Costochondritis or fibromyalgia -anyone other sufferers?

[Bertiemcgertie]

About 2 months ago I had a nasty tummy bug. Around that time I developed a severe pain on my ribs just below my left breast and pain down both flanks of my back.

I recovered from the tummy bug but 2 months later still have pain on my ribs and across my mid back. Worse later in the day. Been to my GP, had full blood tests, chest x ray, ultrasound scan (checking for gallstones) all came back normal.

The mid back pain and left side ribs are still incredibly painful and hurt when pressed. I am only completely pain free if I keep still.

Just wondered if there is any self help? I honestly feel the only way to truly get over this is to take 2 weeks of work (which is probably not possible) I do want this to go now - chronic pain for 2 months has been awful.

I’m guessing you haven't been diagnosed with fibromyalgia? I've never known it to be diagnosed after 'only' 2 months of pain (I realise 2 months will seem like a long time at the moment). It doesn't seem like you know the cause from what you've put. I think if you've not had any diagnosis that would be your first step.

The GP thought costochondritis last time I saw him 3 weeks ago. I guess i'm desperate to feel better and now feeling as though the pain is moving around . I'm in credibly stiff in the morning then the aches start by early afternoon.

I was reading info on fibromyalgia and started to wonder if my symptoms possibly fitted that rather than costochondritis.

I've got naproxen which helps but I'm reluctant to take tablets (mainly as it upsets my stomach).

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed through a process of elimination. You would not normally be thinking that after 'just' two months. It's a debilitating long term condition which wouldn't improve with a fortnight off work - it doesn't really work that way. You would also more likely have more widespread pain (I do understand that if you're not used to pain, then what you're describing will seem 'widespread' to you). There are 18 key identifiable points on the body which are quite easy to pinpoint if you know what you're looking for. What you describe doesn't quite fit that. It is also a fatigue condition.

I don't know anything about costochondritis, but I have had fibro for over a decade. Typically people with fibro are misdiagnosed for years, so I'm definitely not saying don't look in to it, but from what you've said so far I'm not sure it's likely.

Whatever, I really do hope you're feeling better soon - pain is the pits.

You should be prescribed omeprazole to take with the naproxen to protect your stomach.

My DS had costochondritis last winter and it took a good 3 months for him to get completely over it.

When he was first diagnosed he had a full week off school with complete rest for a full 9 days (including the weekends). He laid on the sofa and watched dvds for the most part as hunching over the computer or xbox made it worse. When he went back he had to cut out all sport/after school activities (not great for a serious runner) and needed to rest most evenings too.

Apart from that we were told to keep him dosed up with ibuprofen and for him to gently stretch his ribs by pushing both shoulders back and puffing out his chest.

Thankfully it happened towards the end of the year so he had more rest over the Christmas holidays and a gradual return to sport in spring when the weather started getting better. The cold weather always made it worse.

Do you have a desk job that's making it worse? Did your doctor suggest ibuprofen? I really feel for you having seen the pain that DS was in

I have fibromyalgia. It started with pain in my arms/elbows/hands then I did indeed get pain in my ribs. It was as though my ribs couldn't hold my body up. And sometimes it felt like someone was standing on my chest.

Stiffness in the mornings, or if you've been sitting for a while is a classic symptom of fibromyalgia.

Naproxen gave me duodenitis which took two years to get rid of. I wouldn't take it without Omeprazole myself.

No way of knowing really until you get more symptoms (if it is fibro). The only solution for me for costochondritis was to lie down and rest.

I think quite a lot of fibro sufferers get pain and stiffness in their hips and legs. Burning pain in the thighs. This for me came after the chest pain.

But for that chest pain, not a lot you can do but lie down and take the weight off your ribs I'd say. Personally I prefer paracetamol and codeine to naproxen. Sometimes I get relief with a hot water bottle held against my legs. Don't know if it would be worth trying one on your ribs or not really? But it's surprising how much it helps my legs.

I don't really know anything about fibromyalgia but I have had costochondritus a couple of times, both times it hurt when I took a deep breath and was just generally achey at the bottom of my ribs.
Daily ibuprofen for a week to ten days was my Dr's prescription and did the trick.
It sounds to me that you need to go back to the gp.

I have both.. I totally agree with both pp's comments. In my case, Fibromyalgia took 3 years to be diagnosed following various tests, scans and rheumatology appointments - essentially, doctors rule out everything else before diagnosis of fibromyalgia (and I've had various repeat tests since to check nothing has changed re diagnosis).

For me costochondrotis just started one day and hadn't gone away. Some days are better than others. From what I can gather, people who have experienced costochondrotis (without fibromyalgia) usually (but not always) find it does eventually settle and 2 months isn't long enough to have given it chance. The problem is you can't truly rest your ribs - breathing, coughing etc all cause movement and it's hard not to not lie on your rib cage when sleeping/sitting. Try the painkillers (and ask for omeprazole) to see if they help control the pain. Do ask your GP about other diagnosis possibilities but be aware that time and tests are involved in investigations.

Chronic pain isn't fun, I really hope yours settles soon.

Yes to heat pads. Poundland sell disposable pads in packs of 2 which stick onto your clothes and last 8-12hrs - fantastic when you can't be tied to the sofa with an electric pad or hot water bottle!

Thank you all. I can see now that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition - it sounds unlikely (particularly given it's been 2 months).

Definitely a trip to pound land for heat pads - that's really useful. Plus a return visit to the GP for omeprazole. In the meantime I might try some standard ibuprofen for a week and see if that settles things. I do have a desk job - must admit I feel as though I want to be put on a stretching rack to get some relief!

The pain of a bra is ridiculous too. I've got some without underwire but it's a blessed relief to not wear one.

Chronic pain makes you bloody miserable. I just want to be pain free.

Bras are horrible.. if i can avoid wearing one (at home, wearing a jumper etc) then I'll go without!

Really hope it settles for you soon, I don't wish chronic pain on anyone..

You can buy ranitidine in supermarkets, it's not as good as omeprazole, but will protect you stomach from the nsaids a bit.