Questions re Costochondritis

Hi Pam


Sorry to hear you are in so much pain.

I had a little look at the symptoms online and it sounds a really difficult thing to have to go through.

Having toothache myself at the moment which is mostly at its worst at night I do feel lots of sympathy for your interrupted sleep and the ensuing probs.

Just a thought...can your doctor give you some stronger type sleeping tabs to get you through this period.
I have some and they on the whole have helped.

Seems 'oh active minded one' that you are going to have to rest up for it to get better.

Keep focusing on getting those non active things in order..

Lots of powerful and good old vibes being sent your way.

Nickyx

By the way

I know that secondary conditions as a result of lupus appear down the line somewhere in this lupus health arena.

All the tissue, muscle, fibre, cartlidge etc is affected so its all linked in really isnt it. Inflammation causes so many probs.

I get stiff calf muscles still and therefore my achillies play up because of that.

The lupus dosnt affect my achillies directly but as a result of my stiff muscles.

I really need to write a bit about my experinces with that.

x

Hi Pam

So Sorry to hear that you are not very great. I hope you start to feel more comfortable real soon.

I was in hospital in January with what was finally diagnosed as costochondritis and I know exactly what you are going through; its so painful. It lasted for weeks and I had to take increased pred.

About three weeks ago, I developed the same sort of pain under my right armpit (at the bottom of it) on my ribs and when I was at the lupus clinic 10 days ago my consultant said that when people have active lupus they are more prone to get these sorts of problems including costochondritis and general pleuratic pain. I was advised to take paracetamol 4 hourly (max 8 in 24 hours) until it subsides. Well it hasnt and over the weeked it got a whole lot worse. The lupus clinic said that if it got worse and I got breathless (which I havent, thankfully) I should go again to A&E due to aps. I asked a friend who is an aromatherapist and she advised me to rub on some pure 100% lavender oil gently on the area at night and it might be doing the trick, its very anti-inflamatory and she does know my medical history and medications. If this does work it will be a miracle because nothing else seems to settle it down for me but time.

Anyway, I really hope you are a little better very soon.

(((((Pam))))) very gentle!!

Julia x

Thanks for all the replies - alot of you describe what I've experienced. I'm just glad I'm not going mad. The funny thing is that all my bloods are perfect so my lupus isn't active at all. I've had a couple of days where I think it's getting better but today I just couldn't take the edge off the pain at all. There is no rhyme or reason to it.

Neongirl: it's good to know that someone else has experienced spasms and I mean that in the nicest possible way. It's so painful and a bit scary. The doc tried to do cortisone injections but felt the pain site was too risky - maybe my lung or something???? My mum bought me a V shaped pillow which has really helped me to sleep when I do get comfortable. I get pain and palpitations if I sleep on my left side or my back.

Nicky: I have been good - honest! I think you are right with the whole connective tissue, cartilage thing. I think I'm also getting deferred pain in my neck and shoulder because of the way I'm holding myself. The pain meds knock me a bit silly but not always enough to sleep. I've never taken sleeping tablets and I'm not keen with hubby being away at the moment. I see my doc next Tuesday so I'll see what he thinks. I'm not due to see my rheumy until June 23rd but might ask to see him sooner.

Bluesis: I'm sorry it's come back again for you. Knowing how bad the pain can get paracetamol wouldn't even lick the pain! Poor you and I hope you get some relief soon.

Lazylegs: The mention of food is spot on as I am only able to eat very small meals. This is why I thought it was something internal at first as everytime I ate the pain would increase. I've now lost 10lbs - which I needed to do but just not like this.

Maia: it sounds like you had the most awful time - especially with a wee one to care for. I was thinking of calling my physio tomorrow to see if acupuncture would help as I've had positive results before. She's very approachable so I will be sure to ask about exercises.

I've been dodging the pred bullet for months now but if it comes to it then I'll go with it just to get out and about again and doing normal things.

Hugz, :grouphug2:

Pam xxx