Update to “Pain in ribs”

[Janann25]

First of all, thank you to everyone who responded to my original post. I decided it would probably be better to create a new post, rather than reply to you individually.

I saw a doctor this morning who couldn’t suggest the reason for this gripping pain - just said it would improve as I recovered from the pneumonia and that I was expecting to feel better too quickly. He didn’t listen to my chest.

He has increased my Pred to 10mg with a slow taper after a week and said to see someone again in four weeks. I queried the “someone” and he explained that he would be on holiday - so my hopes of being able to have continuity in my treatment have been dashed! He also approved a blood test - but that has to wait for three weeks because of summer holidays. So, bottom line is :- wait and see 😖

[piglette]

I did not realise the NHS closed down for summer holidays!!! I despair.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

No - usually in March as everyone rushes to use the holiday they haven't been able to use before ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

You mean the NHS closes down for Easter and the summer?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

My 2 rarely get holiday approved in summer ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

Perhaps they support the NHS when it is shut!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

They seem pretty busy if it is shut ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

😆😆😆

[SheffieldJane]

As our muscles are so vulnerable, I wonder if you’ve strained your intercostal muscles with coughing. Therefore it would be gentle rest propped up for a couple of weeks. The Sopranos is available to stream . 😊

[phebamom]

The rib pain is probably a condition called costochronditis. I have had it for years It goes along with PMR/GCA. Lucky us.

[par600]

My unbearable rib pain - which I was sure was PMR - turned out to be a non-displaced FX of the 8th and 9th rib, After an X-ray, a CT scan and a bone scan with contrast it was declared spontaneous - no cause.Must say, healing is happening Very Very slowly. Patience is the answer.

[Bfp1]

Hi - and I know this is a late reply - but I get, on a fairly regular basis, pains in either side of my chest - like a stitch but much worse and much more painful. I do have COPD and fairly regular chest pain and infections. I massage it a bit to try to help it as its so painful. ANy luck with a diagnosis. I am daft and forgot even to mention it to my prof/rheumy visit. My rheumy is excellent and so learned, and I will mention it next time.

With very best wishes and hope you are more comfortable. I am on 4mg pred and will not ever increase it, even if in hospital, unless its for 3 days and I can go straight back to 4mg. I suffered hugely on steroids (since 2018), going up to 500mg and collapsing unable to stand. And they discharged me like that! So 4mg it is 👍.

Every good wish

Bev

[Monkey321]

Hi, i get rib pain and its constantly there. It's sore to touch more on my right side mainly from under my armpit to end of rib cage area. It's been like that for 2 years. It does also get worse with severe pain that lasts for 30 min or longer whereby I just have to get up and move. Paracetamol helps me. I don't have PMR as that was a wrong original diagnosis and have not been diagnosed with costrochronditis either. I saw a rheumatologist on monday and mentioned this pain and he said it could be referred pain (due to bursitis and teindopathy in my shoulders). I sympathize with you, it's very painful!