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pain in my breastbone, ribs and chest
I have had every test there is on my stomach to find out what this pain is. I kept saying it wasn’t my stomach. Someone told me it may be Costochondritis and I looked it up and think it may be. The only thing is, this has been going on for years, not days, weeks or months. How do I find out exactly what this is. My Dr. isn’t sending me to anyone else and isn’t requesting any more tests. Should I see some kind of Specialist? I can’t breathe properly and am in pain most of the time. The pain is where the breastbone meets up with the ribs. I hope someone understands and ca shed some light on this for me. Thanks very much
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@happyat76 I know this is an older post. BUT, I just came across it.
I've had that same pain and I couldn't breathe in. The pain felt like a heart attack. My ribs were inflamed to the point where they hurt to the touch, my breastbone was killing me. It sounds like it is most certainly Costochondritis. I went to a Rheumatologist, and it certainly was it. It still hurts me since way back in 1994 when I first was diagnosed. Some doctors referred me to a Cardiologist as they thought I was having heart issues. Now, I just take Advil and it helps when I get a flare up.
As the years go by, the flare ups are far apart...months apart.
I have not gotten to read all the replies yet, so if your condition has been diagnosed properly, GREAT!
I will read on, but just know, I cared so I felt the need to say, you're not alone.
@vivsterb I read your symptoms. I am 85 and about 2 months ago started having similar symptoms. Discomfort along my breastbone when I exert myself. sometimes at the collar bone and sometimes lower. I am aware of it when I breathe. And I start coughing. Not life threatning as far as I know, but irritating. I went to my PCP this week and he listend to my heart and lungs and said there didn't seem to be anything irregular. But he is sending me for a stress test, I guess just in case. You mentioned you have Costochondritis. I am not familiar with that. My Dr. didn't even mention it. I will certainly look into it. Thanks for your post.
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2 Reactions@lawanna85
Hi. I'm 64 and this has been a pain that is more annoying now to me, than often occurring. But, I'm glad it does not strike me so often now.
It is a good idea to go to the cardiologist for a stress test. I had one too, all was good.
But, you sound like you have Costochondritis. Please try and go to a Rheumatologist too. If I am guessing correctly, you will be diagnosed there correctly. There are great anti inflammatory meds a Dr. can prescribe. After all is done, please post back and let me know what was diagnosed.
Take care
@vivsterb Thanks for your reply! After reading your post, I have decided to ask my PCP to send me to a Rheumatologist. And yes, I will post again when I find out something. I don't get my stress test until next month. I don't anticipate any problems, but it will be good to know for sure. I really appreciate the advice and support from the Mayo Clinic site. I had double knee surgery July 1st last year and the information and support I got from this site was invaluable.
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1 ReactionI was having pain on on my breast bone in the middle that would come and go and had test after test and after 2 years this gastroenologist had me do hida scan which showed I have hyperkinetic gallbladder that read 95, suppose to be lower, now I am scheduled for surgery to remove my gallbladdet
@lawanna85
Great! I'll await to see what a Rheumatologist says.
You are the master of your own destiny. Now is the time to educate yourself thoroughly about breast cancer, your health, and proactive steps you can take to influence outcomes. If you want to use vaginal inserts, you should because who wants to live in misery? If your doctor won’t prescribe them, find another. I don’t use vaginal inserts myself, but I have been using the hormonal cream estradiol for years, and it’s made a remarkable difference. I would never quit using it. Yes, I had breast cancer, but I know that applying hormone cream locally is different from systemic use and does not increase the risk of breast cancer. I bet the same is true with your inserts!! All the best to you!!