What does costochondritis feel like? | Arthritis Information

 

Hello all,

Can somebody please tell me what costochondritis feels like?  I keep having this horrible, gnawing pain under the bottom tip of my left rib cage and also have chest pains that are not bad enough to be heart related but make me uncomfortable.  I had it years ago and that was actually where my nightmare of pains began.  Things just kinda progressed from there to a heart catherization and even being told I had cardiomyopathy (that was then overridden by a Mayo Clinic Dr. who viewed my heart cath video and said no cardiomyopathy).  I just LOVE doctors. 

I would love for ya'll to share your knowledge with me as I have MANY questions about this horrible disease. 

 

 

I would say, first, you have to be sure it isn't cardio related, especially since it sounds like you may have had some cardio issues in the past.

The costo for me was intense, smothering, stabbing.  When it first started, I went to the er because I couldn't breath.  That was just about a year ago, I still can not tolerate to wear a bra because the pressure is just too much.  The pain would be stabbing and make me fall over at first, sort of like a panic attack.  Than, the pain would be more centrally located but radiated throughout my chest and neck.
(I agree with Michele to get it checked out just to be on he safe side.   I have had a few attacks of costo - the first time I went to hospital in an ambulance! They
checked me out & said my heart was fine but if I got chest pain that lasts longer than 20 mins to dial for an ambulance again. I did get an attack once but it went after 25 mins - it was a spooky 5 mins.
     Sometimes it can happen after lifting something that to most people wouldnt be heavy i.e. library books etc or grocery shopping bags. I also have RA in my ribs on the right side & I can get aching pain for days there. Costo can be a bit scary - especially after 20 mins of an attack but I am much more careful about lifting anything heavy enough to trigger it off these days and havent had any problems for a while. Hope this is of some help but would still get it checked out just to make sure.
            Nic, is it possible it's heartburn? Have you tried taking something like Pepcid or Zantac when you get that feeling? I've been dealing with it for awhile, and it is the most awful sensation imaginable. It comes with the RA territory - the meds we take can cause it.

It feels pretty much exactly like what you're describing - as though something inside you is trying to gnaw its way out. I'm on 80 mg. protonix + pepcid now, and going for upper GI + endoscopy this month.
It's not a minor problem. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the replies.  It is so nice to be able to have those who relate to my questions.  My husband is trying, but.....well, you know.

I have been on acid reflux meds for years and CAN'T go without them.  It doesn't feel like reflux though.  It just feels like a pain all of it's own.  How's that for description? 

 

I suffer with severe acid reflux. I ended up in ER because i thought i was having a heart attack.I had pain in my ribs and into my back, it then travelled up to my chest and neck and into my jaw. I was sweating and felt very sick ( all symptoms) I was hooked up to an E.C.G machine and had bloods taken but all negative. I had a myoview scan done and that too showed nothing. After about 6 hours i burped about twenty times ( embarassed or what!!!) and the relief i felt was immense. I have suffered about 10 times like this and been to the hospital ER 4 times and now diagnosed with acid reflux. I dont go anywhere without my acid medication as this can come on at anytime.

You can never be too careful so get yours checked out anyway to be on the safe side.

Check everything until they come up with a solid diagnosis. There are too many things that can go wrong - and most of them can be fixed if they're caught in time.

I get inflammation in my breast bones that scared the crap out of me at first. I still get it but not as bad as that first episode I had. My RD pushed on the spot I was pointing to and yep; that hurts! He went on to explain how I had inflammation there and in my ribs as well. He never calls it anything but that; but it's the same thing. An increase in my MTX helped and I only get it occationally now. Cool packs and heat help.

BUT; as everyone says, get it checked to make sure that's your problem before blowing it off as that. With RA there are indeed far too many random symptoms. All too often we blow off something new as "Just RA" and some of this stuff can be serious! Be cautious; but not paranoid.

 

I have had costochondritis several times and it always presented itself the same - sudden,  intense out-of -the -blue , sharp, very localized fleeting pain.   You can touch the spot and feel the soreness if you run your fingers down your sternum.
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