New condition as a result of my RA/RD (Rheumatoid Arthritis/Rheumatoid Disease) "Costochondritis". Inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. This is an area where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone, an area know as the costosternal joint or middle rib area on either side of the breastbone. Pain radiates to the back and or the abdomen and may get worse when moving, stretching or breathe deeply. Healthline-Costochondritis
My rheumy wants me to take a stronger form of prednisone called Methylprednisolone 4mg Dospak 21s however I will not take this because of the side effects and the fact that I went off the prednisone for awhile because I am gaining weight, something I do not need. So I will continue taking my pain meds and muscle relaxers to help and do what I can when I can.
The thing that worries me about this is the pain is similar to the pain of heart disease, GI problems and osteoarthritis. I have all these conditions as well and there is no test for costochondritis. It's a coin toss, do you go to ER and it's nothing serious or do you self treat and pray that it's nothing serious. The bad thing about going to the ER is I get treated like a hypochondriac or drug seeker which is ridiculous because I have drugs at home, prescribed of course.
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