chest

[mikeyb]

I have a history of chest pain which has been diagnosed as chondritis (sort of arthritis of the sternum).
The pains are sharp and stabbing.

I am not convinced by the diagnosis as my pains come from inside the chest cage and feel heart related to me.

Problem for me is I pass the ECG and stress test no problem and don't get out of breath when exercising etc.

I have recently developed sharp stabbing pains in my left arm and right leg which is adding to my concern.

Does anyone have ideas as to any heart defects that don't show up on the normal scans?

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,

Thanks for the post.

When looking at a case like this, it is important to look at risk factors:

1. hypertension
2. diabetes
3. cholesterol
4. family history of father with MI <55 or mother <65,  or siblings of the same birth parents with the same ages in mind
5. tobacco
6. age

I cannot assess these as you dind't mention them above.

then you have to consider the character of the pain.  Your pain does not sound cardiac in nature.  Cardiac chest pain is usually exertional rather than rest, it is a pressure sensation rather than sharp, and is almost never stabbing in nature.  

This is supported by your normal EKG and stress test.  To ask the question, could it be cardiac in nature -- we can never  say it is not.  But if you want to know if it is likely cardiac, the answer is no.  I would look for other ways to explain your pains.  

Short of having a cardiac embolism to the leg or an extensive aortic dissection, you will not have leg pain from cardiac ischemic pain.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.

[line]

I have costochondritis also. I am always sore in my upper chest on the left side, so bad sometimes I cannot stand to touch myself. I get pain in my ribs, collar bone, breasts and upper back from this. Sore spots in the rib area are a definate sign of costo. When you push on these spots the pain radiates.

I also get the sharp shooting pains. Are yours real quick pains that almost make you jump and yell ouch. About 3 months ago I went to the ER with this type of pain, it was from one shoulder to the other across the collar bone, was dxed as costo. I had got them before but this time I had them for 18 hours straight, I would get 5 or 6 in a row they would stop for a minuet or two and start again.

It is a very frightning desease to have.

Line

[tickertock]

I have costochondritis chronically for over 11 years, I have exactly the same symptoms that line describe and went to the ER on several occasions, my costo is secondary to a connective tissue disease that I have, very frustrating to live with and frightening at times.

[Duchess47]

I have the same symptoms and as far as the heart related pain goes my doctor says that pain from heart issues are brought on with exercise or exertion.  I passed echo stress and ekg so have ruled out heart problem.  I have been told that I may have a pinched nerve which can cause pain in neck, arm, back, chest. I have also been told that I may have fibromyalgia. Very frustrating to say the least.  May I ask what you are all taking for the chondritis?  Thank you

[tickertock]

I take just a simple aspirin 325mg daily and diazepam(valium) 2.5mg twice daily, even though diazepam is an anti anxiety agent , it has mucsle relaxing properties, I used to take 5mg twice daily but have since reduced it 2.5mg twice daily sometimes just 2.5mg daily. This is the only combination that my doctor and myself have found in relieving most of the pain , though I rarely have a day without some form of chest pain.

This might not work for everyone with the same problem, you have to work with your doctor to find out what you respond to the best. Good luck.

[line]

Duchess, do you have Fm also? I have fm and myofascal pain syndrome alkso arthritis in the cervical spine and neck. So who knows what is causing what.

I have been told that the sharp shooting pains are muscular pain, so maybe the original poster may have fm also with the pains in the legs.

Linda

[jan]

What helped me get the costo under control were injections in my chest and ribs.  Now, I just get "spells" of it.  (I am on a muscle relaxer for other problems and aspirin therapy for yet another thing.  Maybe these help a bit, but I wasn't on them until long after the injections my rheum gave me.)

[Duchess47]

I forgot yo mention that I have been on medication for almost 4 years for hyperthyroid.  Recently a rheumatologist mentioned that the meds. I have been taking all of these years can bring on my symptoms and sometimes some serious ones.  I will speak to my endo. about this.  My point is that sometimes the things that are supposed to help us, can harm us.  Just be sure to always check the meds. you are taking for any adverse effects.  Thank you for your information.

[upbeat63]

If you'd like to treat costochondritis without meds I agree with an earlier post, I'd go to a chiropractic or osteopath for an  adjustment.(I'd suggest chiropractic since that is their specialty whereas osteopaths may not adjust at all or do so much less often)

And ultrasound (the physical therapy type not the diagnostic one) at a discontinuous setting. Again, if you go to the chiropractor they would most likely do it in the same visit, whereas the osteopath might refer you out to a physical therapist which would be a separate office visit and more time. And chiropractors might suggest a natural anti-inflammatory like bromelain, so that's a plus if you don't want to take an RX. (chondritis is essentially an inflammation)

So if you've checked out everything else and been given a perfect heart work-up, try to find something to help with your anxiety and also ask your doctor or friends and family if they know any chiropractors or osteopaths--who adjust.

[mikeyb]

Thanks Guys,

your answers have been a great help to me.


Mike

[Chaddychas]

I have been diagnosed with costo and at times the pain is unbareable and  it makes me want to cry.  I cant even move without the sharp pain.  I have been battling this all year and would like any comments to help me and to learn how to just deal with this.