chest pain and shortness of breath

I am 21 years old, have been ill for 12 weeks. Symptoms started as severe pain in the centre of my chest, then I had a tight feeling in chest and unable to breathe properly. Pain when breathing in. Am usually an extremely fit person (triathlete and trained four times a week)> Now unable to walk up stairs without being out of breath. Am very lethargic most of the time unable to lift anything without agrevating chest pain. I have pain in my shoulder blades and lower ribs in the front. Pain down my right arm to finger joints and wrist, also in knees and back of neck. I have had a series of blood tests taken and am awaiting results. Am taking Rofecoxib (Vioxx)

[National Jewish]

Such a dramatic change in exercise tolerance is concerning, especially when it has persisted for 12 weeks. While it may be secondary to a rheumatological (arthritic or muscular) condition it could be a sign of heart or lung disease. It's very important that you be evaluated, without delay, preferably by a pulmonologist or cardiologist.

[suffer]

do you find your symptoms stay pretty constant or progessively getting worse? did they start suddenly or gradually ?

[Loobyloos]

Started with a type of heartburn feeling and then it gradually increased with intensity - to the point where it was painful to inhale and when rolling over in bed. It was severe for 5 - 6 weeks and I am now left with a constant pain in the sternum and between the shoulder blades. I am still unable to lift anything (even a bottle of milk) without agrevating the pain.

[Loobyloos]

thanx for the advice, I have since been to see a rheumatologist and been diagnosed with costo chondritis.Blood tests came back clear, I have had three injections into my sternum and am having regular physiotherapy together with daily anti-inflammatory drugs. I only wish it had been diagnosed earlier!