pain in my breastbone, ribs and chest

@happy@76, Good morning. What a great alias....except I think I beat you by 1 year......yep 77. I was attracted to your discussion title because I have just a bit of experience with that issue. I am going to assume you found the site (link below). It is very interesting. At the bottom of the page is a series of symptoms that are not costochondritis. For the most part, clinicians diagnose with patient feedback and because the diagnosis is one of exclusion may not appear to be knowledgeable.

And now to another set of symptoms that appeared for me and were attributed to a pretty severe reaction to Boniva (and other bisphosphonates). I eliminated a few possibilities like heart attack.....this was a bone issue (in my opinion)....from the ribcage and sternum up to the jaw and even the eye sockets. I was also having difficulty swallowing.....and I wanted to pull all my teeth out of my head.

My PCP discontinued the medication and I visited my Myofascial Release therapist for several treatments until the discomfort subsided.
Are you taking any osteoporosis medications? I moved to Tymlos and have not had a reoccurrence.

I am not a medical practitioner and can only relate the chapters in my book of experience that might shed a little light. I do wish your DR had been a bit more forthcoming if in fact, he suspected costochondritis so you didn't worry. May you be free of suffering today. Please let me know your thoughts. Chris
https://costochondritis.com/diagnosing-costochondritis/

Thanks tytxx

Could it be a fractured rib?

I don’t think so as it has been going on for years now, but thanks

I have been diagnosed with costochronditis and my chest swells. The rheumatologist and my cardiologist say there is nothing they can do about it. I have had to go up 6 sizes in my bras or I can't breathe. It has been going on for over 2 years. It will go away and then come back. Now I have pain under my left breast but the docs say everything is fine. My pulmonologist says I have arthritis in my ribs and my PC did an MRI of my head and neck and the arthritis is wrapped around my major nerve, causing a constant headache. She suggested I see a pain management doc and get a nerve bloc but my cardiologist doesn't think it will work. Any ideas?

@jmb73 You might want to see a physical therapist for an evaluation. I've had similar symptoms and I have thoracic outlet syndrome which is enough to cause muscle spasms in my neck and chest, twisted ribs, and headaches that are muscular in mature. Finding a doctor who understands TOS is difficult as it is not covered well in medical schools. My physical therapist does myofascial release which helps a lot by releasing tight fascia that is restricting movement and normal function. You can do MFR work without having a diagnosis of TOS, but if you have TOS, you may be able to have physical therapy long term. TOS does cause breathing problems for me and Mayo is a good place to go for an evaluation of this. You can also try teaching medical centers that treat TOS to look for a specialist.

Here are some links with information and the link to our Connect discussion on MFR that has a lot of information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353988
https://www.painscience.com/articles/respiration-connection.php
https://trainingandrehabilitation.com/how-truly-treat-thoracic-outlet-syndrome/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Thank you. I appreciate your help.

@jmb73 You're welcome. I hope you find some relief. Some doctors don't understand MFR therapy and sometimes the last thing they would consider is a physical problem. Did you have more information about what that means when you said the arthritis is wrapped around your nerve that causes a headache? Is that an arthritis issue in your spine? It does help to ask your doctors for specifics when they say something like that.

Hello @jmb73

@jenniferhunter makes a good point. It is important to advocate for yourself. If your doctor gives you information that you don't fully understand feel free to call the office, or use the patient portal, to ask for more specific information and ask questions.

Hello, I just wanted to see if there was any update on your pain @happyat76 ? If your pain is where the ribs meet the sternum, you may have costochondritis. Costochondritis is a difficult condition to deal with and my wife has faced it for some time. Though, typically costochondritis pain does not last for years. Hope you are well.