouldn't dare ask them, don't want to make waves anytime but especially at Christmas. Boys mucked in a bit. Anyway, I am happy things are improving and I didn't have to up the pred.

[Whatgrange in reply to LemonZest11]

Glad you’re improving. Without a doubt I would have gone on strike in order to get the message across! No wonder you hurt. I hurt just walking about - in the house! And I have an extremely helpful OH!

REST!!

[LemonZest11]

You too, thanks. Xx