Costochondritis - Any self help?

[melo1224]

I've started a flare with chest pains again. My last flare my doctor prescribed Indomethacin which only made my problems worse. The medication cause more severe pain and I used Prev-Acid and Nexium for 2 months before getting over it. Anyone have any good ideas for relief? THANKS

[kitonthemoon]

There're some medications cause more discomfort for stomach and esphagus and must take it with food.

If you drink coffee and other acid induced foods......you may want to stay away from it for a while.  Never lay down right after a meal, wear loose clothing. and so on.  I had the same problems for years, now I'm almost symtoms free from esophageal pain.

Just a reminder that acid relief medicine should not be taken too long, it may create adverse effect.

Hope both of you feel better soon.
Kit

[Marcianne]

I'm sorry for the mistake in your name and I apologize for my own saga above.  I am currently awake due to frozen shoulder, which is a result of my being so inactive for so many months.  I thank you for your question because I am now realizing that my swollen rib area, which was my original problem,  was not properly diagnosed and may have been costochondritis.  Because of taking the wrong medication, I made the inflammation worse by irritating it with relafen and getting esophogitis.  Thank you for informing me of this term.

[Marcianne]

I was diagnosed with chronic esophagitis after taking relafen to rule out a muscle problem.  My problem started with an inflamed abdomen and the doctor was not sure what was causing it.  He prescribed relafen, I developed the burning symptoms.  My symptoms sound like yours, burning and pain.  The burning was so bad, I felt like I was waking up after surgery.  The burning began in my throat which spread to my stomache.  I too was given Nexium with little relief.  My stomach pain made it hard for me to even move.  I was out of work for months with no pay.  The burning was from my throat to my stomach and I was inflamed.  After months of suffering, I found that the best relief came from relaxation, drinking more water, regulating my bowel movements, losing some weight and taking carafate.  I was still taking nexium once a day.  After seeing 3 gastro doctors, I met an internist who recommended that I take Carafate along with the nexium to help "heal" the damage done to the esophagus and it feels wonderful after you take it.  It is a liquid and it is very soothing.   The nexium helps the stomach to stop producing the acid, but it didn't seem to do much for the esophagus.  The carafate gives you an instant relief and acts like a bandaid to prevent ulcers and more damage to the esophagus.  It took me months to find the right doctor to feel better.  I am hoping and praying that you will feel better soon.  Please try to relax your mind and be good to yourself, because stress makes it so much worse.  I would love to help you further if you have questions.  

I am currently walking each morning and riding my cruiser bike.  I found that this type of exercise is for me and makes me feel like a kid again.  Please be good to yourself and do what you love to do.  Stay away from stress as much as possible.  Happy healing!  

[bonster4097]

yikes! I feel for you. I had that years ago, and I do not want it to return! I wonder if anxiety makes it worse? and if drinking plenty of water will better it. I don't know why mine ended leaving but am glad it did. I hope yours heal soon! bonnie

[melo1224]

Thanks for the information. Let me clear up why i was taking the Nexium and Prevacid. The Indomethacin felt like it completely tore up my throat and esophagus and I had more pain. I felt like I had a big knot in the center of my chest underneath my breasts. So after one week I quit taking Indomethacin and it took about 2 months on a double dose of antacid to heal.

[jmbirds]

i go to my chiropractor and he uses the activator  on me alot of my pain subsides i'm also using massage therapy with myofacial trigger releases, for my intercostal chondritis i take soma 350 mg prn  can't hurt to try also have your VIT D  levels done its causes alot of muscle and bone pain if its LOW mine was so i'm on 5oooo unit  rx meds

[meki]

Stretching properly...

Getting comfortable at night - and stretching prior to going to sleep and when you get up.

Also - Advil works for basic inflammation.

Ultram or Tramadol for major pain.

I've never used an antacid for costo...

It's bone and muscle - So I'm surprised a doc would prescribe stuff for antacid for it --- unless you took that to combat the indomecithin.

Much luck to ya!

Meki