Signs & Symptoms
Sharp Chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue. Depression,
Pain and tenderness in the locations where the ribs attach to the breastbone (costosternal joints). The pain is sharp, though it can also feel like a dull, gnawing pain. Pain associated with Costochondritis occurs mostly on the left side of there breastbone and may radiate to the back or abdomen. The pain increases as you move your trunk or take deep breaths. Conversely, it decreases as movement stops or on quiet breathing.
Other symptoms include:
Treatments
Costochondritis usually responds well to a course of painkilling, anti-inflammatory medications.If normal activities become very painful and does not respond to medication. An aesthetic and steroid injection in the area that is tender.Surgical removal of the sore cartilage may be required if there is no response to medical therapy.
Most cases of Costochondritis have no apparent cause, in these cases treatment focuses on easing the pain while waiting for Costochondritis to resolve on its own.
My Current Medication.
- Lansoprazole Capsules(Gastro-Resistant) 15mg
- Ketoprofen 200mg
- Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 125mg
- Tramadol Hydrochloride 50mg
- Paracetamol Caplets 500mg
- Aspirin Tablet 75mg
- Sinvastatin Tablets 20mg
Additional Medicines
Temazepam 10mg
Given to help with sleep problems, is monitored by the GP as this medicine is addictive.
Buprenorphine Patch 5mcg
Increased pain relief to help with severe chest pains, monitored by the GP as this medicine is addictive.
The above list of Medicines are mainly for pain relief, allowing Mr Taylor to function with Minimal pain, although an increase in activity or missed dosages, will cause the pain to increase rapidly and cause major discomfort to Mr Taylor, this will only be relieved with rest, and minimal activity.
Side effects from medication
The above list of medication come with this list of side effects:
- Feeling sick/or being sick
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
- Wind
- Short of Breath
- Heartburn
- Rash
- Itching Eczema
- Hives
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Dry Throat
- Restlessness
- Sleep Problems
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Pins and Needles (hand and feet)
- Chest Pains
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Muscle and Joint Problems
- Increase Sweating
- Blurred Vision
- Mild Confusion
- Mood Changes
- Fatigue
- Change in Sexual Desire
How Costochondritis effects me
The pain is increased with movement and exercise, allowing only for minimal daily activates to be performed. Walking 100mtrs or climbing a single flight of stairs, requires a few minutes rest directly after this activity.Communication, becomes difficult as the increase in breathlessness occurs when talking for long periods( approx 15mins). Respiratory Physiotherapy has helped to manage the breathing.With the area of pain and tenderness being sensitive, a short journey (by Car or bus) aggravates the symptoms, as each bump in the road is felt and increasing the amount of pain.With minimal sleep at night, feeling tired during the day becomes normal, with some days, falling asleep during an activity is normal. Although falling asleep for short periods, is still not refreshing.Clinical depression is now prominent, as this illness has been ongoing since April 2003, the uncertainty of the correct diagnosis, has lead to various treatment being given and numerous tests tried, checking for problems with the heart and lungs.The uncertainty of this illness, coupled with restricted finances, eviction from the family home, and a significant drop in standard of life, have all contributed to the depression.
Medical Information SourceEMedicineHealthMayoclinic
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