Chostrochondritis (rib pain) tips please

[Emelene]

Any top tips for me please? I am on Day 3/4 of right rib pain worst on deep breaths or coughing. I’ve seen a GP today, diagnosed chostrocondritis, started cocodamol and am on regular ibuprofen but I’m really struggling. I’ve had a chest infection (treated with antibiotics) and I’m still coughing - it feels like I’m being stabbed. It’s disproportionately agonising.

Ive got 2 young kids and I work - I’m just in a total panic about how to cope with the pain and manage my life. The 2 year old just wet his pants because I couldn’t lift him to the toilet fast enough and I feel like such a bad mum for that. DH is great when he’s here but often works evenings and I’ve got the whole day and evening with both kids tomorrow.

Everything I’ve read said it can last weeks or months!!!! Any stories of hope or top tips to help please? Feeling desperate tonight.

I had this and saw a physio. They told me to put a towel or pillow under my arm and press into it with my arm every time I coughed. They also said to keep moving and exercising (walking). I took ibuprofen, too.

My daughter had this, she was in so much pain her doctor sent her to A&E. she had horse tablet painkillers as she called them and physio. It gradually and steadily got better, she took everything very slowly, like getting back to exercise. It took a few weeks to be completely back to normal but she wasn’t running round after children which obviously isn’t something you can stop for a few weeks!

I found that the only thing worked was a combination of strong painkillers and a warm towel / hot water bottle wrapped in towels against my chest when I coughed. Depending on how bad it is then it does take a while as it's not a muscle you can 'rest', either.

Try to breathe as normally as possible though as that really will help. 🌹

I had this and had convinced myself I had rib cancer....

I got something called a "back pod" from Amazon after seeing it on forums. It was £70 but some of the best money I've spent. It helps you fix your back which is causing your ribs the issues. It fixed me so quickly and I now use it every now and again to stop it from coming back.

I get costochondritis, I would keep a low potty on hand for the moment.

Strong painkillers, slow steady breathing, I have to rest completely (it's usually when I get a cough it flares, so I have to stay still and calm to prevent the coughing fits)

Thank you very much for the advice so far, I appreciate it!

I found / find that strapping my ribs up quite firmly helped; use a Velcro fixed wide back support type thing to strap them with although at first just stretchy bandages until found something quicker / easier to put on was found