Costochondritis

Hi Mark, I had costochondritis in 3 main spots, left lower front rib, right side middle rib and right across my back. My sternum didn't hurt either, I ended up having cortisone injections, 4 altogether into the hot spots and it really worked, afterweeks of anti-inflammatories doing nothing and living on pain killers. Hurt worse sitting too, but just breathing really hurt as well. It was pretty awful, still get occassional sore ribs but nothing like it was. Go for the cortisone is my advice. Regards Jacqui

Hi Justme, inflammation is a funny thing no rhyme or reason as to why it flares in a particular area. I'd say you've developed a weakness in that area from having costo before. Talk to the physio about it, they helped me greatly while I was recovering to help build muscle strength again and balance. Spent a lot of time balancing to strengthen core muscles. If still really sore go for the cortisone injections, it was the only thing that settled me, plus a big whack of prednisone, awful but it worked. Goodluck. (I'd had pneumonia and then had to come off my humira and methotrexate so I could fight the disease, I flared terribly, massive inflammation everywhere but the ribs were horrendous, really hurt to breathe let alone cough)

Thanks Chartreux, I suffered for 10 weeks and it was really dreadful, I can't imagine dealing with it long term!! The postings were really good and really informative. I still get odd twinges if I do repetitive actions above my head but nothing like I had. I also used heat to give some relief and packed pillows around me to support myself when I was sitting or even lying in bed as any movement was horrendous. My heart goes out to you, golitho.

Hi Sboz, as you can see from my previous posts, I had the cortisone shots and they really helped me as well as physio and heat packs. Visit the fibro board and search costochondritis, it was really helpful for me at that time.
Best wishes, golitho