any help appreciated

[hannah111111]

I am writing this on behalf of my partner who has been suffering now for a number of years with chest and rib pain. We originally thought it was due to an injury though has been getting progressively worse over the last few months.  He describes the pain as like being stabbed in the chest, similarly with his ribs.  He is on strong painkillers to try to numb the pain and has had tests done but have all come back clear.  It is taking over his life now and we are needing to find some answers to this. Any ideas welcome and we are willing to travel to see any recommended doctors

[silverfox67]

  Costochondritis is inflammation of the connective tissues of the ribs.  Tendons and other tissues that hold the ribs in place.  It is usually caused by some kind of trauma.  Even a very hard sneeze or cough can damage these tissues.  
     The ecg was just to rule out heart trouble.  
I sincerely hope the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and help your friend.  

Wishing you all the best...

[LivingInHope]

Well, the way they diagnose  costochondritis is through physical examination and the subjective pain of the patient in reaction to the probing fingers.  Have they tried to determine what is behind this painful musculoskeletal inflammation, such as repetitive motion, lifting, leaning on elbows, etc.?  Did they suggest cyclic anti-inflammatory medication for a few days and moist heat and rest of the area from whatever aggravates it?  

ECG and EKG I think can be interchangeable or are you referring to echocardiogram?  How soon do you think he might know the results?

Working with someone to find the underlying cause and getting down to the least amount of pain medication are goals he might want to work with a physical medicine doctor on.

[hannah111111]

Thank you for that idea, that is something i will definitely try and follow up and do some research on!
Thanks again

[hannah111111]

He has just had an ecg done so waiting for the results. He has been told it is costochondritis without really having had any tests done. He hasn't had any tests done by a neurologist but has tried coming off the meds but suffers more. He has also tried acupuncture with no effect. The issue is now stopping him sleeping too

[silverfox67]

In this community:  Undiagnosed Symptoms - look up "Shingles without a rash"  on page 4.

[silverfox67]

Shingles without the rash is called:  Zoster sine Herpete.
It is not very common - but doctors are starting to recognize it now.

Wishing you all the best!

[silverfox67]

It sounds to me like shingles without the sores or pimples.  Shingles can last anywhere from a week to years.  And some doctors do not recognize it when it doesn't have the pimples to help diagnose it.

Homeopathic remedies for shingles pain include:  Rhus  Toxicodendron, Apis Malefica, and Lachesis.  

A medical doctor would try Acyclovir or another anti-viral medication.

Shingles is a virus - comes from Chicken Pox.  It causes excruciating pain that wanes and intensifies.  Horrific pain that doctors call "Exquisite" pain.

Have your doctor check your partner for the Herpes Zoster virus.  If he has Shingles, it will be positive and he will be on the way to healing.

[LivingInHope]

Have they ruled out heart and lung problems?  Have they probed to see if he has costochondritis?  Has he had any tests done by a neurologist?  Has he tried going off the pain medications in case he is getting rebound pain from them?  Has he ever pursued acupuncture and or herbal treatment from a licensed Chinese acupuncturist?