lifecolorado, Praying for you. I battle this from time to time. It goes along with Fibromyalgia and it is inflammation in the breastbone. I have a lot of arthritis.

My doctor told me to take Advil for it (this was back when I could take Advil). I can get it sometimes from having bronchitis and coughing a lot. Vitamin D deficiency can be a culprit to bring this on as well. I have to question with you, if the bypass surgery aggravated the breastbone. Be careful with acidic foods.

Rest helps me and not doing anything strenuous that would aggravate the breastbone.

A friend of mine from church developed Costochronditis from swimming. She was in great shape, walked and ate healthy. She started swimming in her late 70's and developed this. She went to a cardiologist thinking it was her heart.

I believe it's hereditary as my Mama had it too! Prayers & Blessings....