Hi All

On Sunday I woke up with a tight feeling around my chest. I thought it was odd but still felt well enough to go swimming (just for 10 mins). Anyway, about an hour later my chest pains got much worse that I found it difficult to walk as each time I took a step I was practically immoblised with pain so had to stop. I went to the out of hours doc who told me to go straight to A&E. I was seen very quickly and was given the usual barrage of tests for heart disease (blood test, X-rays, ECG) and all came back as normal. Eventually, the A&E surgeon came to see me. Asked me a whole lot of questions about my RA and then proceeded to poke my ribs. I think his concern is that the RA was causing inflammation in my ribs and sterman. So I was given pain meds and steroids and told to rest for a couple of hours before being sent home. I had a further attack on Monday but I have felt much better since then though I do feel as though someone is poking me in the top of my back and the middle of my chest.

The A&E consultant suspects that it might be costochondritis or fibromyalgia but I would need need to go back to my rheummy/GP for further diagnosis. The GP can also refer me to the chest clinic to rule out any heart disease but all my risk factors are good at the moment. I have referred to Google and it does seem as though my pain comes from Costochondritis but I thought I would post here to see if any one has had any similar experiences. The A&E has increased my steroids and told me to take paracetamol in the meantime. If this is what it is then will it just go away by itself?

Thanks

Hello there.

Sounds you have been feeling really worried with those symptoms.

I was interested to see the A and E diagnosis. Over the past week I have had horrid sharp pains under
my left shoulder blade and the pain is so sharp it appears to travel through to my left chest, It like a compression.
So I went to GP last week he gave me thorough examination but did not come up with anything. It could be
inter costal muscle ! ! So is it RA ? I see specialist next week

So I was interested but sorry to hear of your pain as well.

Rose x

I have this pain too. I had it a few weeks ago and it went after about 10 days but is back again.

It is really uncomfortable and last time i kept on gasping for breathe with it.

Love Shirley x

Hello!

It does sound from your description as though it may be costochondritis in which case the steroids should help settle it down. My daughter gets this and the pain can be quite bad at times. It's certainly worth discussing with your rheumatologist who should be able to give you a definitive diagnosis. I think the condition is regarded as one of many auto-immune diseases; it is inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the sternum. It is often found accompanying diseases such as Rheumatoid and Lupus. Often it will disappear on its own but for some it can become a chronic condition.

Good luck, hope you feel better soon,

Lyn x