Intercostal Pain

[Ei1154]

I was exposed to mold and dust in my classroom.  I developed an asthma-like condition, sinusitis, which developed into pneumonia.  I was treated with an antibiotic for 10 days, but the coughing was so violent the Dr put me on hydromet.  I am now 7 weeks into this.  Although the pneumonia is cleared up, and the asthma under control thanks to steroids, I have had horrific, stabbing pain radiating from the sternum, under the breast and arm to the back.  Although I have not coughed for 3 weeks, I feel like someone is stabbing me with a knife.  My Dr's partner told me I can do any normal activity.  I have been in so much pain that I have consumed 86 800 Ibuprophen and three bottle of cough medicine since Oct 23.  Yesterday I saw MY Dr., and he agreed that this has lingered too long.  He referred me to a PT, and when I saw him today, he said the pain was coming from the intercostals and connective tissue.  My back is in spasm and the right side is tingly/numb (my hand and leg).  For over a week it was extremely painful to talk, and the pain worsened.  The PT said to do only what is absolutely necessary, and to limit movement.  How long can I expect to feel this way??? The last time I had this was nine years ago, and it was on both sides.  I was in pain for 12 weeks.  I am hoping that PT will speed things along.  


This discussion is related to Intercostal muscle pain, costochondritis, or pleurisy?.