Like a heart attack but without the seriousness!

Hello to all my fellow sufferers or to those who wish to gain a better understanding of the nasty Costochondritis!

I felt inspired to write a blog about my experience living with Costochondritis, due to it's unfamiliarity in the medical world. I hope that by sharing my experience, others will feel that they aren't alone and that although it can be a time of suffering, learning to manage your pain can ease your symptoms for your sanity.

After doing my own research (alongside my mum) about Costochondritis, I feel that I am more aware of what it involves. Before I describe Costochondritis, I must mention that many people in the medical world (western or non-western) have either not heard of it or know very little about it, what causes it and how it can be managed or treated. As far as I am concerned Costochondritis does not have a cure, but for some people it can go away after some time. It is usually more common with young adults (more females than males.)

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage which connects the ribs to the sternum, so the main source of pain radiates from the ribs area of the chest. Usually the pain is felt in the lower ribs, more commonly on the left side of the chest. There is speculation as to what causes it, I have come to the conclusion that mine was due to two vehicle accidents, although they weren't serious, they caused my chest to jerk forward with a quick jolt, therefore leaving damage to the chest area.  The symptoms are horrid and tend to mimic that of the onset of a heart attack, so any one of the following can be experienced:

• palpitations feeling
• an increased heart beat (could be related to the psychological effects, thinking that you are having a heart attack)
• neck pain
• back pain, lower and upper
• shoulder pain
• feeling like you want to hunch your chest for protection (i.e. bending over)
• can worsen at night, especially lying down
• reclining positions can make it worse, i.e. sitting
• your breathing changes rate (which is awful, as deep breathing can worsen the pain)
• arm pain (can extend to hand)
• general movement can aggravate pain
• prevents you from doing anything
• tenderness of the ribs (when pressed this causes pain)
• 
  

I have now had Costochondritis for around 8 months now :/ and experienced each of the symptoms above. On average I get chest pain 3-4 times a week. I never get a signal that tells me I'm about to experience chest pain, however factors that can cause or develop it include:

• stress
• surgery in the chest area
• trauma to the chest area (especially repeated trauma)
• vehicle accidents
• exercise (any form)
• Viral chest infections
• Pregnancy
• heavy lifting
• wearing a bra
• 
  

It took countless emergency visits to A&E, many ECG's, and an X-ray before the doctors finally considered that it may be Costochondritis. The fear of the unknown was awful as you genuinely think something serious is wrong with you, especially when related to the heart area of the chest.

Luckier than some

Luckily it isn't a life-threatening or serious condition, so could be worse! (or is it) Once diagnosed with Costochondritis, I was finally able to start looking at which methods may be able to ease my symptoms for a more manageable lifestyle, as to be fair without careful management, it can literally prevent you from living a "normal" and healthy lifestyle.

I personally, have become a little interested in holistic health in dealing with my symptoms, as I have found some western medicine to be unhelpful because of the side effects! The only thing I may reach for if my pain becomes unbearable is ibuprofen or paracetamol. Other than that, I am anti-western medicine! This may sound a bit stubborn especially when you are in hellish kind of pain, however I have managed to (just about) cope with the pain. The tablets I was originally prescribed, made me really dizzy, unable to concentrate, unable to drive, lethargic and others, so I made the decision to stop taking them. I think to be able to manage your own body and it's healing you need to treat it as one, including, emotions, mental state, physical state.

Therefore, I have tried these following more holistic and natural methods:

• yoga (great for relaxation, calming and relieving the body from stress and tension)
• multi-vitamin supplements (containing important vitamins and minerals to help heal the body)
• hemp seed oil (for inflammation)
• hot water bottle against the back or chest
• deep heat patches applied to any areas EXCEPT the chest as this is too near the heart and can create problems)
• gentle stretches
• hot water (a bath would be ideal since you can lay in the hot water)
• light exercise (like walking)
• massages
• deep heat cream for the extended pain, i.e, arm or neck