Costochondritis

[serendipitydoodah]

Has anyone experienced costochondritis? I came across this in the "skeletal involvement" area of the symptoms listed on the ISN site. I was looking up some pain I've been experiencing in my ribcage area and I'm wondering if it could be costochondritis. My lower ribs (on both sides) have been tender to the touch for months now. I've also been experiencing an uncomfortable popping sensation on occasion when I get to laughing too hard. It usually only happens about once a month and has just been an annoyance but not too bothersome. A couple of days ago I felt the popping happen when laughing and then found I had a sort of stitch in my side and was breathing shallow for the next 10 minutes. I laid down on my back for a little while but continued to get stabbing pains every few minutes. I turned over and got the same pain. When I stood up I started feeling normal again after about half an hour. The ribs continue to be tender to the touch but no worse than before. I'm wondering if this was a one time occurrence or if this will continue to get worse. If this doesn't fit the description of costochondritis, does anyone know what it might be?

 

Thanks,

Lesley

[Joelf]

Hi Lesley,

 

The pain you're experiencing in your ribs sounds very unpleasant and painful; thankfully I haven't suffered with this myself, although I have pulled muscles in that area before through rather too vigorous exercise at the gym so I can imagine the discomfort you've been experiencing.

 

I'm not a doctor (although I love telling mine her job! ;) ) so I wouldn't like to say whether the symptoms you describe are due to Costochrondritis but I agree that there are similarities. However, as the article advises, there could be other causes of your painful rib cage, so I think it would be a good idea to mention your symptoms to your primary care doctor (pending your appointment with your Sclero Specialist) just to rule out any other problems.

 

I've included another link to Costochrondritis for you to read which I hope you'll find helpful.

[scampie5]

Hi Lesley,

 

I also am having this problem mainly on right hand side; very tender to touch and sore and hurt when I coughed or lay on it but getting a bit better. Mine is more at the top of the breast bone; interesting to find someone else with similar problem.

 

I am having palpitations, fast heart rate and just had a 48 hour monitor; I think I will mention it when I next see my doctor.

 

Lynn.

[CraigR]

I was also once diagnosed with costochondritis. Like Joelf, I was told it was due to a muscle pull, not any disease process. The doctor said it was like having a sprained ankle in the chest.

 

Craig

[nan]

I had this years ago. I thought I was having a heart attack. It is very painful. I had it before I was diagnosis with scleroderma.