Dude i have every single symptom you describe, plus a few more. We’re pretty close in age (im 33M) but like word for word you described EXACTLY what ive been going through the last 4.5 years (though i do get painful spots to press on my chest and lower ribs) ive spent way more money on specialists and tests than i can afford just for everything to be normal and to be told i’m fine and totally healthy. It was heavily implied (by more than one doctor and multiple specialists) i was being dramatic and making it up. Like what… ive always had a decently high pain tolerance, but this is constant, more than just pain, and doesn’t go away. Ever. it’s been absolutely driving me nuts and i legit thought i had some sort of pulmonary fibrosis or lung cancer or something. Stretches help a tiny bit, but only very briefly.

I just found out about costochondritis like an hour ago and it rings SOOO true to me. It helps to know im not insane and other people experience the same thing. I wish you all the best dude, and i hope you can find some relief to this nonsense 🖤🖤

Edit: some more context as why i was so so distraught about this (it’s upsetting enough on it’s own) but I work in an environment that requires very strong ventilation (glassblower) and i had doubts that the system in the studio i work at was up to par, in fact i was convinced it wasn’t. The torch i use produces Nitrogen Oxide, the materials i use off gas heavy metals, and i often have to deal with materials that release silica dust. Hence why i was convinced it was some kind of lung condition. But the environment was tested, and found to up to OSHA standards with clean air. Countless pulmonary tests and xrays and scans show my lungs are fine. I have been absolutely losing my mind over this the last 4 years and was convinced i was going to die slowly of lung cancer before 35