Relapsing Polychondritis

[Lynne1408]

Has anyone else been diagnosed with Relapsing Polychondritis? It's inflamation of the cartilage, especially the outer ear and the bridge of the nose. I was diagnosed with this at about the same time that I was diagnosed with Crohn's. I'm sure that they are related. Both have been fine for at least 2 years, since I changed my diet. I cut out all corn, wheat and gluten, as well as all their derivatives. It's supposedly very rare, but I think that it may be under-diagnosed.........................Lynne

 

[HeatherMN]

Never heard of that one, but I've been told I have costochondritis--inflammation in the rib cage/sternal cartilage. It hurts like a *******! Actually thought I was having a heart attack the first time it happened. It can also be a symptom of fibromyalgia, which I have also.
Of course, NSAIDS are what is commonly used for treatment, which we shouldn't have, although I have tolerated it in small amounts for a sprained ankle and a pulled muscle in my shoulder. Muscle relaxers also can help.

 

[Lynne1408]

It sounds very similar to what I had. I think that all these auto-immune illnesses are related. My diet helps with both of these conditions. I stay away from wheat corn and gluten and all their derivatives. You can check out my web page if you like. On it I outline exactly what I eat and don't eat.

www.HowIbeatcrohns-Lynne.blogspot.com

 

[Lynne1408]

Grannydora; tried to send you a private message but your box was full. Please clear it out so I can send it.................Lynne

 

[Arin B]

hello friends.
i was driving home from work today when the pain- Heather, sounds just like yours- hit me so hard all i could do was cry. its all around my heart. i have problems with inflammation in my eyes, skin, joints, mouth, sometimes it seems like the inflammation is eating me up... so i figure its all connected.
mine hurts when i breathe in and lasts an hour or so. i know it's connected to the crohns- i'm just not sure what it is! truthfully, it scares me, it can hit anytime. ANYONE HAVE A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE?

 

[HeatherMN]

I did have an EKG the first time I felt it, just to make sure it wasn't really my heart. It's very scary!! This disease can really throw you for a loop, people think its just a bowel thing, but unfortunately it can affect you just about anywhere.
My primary doctor was the one who diagnosed the costochondritis, and other than muscle relaxers or NSAIDS, there isn't really a treatment. Just another thing to suffer through sometimes. ((hugs)) to you.

 

[Chuck2008]

I had costochondritis for several years before being diagnosed with crohns, but it all went away after using prednisone (which I've been on ever since). I'm convinced all these strange problems were related to crohns including the IBS I've had most of my life.