Costochondritis - anyone ever had it?

[SarzWix]

Yup, I have hypermobility syndrome. Wasn't diagnosed til I was 32 or something like that, but had problems with it since I was a teenager. Lots of people don't realise they're hypermobile - it doesn't cause them any pain and they think it's just being 'double-jointed'. But if a joint bends too far, then it's always wearing more than a joint which stops where it's meant too, so arthritis is more likely, and so are sprains, dislocations etc.
Anyway, don't get me on that subject - I can waffle on for hours... But, it is genetic, so if you have any offspring, there's a 50/50 chance they're hypermobile too. Have a look at the link in my sig., and check out the forums. You'll see lots and lots of different ailments are linked either through research, or anecdotally - fibromyalgia being one of them...

[buzzingtalk]

It makes a lot more sense though. i didn't walk until i was 2 and a half as my ankles were so loose i couldn't weight bear on them. a lot of my joints grind and click and cause pain often, as i get older more joints are affected - the last year its been my knees and right elbow on top of my shoulders, wrists and left elbow. plus costochondritis. I will have to do more research on it, as it would make a lot of sense. I've had problesm for over 10 years now and im only 25...so maybe ill speak to my GP and see if he can do any more digging.

I've read about fibro and I want to get myself checked for it - i have an awful lot of the same symptoms...

fingers crossed for you!

[SarzWix]

If it's any consolation, everybody's joints naturally tighten up as they get older, so ours eventually become 'normal'...
I found that my dodgy ankles and knees functioned better with support, which stopped them going too far. I then was able to use them enough to build a bit of natural strength in the supporting muscles, which in turn helps to hold them in place. Some medical professionals aren't keen on you using support products for various reasons, but I just bought my own and went ahead anyway

Touch wood (*touches head*), I haven't had any joints go wrong since I broke my ankle, um, 2 years ago? Until this collar-bone/breast-bone/rib thing started...

[buzzingtalk]

niiice. i might have to look into an ankle support as it flops about in bed, i fall asleep with it completley flat then wake up in horrible pain and it grinds about for ages after. also keep getting pain in my knees but find once ive walked for a mile or so it wears off?

I'm glad to hear my joints will tighten up later in life, although i have a long wait as i am still very young!! i was told by physio to start building up muscle in my wrists (which are the worst joints) but i find it hard to even open jars sometimes let alone grip and do exercises so im taking it slowly.

good to hear someone else has the same issues though

get yourself down to the docs and get checked though, costo can mimic some serious problems and it has caused me great anxiety in the past...i hope it goes well for you

[SarzWix]

Thanks hun.

I'd recommend you get hold of either of these books, if you can afford them. I found the first one invaluable when first diagnosed, and would love the (newer) second one, but just can't afford it at present...

Hypermobility Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management for Physiotherapists: Amazon.co.uk: Rosemary J. Keer MSc MCSP MACP, Rodney Grahame CBE MD FRCP FACP: Books

Hypermobility, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain: Amazon.co.uk: Alan J Hakim, Rosemary J. Keer, Rodney Grahame: Books

[jackie j]

Freya has had it and still has occasional bouts. It's more common in teenage girls but I had never heard of it. Sometimes the pain was so unbearable for her we didnt know what to do. At first we were told it was exercise related asthma, then a nurse friend said it was indegestion, and finally a couple of years ago we were told it was costo......not brought on by anything in particular. Sometimes she has a bearable pain and others so bad she is in tears. Ibroprfen or anti inflamatory is the only thing to take.
Get yourself off to the Docs as soon as you can.

[buzzingtalk]

jackie - yes the pain is horrible. Although I don't often find it too bad, but my pain threshold is very high, I can sit through an attack just fine if I concentrate on my breathing and not getting anxious. This is probably due to never having been given any medication (i can't have anti inflammatories and most painkillers) for it, so I had to just 'deal with it.' It's very difficult to explain to someone how bad the pain is, and I hope Freya gets well

Sarz - thanks for the book links. I am going to ask my doctor about maybe looking into HMS as I had not heard of it previously. Looking on the website on your signature, it would explain a lot of my medical problems - costo, joint problems, anxiety disorder, asthma - all which came on at the same time. Maybe these aren't the problems, but the symptoms? I shall speak to my doctor this week. Thanks for the advice and I hope it goes well at the docs.

If you feel in any way that you want any further tests done, press for it - if it is costo, it can get out of hand very quickly (if you get anxious/worked up about things anyway!). There is no real diagnosis for costo until lots of other things have been ruled out, although given your circumstances, it sounds probable. Good luck

[SarzWix]

About 6 months ago, I did have a really bad chest thing and ended up in A&E for nearly a whole day being ECGed and xrayed etc, breathing difficulties etc. They never found out what was wrong, and I put it down to extreme panic attack over something else that was going on at the time, but I felt crap for a while afterwards. So I guess that might have been the start of it.

[Florence Fennel]

Hope you're feeling a little better today Sarz. Himself has fibromyalgia associated with spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis (amongst other things), but luckily so far he has escaped the costo. Lots of these symptoms are associated. Make sure you keep your appointment tomorrow and let us know how you get on. We're worried about you.

[buzzingtalk]

Sarz, thats awful. i have had the same thing too. I find that a virus, chest infection or even asthma can trigger off a bad phase, even strtenuous exercise where you are breathing deep a lot can twinge my ribs back into pain - as well as trauma, even wearing a bra strap too tight can set it off!

I have battled with panic attacks and anxiety for years and a panic attack is one of the worst triggers - you shallow breathe, are stiff with fear, you don't follow your usual routine etc so you are 'tense' around the rib area, which can really get costo going. Once the panic has subsided, you are still tense (even if you don't think you are) and it can last for days...when i have a panic attack, i try and go for a walk, even though its the last thing i want to do (leave the house). clear your mind and stretch, try and relax, dont think too much...best of luck to you today, i hope the doctor gives you all the information and support you need, if you ever want to talk give me a shout

[SarzWix]

After much poking and prodding, and blood tests, and blood pressure monitoring etc etc., the GP has agreed that I more than likely have Tietze's syndrome, the swelling version of costochondritis.

As we knew, they can't give a time frame for how long it will take to subside, which puts me in a difficult position (HA! pun!) for my final assignment (due 26th May) and exam (16th June) on my OU course. I've been in touch with Student Services, and they say I can do the exam at home, but I don't know how much that will help really

[Florence Fennel]

You poor love. Think positive Sarz, it might well all be ok. Hugs.