Chronic Thoracic Pain

Has anyone mentioned Colchicine? The approved use is for Gout but there is some off label use for other pain categories.
I had a left lower lobectomy six months ago and have been dealing with rib and diaphragm pain since. When I attempt a deep breath, it feels as if my diaphragm is restricted by ribs that don’t move. I don’t have effusion (fluid) or anything else that could cause the pain and can be evidenced with imaging. So after stopping my statin and letting it clear out, my Rheumatologist started me on lowest dosage today. I’m hopeful but realistic.
I have no idea yet if it will help me -
much less anyone else. But I thought I would mention.
Best of luck to you

Exact same R side burns like fire and swells at times about T6/7 thr T7/8 been like this for 20 plus years

I can relate to what you're saying. My thoracic pain radiates from my neck and if I don't stay moving it becomes so debilitating and painful there is no position that alleviates the pain. Cortisone shot helps for one day makes me manic. I try to live with the pain this has been going on only for a couple months but it is excruciating and I also feel depressed. Some moments are better than others but I hope to have an entire day without pain somehow someway.

My doctors are of no help. They just keep sending me in for tests and x-rays and stupid stuff I need a myofascial physiotherapist and have found better medical attention on YouTube than any place else. It's just pathetic.

So why don’t you ask your doctor for a PT referral for an evaluation for treatment? The therapist will assess your body and recommend a treatment plan for your doc to approve. I too have thoracic back pain and cortisone shots C6/C7 really help for about 2 1/2 months and then I repeat it every 3 months. I do upper body exercise too as part of my home exercise program from PT. I go as often as I need or as my body breakdown from spinal OA.

Having had a thoracotomy before I wonder if you could have Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome. I have had this for 24 years. Caused me to have to take a complete disability. So difficult to deal with.

I’ve considered that but 2 years post op I realize it is not going away. Prednisone - even low dose - makes it disappear - but Colchicine did not. I have RA and occasionally - like a couple
of times a year - I need Prednisone for an RA flare. And I enjoy relief from rib/lateral chest wall pain as an added benefit. What a shame I can’t stay on Prednisone. But it is an is I’m afraid.

I had the exact same symptoms 10 years ago. Almost had surgery. Instead saw Dr. David Hanscom. He changed my life: he also wrote a book called Bavk in Control that I highly recommend!

Responding to an old post, but it is coming up on search...
I've had this issue for years, having worked on a computer since the '90s. I finally found relief. Ask a P.T. to help because the position varies depending on location.
1. Therapist adjustment; Standing behind, they bend you slightly, hold the position and you lean gently into the curve. That was an absolute miracle, immediate relief.
2. Follow up with a stretch. Lying on the side of the muscle pain, place a pillow under the area (for me, it is the "bra" area,) and stretch for 2 minutes. The position has to be exact for this to work. Only once per day, or less in some situations.
Again, please have a PT guide you so it's in the right location and does no harm, but this now relieves the muscle tightness immediately. PT said the muscle was compensating for an issue on the other side and was likely pressing a rib.
3. Strengthening exercises targeted to that location come later...but really work after the stretch is correct!
It took almost 30 years to find this solution, and trying it on my own was a failure that could have been dangerous. I suspect it's from using the computer mouse for never-ending hours on a daily basis...poor posture in the end. I hope you can find a good PT who uses your MRI or other scan to find the exact spot and help you as well!

I have had horrible chronic pain in my left chest/ribs for 24 years. I herniated a thoracic disc and had spinal cord compression. I had surgery with partial rib removal and spinal fusion at T-7 and T-8. I was left with nerve damage and what is called Post-thoracotomy Pain Syndrome. I had to take a complete disability from my career. I have had everything to try and remedy this pain from nerve blocks, pain pump, spinal cord stimulators, acupuncture, scrambled therapy, etc..... Nothing relieves this pain. It has ruined my life. I can't function like a normal person. Been in pain management for 24 years. Y'all might should research this Syndrome. Best of luck to yall.

How dreadful. My sympathies.