costochondritis?

[Durvis]

I have been experiencing symptoms of extreme chest tightness with soreness through the center of my chest (sternum). I have also felt like it is harder to get full breaths of air because my chest is tight and my throat feels tight. I have been to a pulmonary dr. who said I don't have asthma. It has also felt like it is harder to feel my heartbeat through my chest. Like my heartbeat is weaker. I have been to a cardiologist and had ekg's and stress echos done and also an event monitor but everything is normal. could this be symptoms of costochondritis. I have been struggling with this for a while. if it is costochondritis are there any tips on relieving symptoms. I get so bad that it is hard for me to do simple things because my chest feels so tight. any help would be appreciated thanks

[Ree4tu]

Sounds like you have a sleep disorder which is contributing to all your symptoms.  The tired and achy feeling is Chronic Fatigue.  Fibro causes muscle stiffness and multiple tender points throughout your body.  Sleep disorders are common in both Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. See a rheumatologist.

Warmest Regards,

Ree4tu

[Durvis]

Which doctors can help in diagnosing you for costochondritis. It seems like my general doctor has never even mentioned fibro or costochondritis. Do you get a lot of headaches as well as feeling really exhausted? That happens to me. I will wake up feeling warn out. A lot of days I my body will feel really tired and achy (like when your feeling the flu coming on.)  

[Ree4tu]

I get costochondritis, but for me it feels more like an inflammatory-type pain in between my ribs which makes it very difficult to take a deep breath. I believe costochondritis is treated with an anti-inflammatory medication.

Sometimes a pain or pressure in the area under the sternum is a GI issue from stomach bloating and/or gastric reflux. Stomach bloating can press on your diaphragm making it difficult to breath.

Tight muscles caused by fibro can make your chest and throat feel very tight also.  Ask your doctor if you could try a muscle relaxant and see if your symptoms improve, if they do, it's muscle tightness causing your problems. If your like me and hate taking medication, try putting a heating pad on your chest and neck for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off and see if this relieves any of the tightness.  This helps me.

Hope this helps,

Ree4tu

[kiddthekatt]

I get the same pain/pressure and it is horrible. I thought at first that I was having a heart attack, and it scared me spitless. I was having the pain the day I went to see my Rheumy about my Fibro. He told me that it was Costochondritis, of course I thought I had some horrible disease and was almost in tears. He explained to me that a lot of the Fibro sufferers also sufer from costochondritis. When I start having that pressure in my chest and back I use my heating pad. It helps more than anything. Take care and I hopeyou find some relief soon.

gentle hugs
Angel