Costochondritis?

Liz08 · July 2008

Hi all-

I need your input on costochondritis. About 4-5 weeks after finishing radiation, I started to experience, pain in the rib area below the breast that was radiated, the pain at times travels towards my back. I also had pain in the breast, behind the breast and in the chest area etc. This has been going on for over 5 weeks and just started taking Motrin around the clock, was told that's how costochondritis is treated. This does help to take the edge off the pain. The anti-inflamatory (Motrin) is supposed to help bring the inflamation down and help my body to heal. At times I'm short of breath and can't take a deep breath but eventually do catch my breath. I have been examined by a few doctors regarding this and the concensus is costochondritis. They did an oxyen saturation test which came back normal. Last week my oncologist did a CT scan of my chest just to rule out anything else, thank God everything came back fine. My radiation oncologist also reviewed my ct scan pictures on the computer himself and said that it is a possibility that radiation could have helped to bring this on but that everything on my scan looks great. I do feel better that 2 different doctors (radiologist & radiation oncologist) actually reviewed my ct films.

My questions is for those who had costochondritis; what brought it on, how long after radiation did you experience these symptoms, what were your symptoms, how long did they last and how were you treated for it? Your input would greatly be appreciated. Thank You.

Shirlann · July 2008

Hi, I am 9 & 1/2 years post treatment and I had Costochondritis. It got better, but it took about 2 years. Once I knew what it was (thanks to Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, not the rads doc) I was pretty much able to ignore it, and it did get better.

BUT, now I have some pain still and the concensus is osteo-necrosis, or in english, dead bone. They had a few ideas of how to treat it, but I don't really want any more anything and I am 73 and can do what I need to do so I decided, no more x-rays or surgery, and they don't know if it would help.

Aren't even sure of the diagnosis.

So very few people get this, and it does come on about 3 to 6 weeks AFTER finishing rads. One way Dr. Love says to sorta diagnose it is to squeeze the area, pinch the skin, and if it hurts, it is Costochondritis. I have truly never run into but one other woman who had long term problems like mine, so you should be fine after a time.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann

NancyCMA · July 2008

I am 1 year out of treatment and have been suffering on and off from what was originally diagnosed as Costochondritis. Lately, it has been worse than ever and OTC has done little to alleviate the symptons. My first bout with this was well before I was diagnosed but it has worsened considerably. I'm completely comfortable during the night and when first waking but within 1 hour each day, it starts all over again. I have met another woman who experienced this after starting Tamoxifen and was since taken off that med. I continue to take that as it hasn't been determined to be related. However, at this time I believe I'm going to pursue additional tests to rule out anything related to acancer reoccurrence. I'd be interested in hearing other views of symptons and treatments, etc.

Nancy

Sotiredofthis · April 2010

I had a severe enough case of costochondritis two weeks into a seven week radiation series, that it sent me to the emergency room. I've been treating with Advil since and have not had a severe reoccurrence. Interestingly enough, the radiation nurse told me there's no way to was related to the radiation but the Radioloigist came in afterward and said it was due to the radiation but it is a relatively rare reaction.

DANCNSTAR · January 2011

I have had costochrondritis for about two years now; very painful when it flairs up. I am a 17 year survivor and had lympectomy with radiation. I found this forum while web searching to see if others have or are experiencing the same issue. My breast bone/sterum is swollen and at first I was told I had a cancer recurrence; very scary! After X-rays and MRI, it was confirmed to be costochrondritis. I also get out of breath with chest heaviness. I even went for physical therapy which did help some. It's a very disconcerning condition and seems to act up when my lymphodema is bothering me. I never had a problem during radiation, however, I am small boned. I have a follow-up appt. with my family doctor in a few days to keep it checked. Any information we can all share is vital and helpful. I'm just wondering if it's all that rare?

camey · January 2012

I finisahed rads 9/22/11 after a lumpectomy and sentinal node removal (1). No sign of lymphodema but have costochrondritis. It is painful when getting up from laying on my side or when coughing. My lungs are fine and I am able to play soccer. I have taken aleve and it helps some. My onc/rad doc said it does occur at times after rads but they can't say for sure it is caused/brought on by rads. I have had a few bouts of extreme pain and shortness of breath. Has anyone treated this condition with anything other than aleve? If/when it goes away is it likely to come back later? I'm concerned with possible damage to my breast bone and ribs. I am 61 so need to make the best of the years I have left to be active.

Ardychan · January 2012

I had Costochondritis prior to my Cancer Diagnosis. I went to the emergency room, it was so painful! The Doctor was no help whatsoever, but when I did some research on the Web, I realized it was being caused by my wearing underwire bras. The wire was digging into the cartilage of my ribs and irrating it. I changed to soft cup bras, and it has mostly gone away. This was last summer. After my surgery in November, the Costochondritis acted up again. The area was sore and inflammed. The Doctors didn't have an answer for why.

I will start Radiation tomorrow and wonder if the area will flare up again (it's in the same area that will be treated).

Costochondritis?

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