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Pain behind Sternum

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/8/2012 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
So I am still new to all of this.   For the past 10 days I have been on Mezavant after recently being diagnosed with UC.  Over the past couple days I have had terrible pains right behind the sternum.  I started wondering if I was having gallblader or pancreatic attacks.  Does anyone have these pains?  Is it part of UC, a side affect of the medication or just me getting old cry
Posted 6/8/2012 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
It's possible that it could be the start of pancreatitis. It is a rare side effect of some UC meds including types of mesalamine. Are you getting any other syptoms other than pain?
Posted 6/8/2012 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
Not that I noticed. No fever, headaches or nausia. Just pain.
Posted 6/8/2012 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Could be reflux.

Could be that you've picked up a stomach bug.


Where exactly is your UC located? If it's limited to the rectum, that could be part of it.

How are your bms?  how many times a day, consistency of them. etc?

ARe you having lots of gas as well?
q

Posted 6/8/2012 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I get that when I have indigestion/gas caught up there. It's amazing how painful it can be, it can feel like a heart attack sometimes!  Not sure if you are taking Prednisone, but that causes horrible indigestion for me sometimes.  Once I'm off of it, it seems to go away.  Sometimes TUMS helps but I wouldn't say too often, or GasX.
Posted 6/8/2012 8:26 PM (GMT 0)
ive been suffering with something the same on and of for the past couple of months but its becoming more frequent and is lasting longer. im getting a upper gi scope done on monday so hopefully ill get an answer. also getting an ultrasound shortly aswel. i also get bloating and my upper abdomen under my ribs hurts like hell. nothing helps apart from lying on my belly.
Posted 6/8/2012 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
forgot to mention im also on mezavent but only for the past 4 days. the pain was here way b4 that
Posted 6/9/2012 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
It's possible to get arthritic pain in the sternum area as an extra-systemic manifestation of UC. Some members here have posted about it in past threads-- so they will probably advise you when they see your inquiry. Usually these pains subside as the UC comes under control. / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 6/9/2012 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Well I know I sound like a broken record (if you've read my previous posts) but yes I did have pain in that area but only while I was taking Asacol.
Posted 6/10/2012 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone. I can't tell you how heartwarming it is to have a community to turn to. To answer some of the questions above. My UC location is rectum and partially up the Sig. Colon. BM as still very inconsistent. Lots of runs to the washroom, but that just releases liquid, blood and blood clots. Before I had this come one, I was a once a day guy. Now it is about every six days where I the cramps get so bad, but then I can finally pass a medium size BM. JUJBAMCM, I look forward to hearing your results.

Thank you again everyone....it is such a lonely disease at times isn't it?
Posted 6/11/2012 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Indeed, one can feel very alone-- with the kind of symptoms we UCers have to deal with! Now that you clarified the location of your inflammation, I'm wondering if you tried any retention enemas (liquid or foam) yet. They can be very helpful in speeding up healing of the rectum, especially. / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 6/11/2012 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Does your sternum "pop" and do you have other neck/upper back joint pain/problems?

Is it something like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costochondritis

I have posted threads under that name here. My joint pain situation has greatly improved since going gluten free, but it isn't all the way gone. I still get occasional neck kinks and other annoying phenomenon, but the horrible sternum pain (the worst when going for a walk) has lessened tremendously. If this sounds like you, a good chiropractor can also help.
Posted 6/11/2012 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
No popping or neck problems. I have not tried any retention enemas. Do you need doctor prescriptions for that?
Posted 6/12/2012 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Yes! There are steroid & mesalamine liquid retention enemas, and steroid & mesalamine retention foams, but the last is not available in N. America. Patients in the UK, Europe, & Australia do have access to the mesalamine foam, however. / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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