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Arthritis (Expert Forum)
What is Costocondritis and how can I Help myself if I have it?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding arthritis issues such as: Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Gout, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Myositis, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Vasculitis.
What is Costocondritis and how can I Help myself if I have it?
by Beautiful Barb, May 31, 2003 12:00AM
I am 57 years young. My mind is good, but my body seems to be falling apart. Several years ago (1990) I was exposed to some muridiac acid fumes. (The bottle of muriatic acid had tipped over in my car. It melted through the caroeting and when it hit the metal underneath, the car filled with fumes.) I was taken to the hospital where they gave me very high doses (in excess of 90 mm per day) of Prednisone. This, of course, made me get "Moon Face" (my eyes were nearly swollen shut). It made my ovarvies shut down. I got "Cushings Syndrome". I became so huge that I could barely walk. And for a time my kidneys were not functioning. After two weeks they finally sent me home from the hospital. It was a struggle, but I made it through the last 12 years. (One day at a time.)
Even though I stayed on the Prednisone only three months (that's how long it took to taper off from it), it has now shown it's long-lasting effects. The doctor's say that it has effected my entire skeletal system. Almost every disc in my back has collapsed. I am in severe pain all the time. I am Asthma and C.O.P.D. NOW the doctor's say that I have Corodid Artery disease and costo condritis. What are these and how can I help myself. The right side of my face by my ear hurts extremely bad. My breast bone and rib cage hurt whenever I stand or sit up. I need some ideas on how to help myself and I definitely need some prayers.
Even though I stayed on the Prednisone only three months (that's how long it took to taper off from it), it has now shown it's long-lasting effects. The doctor's say that it has effected my entire skeletal system. Almost every disc in my back has collapsed. I am in severe pain all the time. I am Asthma and C.O.P.D. NOW the doctor's say that I have Corodid Artery disease and costo condritis. What are these and how can I help myself. The right side of my face by my ear hurts extremely bad. My breast bone and rib cage hurt whenever I stand or sit up. I need some ideas on how to help myself and I definitely need some prayers.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 31, 2003 12:00AM
, May 31, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
Most cases of costochondritis is self-limited (it goes away on its own). Of course, you case has been lasting for 12 years and I am going to assume you have already tried the typical therapies including anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants.
Costochondritis that is in conjunction with fibromyalgia can result with an extended course. You may want to seek a referral with a rheumatologist to treat any associated fibromyalgia. CNS medications such as tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to work in some patients. SSRI antidepressants (i.e. Zoloft and Paxil) have also been shown to work. Other therapies such as biofeedback and trigger point injections are other options.
You may also want to seek treatment from a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) to obtain an opinion on a long-term pain management program.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Most cases of costochondritis is self-limited (it goes away on its own). Of course, you case has been lasting for 12 years and I am going to assume you have already tried the typical therapies including anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants.
Costochondritis that is in conjunction with fibromyalgia can result with an extended course. You may want to seek a referral with a rheumatologist to treat any associated fibromyalgia. CNS medications such as tricyclic antidepressants have been shown to work in some patients. SSRI antidepressants (i.e. Zoloft and Paxil) have also been shown to work. Other therapies such as biofeedback and trigger point injections are other options.
You may also want to seek treatment from a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) to obtain an opinion on a long-term pain management program.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
(31-May-03)
Rebuilding your body is not fun and I'm still working on it. I've found that starting at the very bottom, by just moving in the water is a good place. I highly recommend that following,
Pain Free by Pete Egoscue (also Egoscue.com) a method of physical therapy that does not involve wieghts, mostly stretches.
When your ready look for the "The Power of 10" wieght training to rebuild muscle.
MattyMatt