[BigSis]

Hi all,
Sorry I haven't been about much but have been reading to keep up with you all.

I have read some of the many threads about chostochondritis but I'm still not that clear.

I consistantly have a 'soreness' of my ribs.on one side (left.) It's difficult to discribe but it is tender to touch just under the boob in that dip just where your ribcage starts to flare out over the belly. :shrug: Not immensely painful like pleurisy, I've had that before.......just hurts vaguely when I'm driving (handbrake and gears)or just sitting. No shortness of breath or anything.

Would like to know what you think 'Oh great fountains of wisdom:hehe:'

Rheumie appointment on the 16 December.

My love to all and hoping you are as well as you can be

 

[Maia]

With your description, it does seem more similar to costochondritis than the other most common possibilities in a lupus patient; especially since it is actually tender to the touch. For me, the pain was a little more spread out & covered a larger area & it was extremely painful to lift up my daughter (then about 25 pounds). And a cough/sneeze was also quite painful.

Much like you describe too in that it's not like pleuritis which was a much sharper pain and more exquisite/striking in comparison especially when taking an even slightly deeper breath.

I would say it seems likely, but if the pain gets worse and becomes a bigger concern to you then I would definitely seek out a doctor's opinion before the 16th. Chest pain is not really something to mess around with...

 

[KarolH]

I wish you luck with your up coming appointment and sorry your dealing with this.

Thankfully, this is one thing I have not experienced.

It just sounds miserable.

 

[LoopyLoo]

Hi BigSis,

I have costo but it took 7 months to diagnose as I wasn't a classic presentment. I too have pain on the left side, mostly at the back but it radiates round the front and up to my shoulder. I am very tender to touch exactly where you mentioned and also my breastbone.

I have lost almost 36 pounds as I have great difficulty eating. Initially I had pain when my stomach pressed against my ribs after eating but now I get pain when swallowing something that I haven't chewed properly. I'm also coming out a flare which hasn't helped.

I don't have pain on breathing but cannot sleep on my left side and can't lift anything. Driving any distance is painful and I can't drive my OH's car at all as it is low down and seems to constrict my rib cage.

If it is costo then treatment is normally rest and anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately that hasn't worked for me and I am going into hospital next week for a number of cortisone injections and a nerve block.

Good luck with the rheumy appointment and I hope you get some relief soon.

Hugz,

Pam xxx

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Big Sis,

My first attack was around the same area. It was in just the perfect spot to be aggravated by my heartbeat. The doctor put me in a brace to remind me not to bend. He also had me go without a bra since it was added pressure. It took time but did eventually go away.

If the pain increases you should get it checked out.

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[Lily]

Hi Bigsis,

It certainly does sound similar to me and I was just diagnosed recently with this by my Lupus doc. Nothing to do about it but I am sure in my case the fact I am already on anti-inflammatories is masking my pain a little. It's been hanging around for a long time though.

Do tell your doc and he will probably examine you.......... that's how mine discovered it was costo rather than pleuritic or some other problem with my lungs or anything else.

Good luck :hug:

love
Lily

 

[BigSis]

Many thanks to you all.

This doesn't feel serious just damn annoying. I'm also disturbed by it when trying to get comforatble at night.
I will heed your advice though and keep an eye on it.
Lazylegs : I have considered going without a bra cos it addes to the pressure...........hmmmmm maybe:blush:

Loops.......lovely to hear from you I've often thought of you. I'm so sorry that you've had such a horrible time and hope for some relief for you soon.

Lily :I've been managing without NSAIDS for a while but this is calling for them I think.
Thankyou again all for your care and advice............will let you know what developes.

 

[Maia]

I used my nursing bras or went braless too The nursing bras I had were very comfortable and loose around the bottom where it can the most painful. I still wear them sometimes as they are so comfie!