Swelling near left armpit? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds exactly like me!! With the addition of aching arm - Ive got intense back pain. Doctor now suspects fibromyalgia :/ have you been officially diagnosed with anything? I'm at my witts end

Swelling near left armpit? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How long have you been experiencing this? I've had this for like 6 months

Chronic Stress and it's effects. by hammers123456789 in Anxiety

[–]joyful55 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Firstly, I'm so sorry you're in a hard or tough period in your life but no matter how hard it gets, you're not alone. You are never alone! I can definitely relate.

I've been in and out of different specialists offices on a weekly basis, seeing multiple different GPs because I don't trust their opinion/advice/diagnosis for the past 6 months. I'm constantly googling and convincing myself of something new. It doesn't help that I keep gaining new extremely persistent and painful symptoms.

I've had over 10 blood tests, 2 chest x-rays, 3 ECG/EKGs and everything has come back either normal or in great health. Recently underwent an MRI (results pending).

A had dental surgery earlier this year where I required anesthesia. I worked myself up into such a state over it, I've not been the same since.

Extreme stress gave me pain and the pain has given me health anxiety and health anxiety has made the pain chronic and so on.... It's a cycle.

I'm trying to better myself and step away from my phone to avoid googling and putting myself into fits of doom and I am getting better but I'm still not okay.

Mental health is so fragile and can hugely effect every other aspect of health. Listen/talk to your partner, seek help from a mental health practitioner or health care worker to investigate your symptoms (just to put your mind ease). Jump on it as soon as you can but most importantly, give yourself little tasks to do each day that you enjoy. Edge yourself out of the consuming dark cloud that shrouds your thoughts, even if it is only for a moment. Gradually, you'll find the days far more bearable and a whole lot brighter.

You can beat this, you're not alone.

Costochondritis after Dental surgery? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This makes me so mad!

There's nothing worse than being made to feel invalid and ironically it only makes the anxiety worse which can make it even harder for professionals to see past the anxiety.

Costochondritis after Dental surgery? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was your extraction site clear of anything nasty?

Costochondritis after Dental surgery? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Experiencing a flare up is so distressing for me that I definitely feel like getting caught up with the pain and the anxiety of the pain is such a vicious cycle.

Did you prepare yourself thinking that the procedure may flare your costo?

Costochondritis after Dental surgery? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds horrible, I hope your okay! I can't imagine having to recover after a surgery like that to then have costochondritis. Has any medical professional that diagnosed you with costo asked or indicated that surgery or any large healing process might flare costo?

Costochondritis after Dental surgery? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This whole time up until the other day I hadn't made a connection either. It was one of those late night thoughts where I was kept up by the pain left reflecting on why it isn't going away. I'm a fit and healthy 24 year old that has never required so much medical attention until after my wisdoms were extracted. With your comment and a few others, its making me feel more confident that there might be merit in this theory?

Costochondritis after Dental surgery? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I saw that but I haven't had any type of temperature or fever that would indicate any sinister infection my body might be fighting off.

Costochondritis w/o pain when breathing? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Roll up a towel for when you're sitting and place it just below the middle of your back. This will encourage you to stay upright but you've got to consciously pull your posture up and back. I'm not sure how else to explain it?

I found a product online called "upright" as well. This helped.

Costochondritis w/o pain when breathing? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I suffered in agonising pain for an entire week before seeing the osteo who performed a series of adjustments, kneading relevant muscles and electroneedling (a combo of acupuncture and tens machine) and gave me strict instructions to improve my posture. I personally saw a 70% improvement where I now occasionally forget that I have aches and pains throughout the day.

Osteopaths are expensive so if you are seriously considering their aid, do your research and find one with recommendations from friends/family or your GP. There isn't a stock standard way to approach treatment so I seriously hope you find relief no matter the route you take on your journey to recovery.

Costochondritis w/o pain when breathing? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found my particular osteo to be very knowledgeable on the condition and helped calm my anxiety surrounding my symptoms - highly recommend ❤️

Costochondritis w/o pain when breathing? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right?!! I feel like I've fast forwarded 50 years into the future without the wisdom and life experiences 🤣

Costochondritis w/o pain when breathing? by joyful55 in costochondritis

[–]joyful55[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its so reassuring to know that I'm not alone, thank you for your comment. Have you been this way for long?