[LoopyLoo]

Me again folks - not felt much like posting but been lurking. I'm now on week 4 of having costochondritis and I have a couple of questions for those that have had it before.

1. Did you get muscle spasms? - I can only sleep on my right side but if I'm not relaxed enough the muscles on the left side of my ribs go into spasm. It's like a viscious circle as I then can't breath properly because of the pain and I get upset. I've found that applying heat helps and allows me to slow my breathing. I am now dreading going to bed each night in case it happens. Hubby has been working away and he witnessed a spasm on Friday night and was so worried at the amount of pain I was in.

2. How long does a bout typically last? - As I said I am now on week 4 and although I can manage the pain with meds and rest there does not seem to be any improvement. If I overexert in any way the pain increases. My rheumy doesn't feel it's related to lupus but my GP does - I'm with the GP. I've been trawling the archives here and so many of you seem to get recurring bouts. Why is that?

It's really getting to me that I can't do anything about the house and my garden is a mess. Don't get me wrong I am behaving myself and catching up on things I wouldn't normally be able to but I am not a sit down person! Hubby went away again this morning and I had my shopping delivered so I'm all set for this week.

Thanks for reading, :thanx:

Pam xxx

 

[LoopyLoo]

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