Costochondritis

[Guest guest]

Hey Barb and where at in TN. I am from TN too. Knoxville that is. Have a great day!

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

I am near Bristol, TN (Northeast part).

>

> Hey Barb and where at in TN. I am from TN too. Knoxville

that is.

>

> Have a great day!

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

>

[Guest guest]

>

I have had it on my right side and My Dr gave me a lidocane shot it

helped some but still it ached.

So i used warm compresses, rice socks and a heating pad on it on low

when watching tv. it lessened the pain some.I am right handed too. Buty

best of luck. I hope you find something that helps. hugs heidi

> I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in

their

> collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back

and

> it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum

and

> collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and

> worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens

the

> more I use my left hand/arm.

>

[Guest guest]

--I don't post very often-, but I read everything. I use Camphor

Spirit and it does work really good. Some times I feel as if I could

just bathe in it. I too get those craps in my rib cage and it feels

like someone is in the back of me just wrenching them out.There are

days I think I just can't go on.

Leah T.

In dominie , " Anne Hillebrand " <annehillebrand@...>

wrote:

>

>

>

> Try this quick tip for temp relief

>

> Camphor Spirit - Just wipe on over the part that is hurting or

stiff.

>

> Cartilage is too soft and is flexing too much. Feels like it's

tearing

> apart or tearing

> loose, doesn't it?

>

> It's just starved. Camphor Spirit stimulates the flow of lymph

(serous

> fluid), so is really a good trick.

>

> When you get all the serous fluid moving full force in your body

again, the

> costro will clear up in a day or so.

> You won't need the Camphor Spirit then.

>

> For me it was where my ribs attach to the breast bone. Felt like

a condor

> was grabbing me on the

> sternum with it's claws.

>

> It's the cause of hypermobility, too. Can feel like your shoulder

is

> pulling out of the socket if you sleep on it.

>

> Annie

>

>

> Costochondritis

>

>

> > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in

their

> > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while

back and

> > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint

(sternum and

> > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse

and

> > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain

worsens the

> > more I use my left hand/arm.

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I have costrochrondritis. I use heat and NSaids to reduce the inflammation with good results. If it becomes stubborn then I get a chiropratic adjustment to put spine back in alignment using the ativator or pulstar method and get a massage to have the trigger points released. This then allows the heat and anti inflammatories to do their thing. Sandie -- Re: Costochondritis > I have had it on my right side and My Dr gave me a lidocane shot it helped some but still it ached. So i used warm compresses, rice socks and a heating pad on it on low when watching tv. it lessened the pain some.I am right handed too. Buty best of luck. I hope you find something that helps. hugs heidi > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the > more I use my left hand/arm. > ------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I haven't been diagnosed with costowhatever- the jury is still out.

I've had some injections in that joint with little relief. My pain

goes from my collarbone to my shoulder, around te back of my shoulder

and up my neck - does that sound like that costocrap? I'm relatively

new to this! (: Is that camphor spirit easy to find? How will I

know I have all those fluids moving? I don't want to start a tidal

wave! (: I don't have trouble sleeping on my left side and I'm glad

about that!

dominie , " Anne Hillebrand " <annehillebrand@...> wrote:

>

>

>

> Try this quick tip for temp relief

>

> Camphor Spirit - Just wipe on over the part that is hurting or

stiff.

>

> Cartilage is too soft and is flexing too much. Feels like it's

tearing

> apart or tearing

> loose, doesn't it?

>

> It's just starved. Camphor Spirit stimulates the flow of lymph

(serous

> fluid), so is really a good trick.

>

> When you get all the serous fluid moving full force in your body

again, the

> costro will clear up in a day or so.

> You won't need the Camphor Spirit then.

>

> For me it was where my ribs attach to the breast bone. Felt like a

condor

> was grabbing me on the

> sternum with it's claws.

>

> It's the cause of hypermobility, too. Can feel like your shoulder

is

> pulling out of the socket if you sleep on it.

>

> Annie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Anne,

Where do you find Camphor Spirit?

Thanks,

KY

Costochondritis> I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their> collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and> it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and> collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and> worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the> more I use my left hand/arm.>>> ------------------------------------>>

[Guest guest]

---I live in California and here you just have to ask for it from

the pharmacy. Here it is about $3.95 for a very tiny bottle. but a

little goes a long way. If anyone finds it any cheaper and in bigger

bottles. I would be happy to know.

Leah T.

In dominie , " M. " <mkarenw@...> wrote:

>

> Anne,

>

> Where do you find Camphor Spirit?

>

> Thanks,

> KY

>

> Costochondritis

>

> > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain

in their

> > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while

back and

> > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint

(sternum and

> > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse

and

> > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain

worsens the

> > more I use my left hand/arm.

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I use "024" which is recommend by the National Fibromyalgia Association, it's main ingredient is Camphor. It cost 19 for a small spray bottle which I use or a box of 20 wipes. I get relief usually in 5 minutes when I use it. It is made is Switzerland, and if you google it, they were at one time sending a sample of 2 wipes free. Sandie -- Re: Costochondritis Anne, Where do you find Camphor Spirit? Thanks, KY Costochondritis> I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their> collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and> it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and> collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and> worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the> more I use my left hand/arm.>>> ------------------------------------>>

[Guest guest]

I'll tell you what I think the answer is. The NFA is in cahoots with the drug companies. It's all about money. And a little about politics.

Pam

Costochondritis> I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their> collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and> it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and> collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and> worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the> more I use my left hand/arm.>>> ------------------------------------>>

[Guest guest]

I get that pain also but on my right side...I'm right handed. It seems to stem from a tenderpoint over my right shoulder. For years I called it a pinched nerve (?) I don't think it's connected to costochondritis.

If you're using the computer a great deal you may have to take a break. I use heat on my arm and 024 on the spot behind my shoulder...the extreme pain usually passes in a day or so.

ine

> dominie > From: kt_55@...> Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:39:40 +0000> Subject: Costochondritis> > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the > more I use my left hand/arm. > > > ------------------------------------> >

[Guest guest]

I also have pain in collar bone area, around my upper arm/shoulder area and down my right arm. I have been going to physical therapy and I am told it is an entrapped nerve in my neck. I have to do stretches by putting my forearms on either side of a door jam and leaning forward to stretch the muscles in my shoulders and chest, keeping head straight. If I don't the pain increases, especially at night. I am going to go to an accupuncturist who can also give novicain shots in trigger points to see if it will help. My right arm always feels week.

Deb Halvorson

Costochondritis> > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the > more I use my left hand/arm. > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> >

[Guest guest]

Ann, I don't know about the others but I think you've diagnosed me. My elbow continually touches the arm of the computer chair and I've often told my husband I wanted it removed. He didn't think it was the problem though. I showed him your email and he has just removed it. ;-) Thanks for the tip about using a sling or tube sock too. I sometimes hold my arm in that position when I go to bed because it feels so much better but it does tend to move during the night. Thank you for all your helpful hints.

ine

dominie From: annehillebrand@...Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:26:12 -0400Subject: Re: Costochondritis

Are you resting your elbow on the desk when you work? And doing a lot of repetive movement (like playing computer solitaire

or entering spreadsheet data with the mouse?)

If so, consider cubital tunnel syndrome (funny bone nerve), and try this simple trick:

put your arm in a sling (like for a broken arm) to immobilize it when you are asleep. No sling? cut the end from a tube sock, slip it over your arm and

use safety pins to keep it in place against your jammies.

I got that, and had it for over a month. In three days of this therapy, it cleared up.

Annie

Costochondritis> > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the > more I use my left hand/arm. > > > ------------ --------- --------- ------> >

[Guest guest]

Sandy, What you are doing is EXACTLY what I do and with great results. Not all chiropractors use the ativator to move soft tissue. My chiropractor will also break up the trigger points in those muscles around the shoulder blade. I have MPS and her method will loosen the bands that form across my bone area. When these "bands" get taut, I get the headaches. It is the only thing that works, other than trigger point release from my massage therapist--who happens to be my grandson! Lucky me, huh? I could not live somewhat pain free without these techniques. And, it has taken months and months. It is not something that goes away after a few treatments. Elaine memommy1947 <MEMOMMY1947@...> wrote: I have costrochrondritis. I use heat and NSaids to reduce the inflammation with good results. If it becomes stubborn then I get a chiropratic adjustment to put spine back in alignment using the ativator or pulstar method and get a massage to have the trigger points released. This then allows the heat and anti inflammatories to do their thing. Sandie -------Original

Message------- From: heidi Date: 3/25/2008 2:29:35 PM dominie Subject: Re: Costochondritis > I have had it on my right side and My Dr gave me a lidocane shot it helped some but still it ached. So i used warm compresses, rice socks and a heating pad on it on low when watching tv. it lessened the pain some.I am

right handed too. Buty best of luck. I hope you find something that helps. hugs heidi > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the > more I use my left hand/arm. > ------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I had my first acupuncture session this week. I was amazed at how much it made my muscles in my neck and shoulders relax. I went for the entrapped nerve in my neck that runs pain down my shoulder and through my arm. It has helped already. Might see if you have someone who could try that for you. I liked it better than massage, less painful.

Deb Halvorson

Re: Costochondritis

>

I have had it on my right side and My Dr gave me a lidocane shot it

helped some but still it ached.

So i used warm compresses, rice socks and a heating pad on it on low

when watching tv. it lessened the pain some.I am right handed too. Buty

best of luck. I hope you find something that helps. hugs heidi

> I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in

their

> collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back

and

> it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum

and

> collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and

> worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens

the

> more I use my left hand/arm.

>

------------ --------- --------- ------

[Guest guest]

Elaine, I get the activator or pulstar method, as I have an unstable spine since having my lamenectomy. My neurosurgeon doesn't like to do the fusions, as they limit movement and often cause pain. My rhuemy told me never to let them do the old way of manipulation. He is an OD, so I listen to him. I sure don't want to be paralysed. I used to get the trigger points around shoulder blades so bad that they would take my breath away. My massage therapist that I saw when first diagnosed with MPS, instructed me on how to help myself in releasing the Myofascia. I made an across state move last August and have not found a chiropractor or massage therapist since the move. I am getting to the point that my self care needs a little professional boost, so need to get busy and find one. Sandie -- Re: Costochondritis > I have had it on my right side and My Dr gave me a lidocane shot it helped some but still it ached. So i used warm compresses, rice socks and a heating pad on it on low when watching tv. it lessened the pain some.I am right handed too. Buty best of luck. I hope you find something that helps. hugs heidi > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the > more I use my left hand/arm. > ------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Sandie,

Do you use the tennis ball in a tube sock method for releasing the trigger points? Also, to release the fascia, if you could get someone to "roll" the skin on your back, the fascia will release.

- KY

Re: Costochondritis

>

I have had it on my right side and My Dr gave me a lidocane shot it

helped some but still it ached.

So i used warm compresses, rice socks and a heating pad on it on low

when watching tv. it lessened the pain some.I am right handed too. Buty

best of luck. I hope you find something that helps. hugs heidi

> I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in

their

> collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back

and

> it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum

and

> collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and

> worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens

the

> more I use my left hand/arm.

>

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Know I don't use the tennis balls, I have tried several times and they make me hurt worse. Hubby usually does a pretty good job at massaging my back to help. I have chronic subluxation of my cervical spine from a severe head on MVI. This causes muscle spasms at times, when I get these I often have a problem with my shoulder blade getting hung up on a muscle, so my old massage therapist told me. I am getting some sciatic pains, so it is time for a chiropractic adjustment. I have excellent pain relief from this. In fact, I know longer require the MS Contin that I was in, and if I jump fast when I feel the problems hit, I can keep my fibro in remission. My polymyalgia rhuematica is the one that gives me more trouble along with the osteoarthritis. 20+ years of working as a geriatric rehab nurse and all the lifting involved plus several MVI's Played a lot of havoc on me. But I will survive. Sandie -- Re: Re: Costochondritis Sandie, Do you use the tennis ball in a tube sock method for releasing the trigger points? Also, to release the fascia, if you could get someone to "roll" the skin on your back, the fascia will release. - KY Re: Costochondritis > I have had it on my right side and My Dr gave me a lidocane shot it helped some but still it ached. So i used warm compresses, rice socks and a heating pad on it on low when watching tv. it lessened the pain some.I am right handed too. Buty best of luck. I hope you find something that helps. hugs heidi > I'm wondering if anyone that has costochondritis has the pain in their > collarbone and across to their shoulder? I had an MRI a while back and > it showed I had inflammation in my sterno-clavicular joint (sternum and > collarbone) I can't get rid of it. The pain is getting worse and > worse. I'm left handed and it's on my left side. The pain worsens the > more I use my left hand/arm. > ------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hello Group I guess I should take the time to apologize for not posting regularly, as I intended to try to do when I joined the group. However, I did not count on how confusing and frustrating reading the daily digests could be. While I appreciate that most of the people in this group are trying very hard to be proactive and informed about every article, study or anything written about this miserable disorder we all share, I have become aware that reading these digests has become increasingly exhausting to me and am frustrated that I don't seem to have anything to contribute to the group. In short, I feel useless. For years, I wore myself out, trying to find ANYTHING about FMS/CMP/CFIDS online, in book stores, magazines and on television. For more than 10 years, I have tried EVERYTHING...dietary changes and modifications,

supplements, creams, lotions, oils, products to help with the chronic constipation I suffer from, gluetn vs non glueten, Nsaids vs non-Nsaids, guaf vs no guaf, every antidepressant known to man, massage, (when I could afford it) working on myself to break up trigger points, which was pretty futile, since my body is riddled with them and they are in places where no one human could possibly reach, herbs, massagers and vibrators of every size, shape and description and so many other things that I could list...we'd all be here for hours... This combination of disorders, I have concluded, is the most confounding, irritatingly frustrating and expensive health problem(s) I have ever encountered and I have seen sick people...lots of them. Just educating family and friends is a full-time job. Taking care of ME has become secondary to helping others understand that which I, myself, can barely comprehend, and its MY body!

I am wiped out...physically, emotionally, mentally and in every other way. It not only pours when it rains...life has become a daily monsoon. Most of the time, I am just grateful to have a day when I can actually leave my house and do my own grocery shopping, let alone even aspire to do things I previously accomplished when I was "normal." I can't even remember what "normal" was... I haven't given up, but I have given in. I have accepted that my body calls the shots now, not me, and I live by a certain creed...do what you have to do to get through that day b/c tomorrow will bring its own surprises and, for me, everyday is one big surprise party. I eat what my stomach doesn't reject, what aggravates my bowels the least but I try to make it something palatable; otherwise, what's the point? You are supposed to enjoy eating. I sleep when I am tired, clean, cook, run errands, shop, go out for

dinner or visit friend when I feel comfortable enough to do so. People have learned that, if I am having a bad day, they must come to me and, if they care, they will come. I take my meds which, in some groups, I feel I have to defend. There have been times, during my search for the "perfect" fibro group for me, i have encountered some pretty judgemental, close-minded people and I have promptly left those groups. How can I expect to live with an illness which strangers treat me as if I'm "exaggerating" or "making more of it than it is" while trying to gain acceptance from people who should know how individualized this group of disorders can be? "What may work for me may not work for someone else" are words that contain much more wisdom than the person who first uttered them could have possibly imagined. No other disease that I have ever heard of requires so much faith in belief that what cannot be seen indeed exists. We have no x-rays, no blood tests, no urinalysis or much of anything else to offer as proof that we are suffering as much as we say we are. There are some scans which are looking promising but, to date, there is no "AH-HA!" test to definitively diagnose us. Serious testing is, unfortunately, in its infancy. We don't have much more than anecdotal, speculatory and, in some cases, accidental discoveries to hang our hat on, while we struggle from day to day, as sufferers, just trying to find one doctor with an open mind, a lot of patience and blessed with more than his/her fair share of compassion, to help us. When we are lucky enough to meet such a physician, we feel relief to have found someone who will, at least, listen to what we are saying to them and, most importantly, what our bodies are showing them. After that, we are so glad to have been vindicated we enter the realm of non-people, in a sense, and

become lab rats because, as with every other disease which, through history, has been discovered, named and, hopefully, been cured, someone had to be the subject and more than a few experiments. I pray to God that, one day, one physician will have a "Jonas Salk" moment. Until then, all we have is each other and a very small percentage of the medical community who wants to associate him/herself with a group of diseases/disorders/syndromes which their colleages regard as "bunk." So, my friends, if you don't hear from me very often, it is only because I am waging my own battle against this ruthless invader who, uninvited, unwanted and unwelcomed, came into my life and the lives of the persons I love and value most and took from me the one thing I felt I could count on...my health. I know that everyone here is waging their own battle, shield in hand, taking up his/her own sword and trying desperately to smite this

dragon from your own castles. So, I read, I try to learn and I pray that, if not in time for me, in time for those who have yet to be stricken, to be freed from this demon, that pillages our homes, our wallets and, most awful of all, steals our joy. That's the one thing I will NOT allow...IT may strike, and strike mercilessly but, for me, my joy is inpenatrable. Life without joy is mere existence and I'm not ready to just exist. I want more. Many Blessings to ALL,

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

[Guest guest]

WOW ,

You may not post often but when you do post you speak what many of us

feel.I am right there with you. I too read everything that comes my

way and have tried many costly products, fixes, etc only to be in the

same place I was. I am fortunate to be able to continue working. My

pain has not taken that from me. Because I have had fibro so long,

long before it was being diagnosed, I have lived with the unexplained

pain and vaious other conditions that come along with it. I take some

supplements that do seem to help. I try to have a positive attitude.

I laugh often and keep busy and surround myself with people I am

confortable with. My best friend is my 30 yr old daughter Amber. she

is a sweet loving person and I think the world of her. She is raising

3 girls and they are well mannered, sweet and happy kids.

BUT, the fibro is in Amber too. And watching her having my pain hurts.

Her body make up is so like mine and she has many other issues such

as female problems also like me. I suggested she get diagnosed. The

insurance she has limits her dr choices. She called one and asked if

the dr was fibro aware and was told yes. But she didnt see or hear

that during the exam. He told her everyone has back pain and to lose

weight. She was devastated and didnt not get diagnosed with fm and

did not return to that dr. Now with all the new controversy as to who

should treat fibro maybe it is better she didnt get diagnosed. It is

not like they can do anything to help her. Neither of us take meds.

Thank you . It was good to hear from you

>

> Hello Group

>

> I guess I should take the time to apologize for not posting

regularly, as I intended to try to do when I joined the group.

However, I did not count on how confusing and frustrating reading the

daily digests could be.

>

> While I appreciate that most of the people in this group are

trying very hard to be proactive and informed about every article,

study or anything written about this miserable disorder we all share,

I have become aware that reading these digests has become

increasingly exhausting to me and am frustrated that I don't seem to

have anything to contribute to the group. In short, I feel useless.

>

> For years, I wore myself out, trying to find ANYTHING about

FMS/CMP/CFIDS online, in book stores, magazines and on television.

For more than 10 years, I have tried EVERYTHING...dietary changes and

modifications, supplements, creams, lotions, oils, products to help

with the chronic constipation I suffer from, gluetn vs non glueten,

Nsaids vs non-Nsaids, guaf vs no guaf, every antidepressant known to

man, massage, (when I could afford it) working on myself to break up

trigger points, which was pretty futile, since my body is riddled

with them and they are in places where no one human could possibly

reach, herbs, massagers and vibrators of every size, shape and

description and so many other things that I could list...we'd all be

here for hours...

>

> This combination of disorders, I have concluded, is the most

confounding, irritatingly frustrating and expensive health problem(s)

I have ever encountered and I have seen sick people...lots of them.

Just educating family and friends is a full-time job. Taking care of

ME has become secondary to helping others understand that which I,

myself, can barely comprehend, and its MY body! I am wiped

out...physically, emotionally, mentally and in every other way. It

not only pours when it rains...life has become a daily monsoon. Most

of the time, I am just grateful to have a day when I can actually

leave my house and do my own grocery shopping, let alone even aspire

to do things I previously accomplished when I was " normal. " I can't

even remember what " normal " was...

>

> I haven't given up, but I have given in. I have accepted that

my body calls the shots now, not me, and I live by a certain

creed...do what you have to do to get through that day b/c tomorrow

will bring its own surprises and, for me, everyday is one big

surprise party. I eat what my stomach doesn't reject, what

aggravates my bowels the least but I try to make it something

palatable; otherwise, what's the point? You are supposed to enjoy

eating. I sleep when I am tired, clean, cook, run errands, shop, go

out for dinner or visit friend when I feel comfortable enough to do

so. People have learned that, if I am having a bad day, they must

come to me and, if they care, they will come. I take my meds which,

in some groups, I feel I have to defend. There have been times,

during my search for the " perfect " fibro group for me, i have

encountered some pretty judgemental, close-minded people and I have

promptly left those groups. How can I expect to live with an illness

> which strangers treat me as if I'm " exaggerating " or " making more

of it than it is " while trying to gain acceptance from people who

should know how individualized this group of disorders can be? " What

may work for me may not work for someone else " are words that contain

much more wisdom than the person who first uttered them could have

possibly imagined. No other disease that I have ever heard of

requires so much faith in belief that what cannot be seen indeed

exists.

>

> We have no x-rays, no blood tests, no urinalysis or much of

anything else to offer as proof that we are suffering as much as we

say we are. There are some scans which are looking promising but, to

date, there is no " AH-HA! " test to definitively diagnose us. Serious

testing is, unfortunately, in its infancy. We don't have much more

than anecdotal, speculatory and, in some cases, accidental

discoveries to hang our hat on, while we struggle from day to day, as

sufferers, just trying to find one doctor with an open mind, a lot of

patience and blessed with more than his/her fair share of compassion,

to help us. When we are lucky enough to meet such a physician, we

feel relief to have found someone who will, at least, listen to what

we are saying to them and, most importantly, what our bodies are

showing them. After that, we are so glad to have been vindicated we

enter the realm of non-people, in a sense, and become lab rats

because, as with every other disease which,

> through history, has been discovered, named and, hopefully, been

cured, someone had to be the subject and more than a few

experiments. I pray to God that, one day, one physician will have

a " Jonas Salk " moment. Until then, all we have is each other and a

very small percentage of the medical community who wants to associate

him/herself with a group of diseases/disorders/syndromes which their

colleages regard as " bunk. "

>

> So, my friends, if you don't hear from me very often, it is

only because I am waging my own battle against this ruthless invader

who, uninvited, unwanted and unwelcomed, came into my life and the

lives of the persons I love and value most and took from me the one

thing I felt I could count on...my health. I know that everyone here

is waging their own battle, shield in hand, taking up his/her own

sword and trying desperately to smite this dragon from your own

castles. So, I read, I try to learn and I pray that, if not in time

for me, in time for those who have yet to be stricken, to be freed

from this demon, that pillages our homes, our wallets and, most awful

of all, steals our joy. That's the one thing I will NOT allow...IT

may strike, and strike mercilessly but, for me, my joy is

inpenatrable.

>

> Life without joy is mere existence and I'm not ready to just

exist. I want more.

>

> Many Blessings to ALL,

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of

Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

>

[Guest guest]

, Well said. I'm guessing that almost all of us could have written this about ourselves, it applies to us all. I wish there were one cure for all these things, but the truth is that we are probably the guinea pigs for future generations who might not have to put up with all these problems.

I will add you to my prayer list. I hope that today is a good day for you. One day at a time.

Pam

Re: Costochondritis

Hello Group

I guess I should take the time to apologize for not posting regularly, as I intended to try to do when I joined the group. However, I did not count on how confusing and frustrating reading the daily digests could be.

. . . . . ..

You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

[Guest guest]

Amen!!!! You have said it all, and thank you =). You are a very gifted writer. I too refuse it to steal my joy, though I do have my bad days and get bummed out...I won't let this crazy disease control any more than it does because of the creature that it is. You are such an inspirational writer, keep writing please =). Nadine <ebonyeyes1960@...> wrote: Hello Group I guess

I should take the time to apologize for not posting regularly, as I intended to try to do when I joined the group. However, I did not count on how confusing and frustrating reading the daily digests could be. While I appreciate that most of the people in this group are trying very hard to be proactive and informed about every article, study or anything written about this miserable disorder we all share, I have become aware that reading these digests has become increasingly exhausting to me and am frustrated that I don't seem to have anything to contribute to the group. In short, I feel useless. For years, I wore myself out, trying to find ANYTHING about FMS/CMP/CFIDS online, in book stores, magazines and on television. For more than 10 years, I have tried EVERYTHING...dietary changes and modifications, supplements, creams, lotions, oils, products to help with the

chronic constipation I suffer from, gluetn vs non glueten, Nsaids vs non-Nsaids, guaf vs no guaf, every antidepressant known to man, massage, (when I could afford it) working on myself to break up trigger points, which was pretty futile, since my body is riddled with them and they are in places where no one human could possibly reach, herbs, massagers and vibrators of every size, shape and description and so many other things that I could list...we'd all be here for hours... This combination of disorders, I have concluded, is the most confounding, irritatingly frustrating and expensive health problem(s) I have ever encountered and I have seen sick people...lots of them. Just educating family and friends is a full-time job. Taking care of ME has become secondary to helping others understand that which I, myself, can barely comprehend, and its MY body! I am wiped out...physically, emotionally, mentally and in

every other way. It not only pours when it rains...life has become a daily monsoon. Most of the time, I am just grateful to have a day when I can actually leave my house and do my own grocery shopping, let alone even aspire to do things I previously accomplished when I was "normal." I can't even remember what "normal" was... I haven't given up, but I have given in. I have accepted that my body calls the shots now, not me, and I live by a certain creed...do what you have to do to get through that day b/c tomorrow will bring its own surprises and, for me, everyday is one big surprise party. I eat what my stomach doesn't reject, what aggravates my bowels the least but I try to make it something palatable; otherwise, what's the point? You are supposed to enjoy eating. I sleep when I am tired, clean, cook, run errands, shop, go out for dinner or visit friend when I feel comfortable enough to

do so. People have learned that, if I am having a bad day, they must come to me and, if they care, they will come. I take my meds which, in some groups, I feel I have to defend. There have been times, during my search for the "perfect" fibro group for me, i have encountered some pretty judgemental, close-minded people and I have promptly left those groups. How can I expect to live with an illness which strangers treat me as if I'm "exaggerating" or "making more of it than it is" while trying to gain acceptance from people who should know how individualized this group of disorders can be? "What may work for me may not work for someone else" are words that contain much more wisdom than the person who first uttered them could have possibly imagined. No other disease that I have ever heard of requires so much faith in belief that what cannot be seen indeed exists. We have no x-rays, no blood tests,

no urinalysis or much of anything else to offer as proof that we are suffering as much as we say we are. There are some scans which are looking promising but, to date, there is no "AH-HA!" test to definitively diagnose us. Serious testing is, unfortunately, in its infancy. We don't have much more than anecdotal, speculatory and, in some cases, accidental discoveries to hang our hat on, while we struggle from day to day, as sufferers, just trying to find one doctor with an open mind, a lot of patience and blessed with more than his/her fair share of compassion, to help us. When we are lucky enough to meet such a physician, we feel relief to have found someone who will, at least, listen to what we are saying to them and, most importantly, what our bodies are showing them. After that, we are so glad to have been vindicated we enter the realm of non-people, in a sense, and become lab rats because, as with every other disease which, through

history, has been discovered, named and, hopefully, been cured, someone had to be the subject and more than a few experiments. I pray to God that, one day, one physician will have a "Jonas Salk" moment. Until then, all we have is each other and a very small percentage of the medical community who wants to associate him/herself with a group of diseases/disorders/syndromes which their colleages regard as "bunk." So, my friends, if you don't hear from me very often, it is only because I am waging my own battle against this ruthless invader who, uninvited, unwanted and unwelcomed, came into my life and the lives of the persons I love and value most and took from me the one thing I felt I could count on...my health. I know that everyone here is waging their own battle, shield in hand, taking up his/her own sword and trying desperately to smite this dragon from your own castles. So, I read, I try to learn

and I pray that, if not in time for me, in time for those who have yet to be stricken, to be freed from this demon, that pillages our homes, our wallets and, most awful of all, steals our joy. That's the one thing I will NOT allow...IT may strike, and strike mercilessly but, for me, my joy is inpenatrable. Life without joy is mere existence and I'm not ready to just exist. I want more. Many Blessings to ALL, You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of

Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the information, for a long time I have come across

discussions of pain below the breast on the right side. Numerous

times the PBC group brings this question to the forum. This is the

best explanation I have heard , yet. Thanks.

Clara from OR dx99, NAFLD/PBC

> Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that attaches

the ribs to the breastbone (costo = rib, chond = cartilage, itis =

inflammation).

>

> Costochondritis causes mild to severe pain in the lower rib area or

upper breastbone. Some patients fear they are having a heart attack.

The most severe pain is usually in the lower rib area between the

breast and upper abdomen. The pain may be more noticeable in sitting

or reclining positions, and stress is known to aggravate this condition.

>

[Guest guest]

Does any experience pain in the shoulder prior to the onset of

costochondritis? I always have debilitating right or left shoulder pain

(depending on where the costo hits) prior to the chest wall hurting. I can

no longer take naproxen, ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain. I have issues with

chest pain daily and lung pain, but the doctors don't want to do any more ct

scans either. I was diagnosed with the costochondritis when I was diagnosed

with fibromyalgia back in July 08'.

Jayne/43

PBC 4/overlapping AIH with fibromyalgia

[Guest guest]

-Joanne: Wow, I forgot about costochondritis until I read this. I had

it a 'hundred' years ago when I lived in MA. I had just put the little

one down to sleep, my husband wasn't feeling so well and I thought I

was having a heart attack. Didn't want to bother him, so I asked him

to watch the kids and I drove myself to the hospital - LOL the one

thing they tell you not to do. However I never told him I thought it

was a heart attack. When I asked the dr in the ER how I would have

gotten costochonditis, he said, " you must have a virus. " I got that

feeling again a few more times and just assumed it was another virus.

The only autoimmune I had at that time was hypothyroidism. Never heard

that AI was connected with it and obviously neither did the doctors in

the Framingham, MA ER! Thanks for the info.

Pam in AZ

-- In , " jjcathcart " <JJCATHCART@...>

wrote:

>

>

http://pbcers.org/livdis8.htm

> Costochondritis is one of many disorders associated with autoimmune

diseases. Normally this disorder will go away on its own. When

associated with an autoimmune diseases such as PBC, it may linger for

years or a lifetime.

>

>