I haven't posted here in a while, but wanted to get some feedback. In Nov., I tripped and fell, I caught myself on our couch twisting to do so. Saw the Dr., who said I pulled muscles in my back and around my ribs. Well, all these months later my ribs on the left side next to the breastbone is still bothering me. If, I bendover or press on something, open a jar..it hurts...but it doesn't hurt to press on it. I haven't seena doctor yet because I have no insurance...(A company won't insure me in AR, since I take MTX)
I was wondering if any of you have ever had problems with rib pain..is it from my RA or another cause?
Any help would be appreciated so much!
Delena
Delena,
I get inflammation in my breast bones. Recently have gone through a very hard time with it and I've just switched to weekly humira injections as a result. I had a time with it a few years ago as well and once we increased the MTX it stopped then too.
I have no personal experience with the ribs; but I've heard of many who have. There all connected to the bones that connect the breast bones as well and my doctor says there's no doubt it's relate to RA.
Hope you feel better soon...that can be painful; as well as scary.
Good Luck.
I have been doing some research online and am thinking it could be contochondritis...it is where the rib connects to the breastbone...it isn't a sharp pain but an ache..sometimes worse than others. I believe it is a related to our RA too...oh joy, another pain to deal with! :)
Thanks for your reply!!
Delenaj
lol...that's the way it goes. Once you think you're getting use to things and can handle it; up pops another problem you didn't have before.
I do think that's what it's called. I've posted about it before and you should see the panic. I've mistakenly called it chest pains and all of our good friends here and on the other sites I visit say go to the ER, don't mess around, call your doctor ASAP. My husband even wanted to take me to the hospital one night. I told that to my doctor and he told me it's not as serious as it seems...but chest pains can be scary. Once I realized what it was and had confirmation from my doctor not to panic I've been able to deal with it better.
I use an ice pack...or a cold pack rather. I can't take ice too well...but the coolness of a cold pack eases the pain a great deal.
Good Luck to you. I know your pain.
One more thing...I saw you take MTX, is that right? Once I increased my dose it really help me the first go around. This time when it started again we increased the Humira. It's definately helping me.
Delena, I have had problems with costochondritis in the past. It concerns me that you have had pain since November. I hope that you are able to find relief/answers soon. Mine was helped with anti-inflammatories, though I had pain when pressing on the area. Love and very gentle hugs, JuliahLovie,
What is the dosage of MTX you take? I only take 17.5 mg. a week......should I consult my doctor about increasing the dosage? I don't have an Rheumy any longer just a family doctor.
Juliah...the pain hasn't been consist since Nov.! Just every so often. But, when my RA kicks up it bothers me more.
Gentle hugs back at ya!
Delena