Costchondritis

Anyone else suffer with this?  I think I have it along with my arthritis and fibro.  My right ribcage hurts so much.  Its like the muscles connected to my ribs are all irritated. 

I take pain meds, but they don't seem to be helping.  Anyone take or do anything to help ease the pain?  Would muscle relaxants help?  I know heat has helped some, but I can't use my bag as easily at work.

Thanks for your help.

Hugs

Gail *Nanners*

That's inflammation and strain of the intercostal muscles between the ribs. It can linger a good while because you obviously cannot stop breathing while they heal. As with other muscle strains and sprains, the best initial treatment is ice -- 20 on and 20 off, then heat after a couple of days, with analgesics. As for medical treatment, that's about what they would tell you too . . . mostly it's a matter of time, avoiding wrenching or straining movements, no heavy lifting, etc.

I think it can be somewhat chronic and recurring, but I would doubt for years. I would lean more to toward a fibro origin if it has persisted that long. Arthritis would be more evident in the joints I think. And since you mention adhesions, I assume you have had some surgery in that area in the past, which could also be a possibility. What the heck -- try some ice and see what happens. Could be muscle-related.

Thanks so much Mike & Marla. Marla your response really seems to fit the bill. My side always has some kind of pain, most of the times its mild, but then I have these bouts where it hurts like heck, like the past few days. And I do notice that when my gut feels unsettled is when it hurts the worst. Oh well, will wait till I get home and put my corn bag on it, that usually helps. Thanks again.

(((Hugs))) Nanners...I have it too. All the advice above sounds familar. You might want to mention it to your Rheumy next visit. If you have shortness of breath however you may want to get an xray just as a precaution from the primary. I've had a couple of bouts of it. The worse one I think was coming on when I decided to polish myself off by painting my guestroom. It took months for that one to disappear. Since my sed rate has been below 30 I haven't had another attack...definitely inflammation related.

Can you take glucosamine...takes about a good month to kick in but helps me. It's suppse to help the connective tissue flexability. That would help with your knees as well. Also, with the fibro (which I also have) have you had your vitamin D level checked? Mine tanked about a month ago and since they got my levels back up the fibro pain has eased up significantly. Sometimes I actually forgot to take my Tramadol! Feel better soon!