Kymberli
08-08-2004, 11:38 PM
Hello everyone. I am a first time user so please be patient. I have been diagnosed with chostrocondritis (spelling) about 4 days ago and I have a lot of mixed emotions regarding this. I am having chest pains, numbness in my neck back and down my right arm and slightly in my fingers. They say that this disease (i will call it) is inflammation of the walls of the chest. It hurts really badly. Now, I was reading an article in the Washington Post today and it was basically saying that a lot of people go undetected for heart disease. I am alittle nervous of what this entire ordeal is awaiting for me. Can anyone shed any light on this for me please. Thanks!
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shannon30
08-09-2004, 12:01 AM
I was also told that I have this condition. I know that when mine flares up I am in alot of pain. My ribs will hurt so bad, sometimes it even hurts to have my bra on, "I am not big chested either" I also have alot of lumps all over my ribs and inbetween my breasts. I do also get the chest pains but not alot. mine is mainly in the rib area
Kissa
08-09-2004, 12:17 AM
it is a form of arthritis that is often caused by injury or chronic colds and the like. It is highly treatable with anti-imflamtories.
I am a bit concerned that you have neck and arm and fingers. This is a sign of a herniated disk or possible spur. You'd be well advised to seek out a nuerologist to determine where the numbness is coming from. I've had Chostro for years and the symtoms you mention are not part of the symptoms I have had. Generally it is just chest pain.
The rest really are more like problems with the spine including the cervical spine. I just had my neck fused about 6 months ago due to this, which was acutally miss diagnosed as a shoulder problem. SHould it be a neck / spine problem it can cause permanent damage with the nerves being compressed and the numbness may go away. An xray may show if there is a herniation but only if large, an MRI is more appropriate.
I am a bit concerned that you have neck and arm and fingers. This is a sign of a herniated disk or possible spur. You'd be well advised to seek out a nuerologist to determine where the numbness is coming from. I've had Chostro for years and the symtoms you mention are not part of the symptoms I have had. Generally it is just chest pain.
The rest really are more like problems with the spine including the cervical spine. I just had my neck fused about 6 months ago due to this, which was acutally miss diagnosed as a shoulder problem. SHould it be a neck / spine problem it can cause permanent damage with the nerves being compressed and the numbness may go away. An xray may show if there is a herniation but only if large, an MRI is more appropriate.
Kymberli
08-09-2004, 12:28 AM
I'm not too sure what is going on. Its been hurting for about a month then I finally went to the emergency room. I am in a lot of pain and so far the meds that they gave to me are NOT working!!!
Kymberli
08-09-2004, 12:31 AM
Kissa, is it true that this is treatable but not cureable? I am in a lot of pain!!!
Kissa
08-09-2004, 10:06 AM
As with any for of arthritis it is not cureable however it is very treatable.
I suggest you seek out a rheumatologist to get you on some maintenance medications such as anti-imflamatories, sometimes you may have to do a dose pack of prednisone to get over the initial imflamation and possibly some mild pain meds.
I still recomend you get your neck checked I think more is going on there than you realize. I don't believe your arm and hand numbness and I know your neck numbness is not a result of this. Have you ever had a neck injury or whiplash? ALso where is the primary area of pain is it your chest then your neck etc? or is your neck hurting more than your chest?
I suggest you seek out a rheumatologist to get you on some maintenance medications such as anti-imflamatories, sometimes you may have to do a dose pack of prednisone to get over the initial imflamation and possibly some mild pain meds.
I still recomend you get your neck checked I think more is going on there than you realize. I don't believe your arm and hand numbness and I know your neck numbness is not a result of this. Have you ever had a neck injury or whiplash? ALso where is the primary area of pain is it your chest then your neck etc? or is your neck hurting more than your chest?