pain in rib area

[layla]

Has any one experienced or been diagnosed with costochondritis? If so how long did it last and what tx did you recieve for it? My doc dx me today.
If you don't know here is a brief explanation of what it is:

Costochondritis is one of many disorders associated with autoimmune diseases. Normally this disorder will go away on its own. When associated with an autoimmune diseases such as PBC, it may linger for years or a lifetime.

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breastbone (costo = rib, chond = cartilage, itis = inflammation).

Costochondritis causes mild to severe pain in the lower rib area or upper breastbone. Some patients fear they are having a heart attack. The most severe pain is usually in the lower rib area between the breast and upper abdomen. The pain may be more noticeable in sitting or reclining positions, and stress is known to aggravate this condition.

Costochondritis may also be caused by trauma, such as bumping the rib cage; as a result of a viral infection; or as part of an inflammatory disease process. Usually the cause is unknown.

Once the diagnosis of costochondritis is made, it usually responds well to a course of a pain-killing, anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or any of a number of prescription medications. If this condition doesn't respond to simple treatment measures, the patient should undergo more tests.  When costochondritis is associated with liver disease, it is more difficult to treat.  

[layla]

Additionally I wonder if anyone has had kidney problems from tx. If so how did it start? My pain started in what I considered my liver area but radiated around my back and since many people reported that feeling I didn't bother too much with it. It did then start on the other side also but after stopping tx it has continued so I went in to the docs. He also ran a bunch of other test and ordered a cat scan of my kidneys. Just thought maybe someone here might have some info on this or experienced it. Hope everyone is well. LL

[cuteus]

That sounds so much like a symptom I had for weeks, years ago. Prior to tx. I thought it was arthritis. It did go away, since I was taking Ibuprofen regularly. as for the kidneys, perhaps it might help if people disclosed if they were on pegasys or the other interferons, since the pegasys does not use this organ as much for elimination.  
All I have experienced is decreased urination with ibuprofen, others haven't. and since I have UTIs, I can not say the pain in the lower back is not related to them instead.
I am not much help, since i seem to have many of the symptoms mentioned in the forum prior to tx, I guess is the autoimmune thing by hcv in my case. why it happens to others after starting tx is another puzzle to me.
I hope you find relief soon.

[DH Bill]

Back when I was working as a HVAC installer years ago I had that problem. I thought I was having a heart attack and it hurt like hell. I was told I had torn cartilage in my chest. I had to take some time off and it took about a year to heal as I kept agravating it due to how physical my job was. About 2 years ago I went over the handle bars on my mt bike and landed on my chest (fortunately I had on my chest protector) and it stared hurting again but it healed over the winter. About 6 months into tx it started to hurt real bad again and the pain has just went away in the last 2 days. When I first had it they gave me anti-inflamatory and hot/cold treatment.

Did you do something to injure yourself or changed something in you posture? If I slump while seated it will bother me. How did this come about? This tx has caused so many things to flare up but so far it seems to be healing. I'm thinking we just need more time to heal.

[DH Bill]

Forgot to add that coughing and sneezing which a lot of us have on tx can contribute to this and was like a knife in my chest every time I did it.

[layla]

The doc thought it might be this but ordered other test including a scan on my kidney. When he told me this possible dx I didn't know what it was and I had not looked it up but now that I have I see my pain isn't like this that much. It is very tender to touch where my lowest ribs are but it is as much on the back as in the front (if not more)and it doesn't feel like a heart attack or sharp pain at all. It started about the 3rd month of tx. I mentioned it to my hep doc but he did not seem concerned so I blew it off while on tx. even when it was sore. I did mention it a few times. Now I am off tx and it is the same so I told my regular doc when I went for my thyroid labs and he wanted to see me about it. It feels exactly like someone kicked me real hard in those areas and it's very tender now. At times it is worse than other times. Maybe it's just residual tx but I thought maybe someone here might have experienced this. It still certainly could be the costochindritis but who knows. The doc gave me vioxx and said only to take it 7 days and if it did not work to call him. He did say the riba could cause this type of pains. I am so sick of feeling like ****. I think I am feeling depressed but I hope that is just the need for more thyroid meds. Sorry if I went on but I am having some mental confusion today. LL
Cuteus, I took pegasys.

[DH Bill]

Hey girl, you hang in there! It WILL get better for you.

[secondtime]

My sister has fibromyalgia.  Prior to being on tx, she too experienced the pain you are speaking of.  One time it was so bad she went to the emergency room.  When she told the doctor that she had fibro he said this was a common side affect.  Maybe you are experiencing a Fibro flare up - secondtime

[louisep]

Sorry....below was full....I think things are changing in the uk as far as ads are concerned.  I was given Ciprimol before tx & I had no history atall of depression.
My specialist always said...."anything, to help get you through this tx"

[layla]

Thanks. I did look it up but it doesn't seem to be consistent with my symptoms. That is the only one that matches. I don't have the other symptoms that seem most common like fatique and other muscle soreness. I will certainly mention it to my doc at the next appt if I have to have one. My frineds sister has it and it's sad how she suffers. I do wish your siser well. LL