Hi - I just posted about this too! My Rheumatologist diagnosed Costochondritis earlier this week which is inflammation of the Sternum, and a symptom of RA (had to look it up), and put me on a short course of Prednisone on top of my Enbrel.

I hear you - it hurts!

Julie

yes, it does.

It sounds like you need to go back to the rheumy or find an internist or a pain management specialist. A medical professional who will listen and take action. I get some pain in my ribs but not as severe as you describe. I am fortunate to have a get physical therapist who showed how find trigger points and get some relief from the pain in my ribs. I also have a pain specialist who works with the PT, medications and others to minimize my pain.

Praying you will find a doctor like GoMe found and get relief and soon. 6 months is too long to be suffering with no improvement.

"hi. I just got out of hospital from --- they thought--- a heart attack--
Turns out a cat scan showed a mediastinal lymph node enlarged & numerous pleural-based nodular densities soo all this means get to an internal med doc. and get checked out. My rheumatologist did nothing about my pain in left side of chest going down left arm made it go numb. Internal med doc admitted me to ER right away.

RA can definitely cause this....however.....rarely does it continue unabated. 6 months is a long time. I applaud your ability to endure but I think you need to see an internal medicine guy to make sure this isn't something else.

I am so sorry for your pain! I have been dealing with chostocondritis for almost a year. My pain started in the side of my rib age last year and has now progressed to encompass the entire rib age. It is part of my RA and I hate it. I would rather be in labor and delivery again, than deal with this. I, too, have tremendous pain trying to breath, talk or move. Sharp, shooting pains as well as getting winded for doing nothing! My rheumy has allowed me to increase pain meds although they don't even take the edge off the pain during the really bad days and added daily steroids for past year. Ice packs wrapped in towels, over my clothing works really well because it numbs everything. Heat makes me feel worse. I prefer the frees able gel packs because I can form, and mold them. Sleep will also help. If I have over den things for the day my ribs scream at me and then it off to bed. Definitely discuss pain medication with rheumy,

I am also willing to admit that the pain in my ribs is so bad that I tried marijuana for the first time in my life last year. It completely, for me, took my pain away for several hours so I could rest. But there are times when the pain level is still so bad that it only dulls the pain.

hey all chosto sufferers.

I was hospitalized for chostochondritis about 5 years ago the year of the diagnosis. it was combined with pneumonia so I was out of my mind, temporarily. it truly is a rib twister.

sorry you are all hurting from it.

I'm glad marijuana gave some, some relief.

peace
Depot

Yeppers I get that nasty pain.
Not an easy one to ignore.
Prednisone helps me.
Neck & RA seem to contribute to my battles there.
I'm odd as ice helps my ribs.
Perhaps it's time to look for a doctor who will treat this pain.
Not something you want to live with long term.
Heck short terms bad enough.
Let is know how it's going.
Sammy