Inflammation in my chest wall

[Stephy Chelle]

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breast one. When I first experienced the pain in my chest it scared the crap out of me. I had a hard time breathing, couldn't even take a deep breath and the pain was a 10. Emergency room did all the blood work, X-rays....checked my heart, lungs....then I was told it was costochondritis. My colon doctor said that it is in connection with the IBD. Even after taking the meds the emergency room doctor gave me (my chest did feel better for awhile) it hurts to breath in some days still. I use a heating pad at night and it seems to help. Does anyone else have this or know of someone that has this?? Just knowing I'm not the only one experiencing this would help.

 

[Silvermoon]

I haven't experienced this, but I have heard of it, and I am learning (even after having this disease for 25+ years) that SO many things can be related.

I guess it all goes back to the fact that something is 'not quite right' with the immune system, so I guess it makes sense that other inflammation can happen......

the one thing I would like to mention, though, is that, although the heating pad can be comforting, the heat may, in the long run, cause more pain as heat dilates blood vessels so more blood can flow, thereby possibly causing more swelling/inflammation to the area, etc....

Did your doctor mention any kind of medication (either prescribed or over the counter) that would help with the inflammation? Are you on any IBD medications? (sorry - I know I read your story somewhere, but I forget if you mentioned any medication :redface: ).

I can't think of any over the counter medication that might help (off the top of my head anyway) other than possibly ibuprofen or naproxen, but you should check with your doctor before you take any of those medications, as they can possibly make your IBD symtoms worse.....

Either way, I hope you find some reoief soon.

Squishy (but gentle... ) cyber hugs from The Moon
:moon:

 

[HeatherMN]

Me! It scared the hell out of me the first time too, I was at work (I work at a clinic) so I got to see my dr right away. He told me it was costochondritis and said basically I can use painkillers to help with the pain and/or go on prednisone when it flares up so it can calm down.
I have learned that abdominal exercises make it hurt worse, so I try to be gentle when doing anything with my abs. No crunches or super-tough things, not that I did them much anyway... I am more of a yoga person.

 

[Stephy Chelle]

Heather, did you lose your appendix and gallbladder due to crohns or were they separate issues?

 

[David]

Hey costochondritis buddy! I've had it for about a year but I've managed to get it to about 85% at this point. I did this primarily through:

1. Prolotherapy. This made a huge difference. I'd never heard of it before but got desperate. It turns out MD's do it (or if you're in a few lucky states, accupuncturists).

2. I purchased these and do daily shoulder, back, and chest exercises with them. This has helped big time as well. The pain will start to come back, I go do my exercises, and it loosens everything up.

I was MISERABLE for months and tried EVERYTHING. If someone would have told me to get a colon cleanse with apple sauce while upside down with different colored crystals on each of my chakras, I probably would have tried it. Those two things listed above have given me much of my life back. Costochondritis SUCKS and god do I feel for you. If you get bands like that and want me to let you know the specific exercises I do, let me know.

Good luck!

 

[Crohn's Mom]

David has given some great advice, so I won't add to it.
I just want to say that I agree...Costochondritis SUCKS !
I've had problems with mine flaring for 10+ years now, and I really feel for you, and anyone else who has it
I have a prescription for Voltaren gel to use now and then, but it's an anti-inflammatory so I have to use it very sparingly due to the digestive issues.

Best of luck to you!