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Unexpressed feelings = Costochondritis attack

tenderwolfe
tenderwolfe
Last night I had something happen that made me sad, mad and just about every other negative feeling you could think of. My body has always had a way of talking to me about holding things in. I used to get migraines when this happened. I finally got some relief from almost daily migraines and now this new condition rears its ugly head.

I've only been diagnosed with Costochondritis for a short time. I've read that it's more painful at the onset of symptoms; I hope so because last night was brutal. Pain in chest that radiated to upper back. I soon had nausea from the pain and extreme discomfort. Nothing I tried offered any relief so I just tried to go to sleep. After tossing and turning for quite awhile, I finally reached blessed unconsciousness.

I guess I'm asking if anybody with this condition has noticed that the symptoms do ease up with time. I'd really like that to hold onto.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Do you think a heating pad on warm would help? Wishing you much better nights!
Fantod
Fantod
I'm not sure where you got that information from about Costo but I find there is no rhyme or reason for how it behaves. Just like FMS it does what it wants when it wants.

I use Arnica gel (homeopathic muscle rub) on my chest when it hits. You can find Arnica gel at the Vitamin Shoppe. Between that and a heating pad it is more or less bearable. Stick on heat pads which you can find at any drugstore work well too when you have things to do. Some people like cold packs better. You just have to experiment.

I hope that you feel better and are able to get some sleep tonight. Take care.
tenderwolfe
tenderwolfe
I have tried heating pads and over-the-counter pain relievers. I'll look into the Arnica gel and the stick-on heat pads.

I never actually got any information from anybody re: 'unexpressed feelings = Costochondritis.' That was just the way it seemed last night. I have indeed read that it can just pop up whenever it feels like it. But my body has always had a habit of giving me physical pain whenever I try to avoid emotional pain.

I know I sometimes talk about my body as if it's my enemy. But considering how much physical pain I've had in my life, it's difficult not to.

Thanks for the responses.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know what you mean about emotional pain, it is very hard on us. Do you respond well to pain meds? I really hope you feel better.
AnnNY
AnnNY
I think if you tighten up from some emotional pain that can aggravate it. Hyperventalating can also aggravate it. Of course, a bad cough can make it worse. So, I think you are on to something. It does seem to be something that is vulnerable to your emotional state, since the way you are breathing can affect it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Maybe some good breathing exercises. It helps the body calm itself and is good for everyone.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been wondering why my sternum area hurts so much when pressed, especially on the adjoining ribs. I think i just might have this. Oh goody. Something i just read says it goes away, but from what i have been experiencing for several years now and what i am reading here, that is apparently not the case so much.

I typically avoid going to doctors since they are of no real help to me. I can't take the drugs because of severe food allergies and sensitivities and that seems to be mostly all they can offer. I will be seeing my MD in the near future for a general wellness checkup and will ask her about this at that time.

Thanks for bringing up this topic.
milily
milily
I have better luck with ice or biofreeze for costochondritis pain. If you can take OTC anti-inflammatory meds that could help because it is an inflammatory problem. My costochondritis has gotten so bad in the past that I required strong pain meds and muscle relaxants for a period of time on several occasions. I have it chronically and then it will flare.

I learned stretches at physical therapy specific for costochondritis and learned my upper body posture was poor. It is common for someone in pain to guard or hold areas of the body differently .
jptexas
jptexas
My Cardiologist just prescribed me Indomethacin and Colcrys to take for one month. First day and I am already breathing better and not feeling the chest pressure/pain that I was. I still have the tenderness around the rib cage and sternum, but maybe that will subside once the medicine gets on board for a while. Doc seems to think we can knock it out in a month. I told her I had been taking advil 800mg for the last month and not making a dent so she is taking it head on. She knows I also have fibro.

This topic seems to keep coming up and I am glad, because it helped me solve this multi-year problem!!

p.s. I believe "Heart Disease" can be caused in part by unresolved feelings, but NOT costochondritis....it's inflammatory. If you have heart issues (and I do and my dad did), read Arthur Agatson's book...very interesting take on that very thought.
beclinkay
beclinkay
I'm sorry you are having so much pain. I started having costocodritis when I was in my mid 20's and it lasted about 10 years. I had pain every day, especially to the touch. I used a heating pad for relief.

It doesn't bother me anymore. Now I have fibro instead. What a trade.
tenderwolfe
tenderwolfe
Thank you for all the suggestions. So far, Ibuprofen and heat are keeping it in check. Still feeling it almost every day, but at least the edge has been taken off the pain.
Squarley
Squarley
As I had this for a while I thought it was hard problem at first but had the test and that's what it turned out to be it's very painful and it comes and goes you can have it for a while and then to be gone for well and come back so it's something you just have to deal with just learned what can help you I just take Tylenol heating pads and sometimes rub that stopped paying on my back make sure you read up on it and you understand what it is, it won't kill you but it sometimes makes you feel like you're dying but you're in my thoughts and prayers you're not alone I'm hoping you have a pain-free day hugs Shirley
Squarley
Squarley
I wrote in about it so if you go back and look you may find that there were about 25 people that responded that may help you have a good day
tenderwolfe
tenderwolfe
Thanks Shirley, I'll do that.
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