Costochrondritis/ Tietze syndrome
Would love to hear from anybody who has any info on this disorder. I get flare ups 5-6 times a year.Costachrondritis has been mentioned but I have yet to get a diagnosis despite MRI and CAT scans and x-rays. Stabbing, sharp pain starts in the left rib cage and within days I have upper stomach and back spasm which is only alleviated by complete bed rest ie. being still. During an attack, just moving my arm in a certain way, or coughing will provoke a spasm. I feel generally unwell , tired and out of sorts. It has been suggested that allergys may set it off.Sometimes when I have an extra strenous exercise session or even cleaning house can start it off. Flare up will last usually 7 -10 days. Cortisone shots into / between ribs on left side have worked pretty well but I dont think that is the answer long term. Anybody know if there is a blood test to look for Tietze? Apparently the difference between that and costachrondritis is actual inflammation in cartiledge...I have also read that the condition is associated with arthritis and auto immune conditions...I am in remission from moderate colitis. Also I noticed during last episode that my hands felt arthritic -sore tender finger joints. I would love to hear from somebody who recognises these symptoms - I am frustrated and bewildered and fed up with this seemingly untreatable and difficult to diagnose condition. Otherwise I am a healthy , engaged and youthful 50 year old! Last question: What kind of doctor does one see to discuss this condition?
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@virtuous69 Eating more or eating wrong - which causes Bloating - does cause the Flare. For that I try to have a Rabiprazole 20 mg and a Digestive Enzyme SOS. Its does help apart from the Muscle Relaxant (that too SOS)
T4,T5,T6 maybe the pain area - Advil May Help(SOS). Gabapentin (Prescription Drug)
@lisalucier A few things I think I should mention. Lately I Have started getting Brain Fog. I forget things a lot (as in not able to recall when needed). Have become boring - as in - the things I used to enjoy doing earlier - now I find them really boring. Earlier I used to react to things fast - now I don’t (which is good). I don’t get angry that easily (which is good as well)
Hi, @shshank_gaurv. Thanks for sharing some of the things that bring you relief with your costochondritis. Are you thinking that the brain fog, not enjoying things you used to enjoy and being slower to get angry are related to the costochondritis or the medications for it?
@lisalucier Those r side effects of the Medication I Guess.
Hi, @virtuous69--thanks for the update on your costochondritis and sharing the technique you use when you turn over in bed. Imagine that would have been frightening to feel like you were having a heart attack at work. How was your relief with the over-the-counter pain reliever and rest the on-site nurse suggested when you first heard about this condition?
@shshank_gaurv OMG you have meds for that too? Are they RX or OTC? I can barely afford my standard BP meds and other few. Thx for the referral, I hope I can find your post when I see my PC this afternoon.
@virtuous69 Rabeprazole, Digestive Ezymes, Muscle Relaxants are all OTCs but should be only taken SOS. Gabapentin is RX. Plz check with you Doctor for Drug Interactions.
@lisalucier was happy that my primary thought to ask our workers comp nurse those questions before anyone rushed to call an ambulance. Went home, took advil, had a little nap....felt fine later. I wish I knew what to do with those
breath -stopping rib pains when I move in bed except to just wait it out.
P.s. learning to navigate your website with help from Colleen Young. @ symbal specializes one previous poster. If I include the words "and all" will that allow other posters of same thread to read my comments also?
Hi Virtuous69
Yes, so nice your primary was thinking of all the possibilities to avoid unnecessarily calling an ambulance. So sorry about those very painful rib pains you experience in bed.
About your question on what happens when you post your comments in a thread: It is helpful to @mention the person you are speaking to by typing their @username in your message. All the members participating in the discussion will see your post and get an email notification that your message was posted. This way the person you are talking to knows you're responding to them but everyone can take part. Just like a group of friends around the coffee table.