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Costro Condritis

I have been diagnosed with Costro Condritis. I have been in pain pretty much everyday for 15 months now. I have seen 2 MD's and 3 Surgeons. Been placed on non-steroid anti-inflammatory and Percocet. NO RELIEF! Anyone have suggestions on what worked for them? I am not sleeping, very tired, not motivated and feel that something is going to burst out of my left side.


This discussion is related to Costo Condritis.
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Avatar universal
I see a physio who is familiar with the condition and he informed me that although the severe pain is experienced in the front, it begins at the back where my ribs join my spine. So my physiotherapy consists of him gently massaging the joints on my back and IT DOES HELP. Also, whenever I feel even a slight ache in my back, I go straight to my physio to help prevent a CC flare up.
Good luck

Dona Tant
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Avatar universal
I am so happy I found this site...I am a 36 yrs old women 2 kids and my costo started when I was about 18yrs old so I have been going to the doctor for the same thing since then at some point after I would not leave the dr office ..he sent me to a cardiologist ..who did ultrasound on my heart /ecg/blood work /wore the heart monitor ...once this was done he said my heart was fine and said I had costo ..well I know how painful it can be ...I will be fine then something will trigger it and I am off in pain and running to ER...there they do the same thing ECG and blood work ...it is very frustrating and I wish their was a cure because it is a very scary symptom to have.
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Avatar universal
I have suffered for more years than I can remember and  my pain originates in my cervical spine where I have arthritis, and radiates around my right side through my bottom rib to my sternum. I never knew this, and the pain is not obvious in my back / neck unless I push there. It took years of tests and treatments without result for a chinese doctor who was just walking through the surgery to suggest it and he was right!. I have my back massaged with arthritis cream when its really bad, and also my wife presses on the sore vertabras and the pain usually recedes. I also rub my sternum with cream. JUST TRY IT - HAVE SOMEBODY PUSH AT YOUR BACK ALONG THE UPPER SPINE BONES AND SEE IF IT AFFECTS YOUR CHEST PAIN. IT COSTS NOTHING.
If you do and it works please drop me a note.
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Avatar universal
Have you tried vitamin B12, 1000mg, it really helps me
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My wife has costrochondritis, and I have her doing very light streching with bands
it helped her she has joind Curves and that has helped.
the bands you can get at any sports shop. Speak to your MD first!
Helpful - 0
21064 tn?1309308733
I also have costrochondritis and you're right, it is quite painful!!  I have flareups that tend to last several weeks to months.  The doctor told me it is best to take Ibuprofen regularly, without skipping doses (which I tried to do).  

During a flareup, I absolutely cannot wear any fitted clothing.  I use a heating pad, warm showers, and the Ibuprofen.  I hope you find something that works well for you....I understand how painful this condition is.

connie
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Avatar universal
Special Supplements to
Reduce Inflammation
Below are  special plant extracts and
vitamins that can reduce inflammation and free
radicals within the joint.
• *Curcumin
This is one of the most powerful natural antiinflammatory
substances known. Its effects are
comparable to steroids, without the harmful effects.
All inflammatory arthritis problems arise from the
activation of a special inflammation signal molecule
in cartilage cells called NFkappaB, or NFKB.
Curcumin powerfully inhibits this cell signal and
also suppresses the destructive enzymes mentioned
above (MMPs and collagenase).
Curcumin is best absorbed when dissolved in
an oil. I would recommend either extra virgin
olive oil or fish oil. Fish oil has a significant
anti-inflammatory effect all its own, so I would
recommend over olive oil. The dose is 250 mg. of
curcumin powder mixed with a half-tablespoon of
fish oil. Mix well. Take this three times a day with
meals.
• *Quercetin
This is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant. When combined with curcumin, you
get a powerful anti-inflammatory effect because
they each act on different inflammatory biochemical
pathways. It also suppresses the destructive
enzymes I spoke about (MMPs and collagenase).
Mix 250 mg. of quercetin into oil with the curcumin
and take that three times a day.
• *Borage oil
Borage oil contains a high concentration of
gamma-linolenic acid, which has significant antiinflammatory
properties. It also moistens mucous
membranes and the skin. You can add this to the
mix above. It will come in a gelatin capsule, but
don’t eat that — just stick a pin into it and squeeze
1,000 mg. into the mentioned mix twice a day. Keep
both the fish oil and borage oil in the refrigerator.
• *Natural vitamin E (Unique-E)
Vitamin E, in natural form, has significant antiinflammatory
effects. The dose is 1,000 IU a day.
Unique-E is the brand I recommend.
• *Buffered vitamin C (calcium/magnesium
ascorbate)
Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory, but it also strengthens the tissues
and the ligaments surrounding the joint.
• *Vitamin/mineral supplement
A recent study found that selenium was significantly
depleted in the joints of people with arthritis, while
copper levels increased. High iron levels were found
in the damaged joints of osteoarthritis sufferers. Iron
is a powerful generator of inflammation and free
radicals. A well-balanced supplement such as Extend
Core (www.vrp.com) will deliver all the essential
vitamins and minerals.
• *Magnesium citrate or citrate/malate
Magnesium supplementation has been shown to
reduce inflammation, while a deficiency increases
it. It not only slashes free radicals but blocks the
release of inflammatory cytokines as well. The dose
is two capsules twice a day between meals. A survey
found that a dearth of magnesium is one of the most
common mineral deficiencies seen, with 75% of
the population lacking it. Chronic illness and many
medications worsen magnesium loss.
• Stinging nettle extract
This plant extract has been shown to have powerful
anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have
found it to be very protective of the brain as well.
It is often included in natural supplements used to
treat chronic prostate problems for the same reason.
But taking too much can produce a mucous-like
diarrhea. I would limit intake to two capsules a day
with meals.
These are the basic steps you will need to follow
for good health.
I have placed an asterisk beside the most
important supplements. The closer you follow these
steps the more likely you will attain success. It is
important to know that curcumin and quercetin can
cause your blood sugar to drop slightly. While this is
beneficial to those with diabetes, it can be a problem
if you have reactive hypoglycemia. For this reason,
always take it with a meal.
DR.Blalock
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Eve,
I can so relate on this intense pain. I have been diagnosed with costro and i too thought it was a hypochondriac's word . LOL Thaniks for the laugh. When you are in this much pain constantly, you need a reason to laugh. I am going to search out some holistic methods. If i find anything I will post it on the site
Helpful - 0
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