Anyone ever have costochondritis?

Question

Went to the doctor today for pain in my chest figuring it must've been pregnancy related and hoping it wasn't anything serious. 
 
Turns out the doctor believes it costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage around my sternum and ribs. It's pretty painful, especially when I'm doing something active, or coughing/taking deeps breaths. 
 
Anyone else ever have this? What were your symptoms, where was your pain? What did you do to help the pain? 
 
Since I'm 35+4 I was only told to do warm and cold compresses and take Tylenol. Wondering if there was anything else that was safe and helped. Thanks!

Answer

I find that ice helps more then heat, and Epsom salt baths help to ease the intercostal muscles some. Slow, deep breathing exercises daily when not flared up are good as well.

Answer

Oh god, I had this about 10 years ago and it is AGONY!

The thing I cannot stress enough is; practice doing long, slow breaths, and avoid small breaths. Yes, it HURTS LIKE HELL and holy crap! Breathing should never make you want to cry, BUT the small breaths make it last longer. Practising long slow breaths gently stretches the rib cage and once you get past the 'ARGH!!' Stage, you feel relief as the pressure is off the inflammation. Short breaths just aggravate it.

Good luck, I know it is immensely painful.  Rest up, and just keep practising those long slow breaths.

Answer

Mine was an allergic reaction to a different medication I was taking. The medication was for pain for an ovarian cyst.

Answer

Oh man, I first got that at age 15 & have had it recur periodically ever since (I just turned 33). Thank goodness not since I've been pregnant! But it does really suck, & there's not much you can do for it other than wait for it to simmer down, even if you weren't pregnant. I'd say really try not to strain the area (by picking things up or reaching for things). Warmth is definitely the best treatment.

Anyone ever have costochondritis?

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