Sharp, Constant Pain in Upper Breasts - Complication of Influenza?

[Angela34]

I've been having sharp pain in both of my upper breasts, radiating to my back and through the armpit, for the last 4 weeks.  2 weeks ago, I tested positve for the Influenza virus.  The doctor believes my pain could be pleurisy, however, I question that since it's painful to the touch.  I'm taking Ibuprofen (and occassional vicodin) for the pain, but it persists.  The pain started right after I ended my first dose of Clomid, which led me to wonder if I was having a severe reaction.  However, it's been over one month now (how long does Clomid stay in the system?).  Chest x-ray, ekg and echo all are normal.   CBC with differential also shows normal levels (no elevation in WBC).  SED rate was normal (however, could be masked by all of the Ibuprofen I'm taking).  I'd like to get a second opinion, but I'm not even sure what type of physician to see (I saw an Internist for the original diagnosis).  Pain is intense and keeps me up at night.  Any insight is greatly appreciated as I really want this to go away.  Thanks.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Wow, where are you that you got the flu so early?!?!

All of your labs are reassuring

If you were concerned about the chest pain, i'd see a physiatrist (physical medicine & rehabilitiation)

If you were concerned about the flu, an infectious diseae specialist.

If you don't have access to either of those, another internist or family physician would be a good start

[Angela34]

My doctor was very surprised that I had the flu so early as well.  I live in Pittsburgh, but believe that I picked up the virus while in Indianapolis on a business trip (in the latter part of September).  Since I posted this, the diagnosis has changed to costochondritis, based on my doc's ability to palpate the pain.  She's suggested trigger point injections of lidocaine, but I'd prefer to try accupuncture first to see if that provides any relief.  I've cut out all caffeine in the hopes that may calm any inflammatory response I'm having internally.  To me, it feels like the costochondritis is really a "catch-all" diagnosis and I feel uncertain that they truly know what's wrong with me.  I reviewed the lab work that I had done at the ER (now going on 6 weeks ago, when the sharp pain originally began) and the only deviations were as follows:  Neutrophils elevated (79.9); Lymphocytes low (13.7), Glucose elevated (107 - although I had eaten dinner just before blood was drawn; anion gap low (6); and blood in the urine of 4+ (I was not near menstruation at the time).  If you have any further advice on costochondritis or whether or not I should be concerned about these lab results (the ER doc nor my PCP weren't too concerned), I'd appreciate your insight.  Thanks so much for getting back to me.  I wish you strength and fortitude to continue helping the victims of the California fires.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

acupuncture is very helpful for pain

as is trigger point injections

caffeine wouldn't cause inflammation

you need to recheck your elevated glucose and your blood in the urine.  

if the glucose is still elevated, get tested for diabetes

if the blood is still in the urine, see a urologist for cystoscopy

thanks for wishing me well in helping the fire victims, i've had to come back, but am trying to find more resources for them