Finally an answer!!! (To my pain)

..Christine.. · #1 September 23rd, 2009, 05:09 PM

I saw my regular OB today and she finally gave me an answer to my pain! It's called costochondritis! Basically an inflammation of the cartilage between my breastbone and rib cage. My pain is getting worse and probably will continue to get worse. The doctor said the best thing to take for it is Motrin but I can't take that being pregnant. She told me to wrap the area in an ace bandage.....we'll see if that works.

I am also being taken off work as of 10/5 until the baby comes. She took me off because of the pain and I teach 1st grade- so it's getting harder w/ the pain. I feel better at least having a diagnosis and not just complaining about nothing!!! Even if there is nothing they can do for me!

*krista* · #2 September 23rd, 2009, 05:45 PM

I'm glad you got your answers! Is it related to your pregnancy?

Goodness, I saw your siggy a little while ago in another thread and I can't believe you are so far along already! Sorry, off topic I know. You are going to have a little girl in your arms before you know it!

..Christine.. · #3 September 23rd, 2009, 05:50 PM

yes it is completely pregnancy related! She said something about the extra estrogen being produced.

*krista* · #4 September 23rd, 2009, 06:02 PM

Oh, so that means it will go away when you have Lyla?? That's always good!

*kyle* · #5 September 23rd, 2009, 06:56 PM

I can't imagine how you're handling the daily pain. But at least you know now what it is. Hopefully the medical leave will help you deal until you can be "cured."

greeneyes · #6 September 24th, 2009, 04:57 PM

Hmm, costochondritis isn't caused just by pregnancy. I've had it since before I got pregnant with Lily and I still have it. Maybe she just meant that you experience daily pain because you are pregnant? When not pregnant, I only experience flare ups, not continual pain.

..Christine.. · #7 September 24th, 2009, 05:55 PM

my dr told me it was being caused by the extra production of estrogen because of the pregnancy.....I dont know...I'm not a doctor- I do know that I have never experienced this before being pregnant! Never and it is very painful!

LisanAndy · #8 September 25th, 2009, 03:52 AM

I'm sorry you're in so much pain but glad they you have some answers now

#9 September 25th, 2009, 04:32 AM

I'm glad they figured out what was wrong Christine!! Take care!!

Resi · #10 September 25th, 2009, 07:24 AM

Hang in there! You don't have much longer to work. It's always nice to know what is causing the pain.

freesiangel · #11 September 25th, 2009, 09:45 AM

I'm glad you finally have an answer to your pain! I am sorry for all the discomfort, though...

**Jenn** · #12 September 25th, 2009, 11:45 AM

I'm glad you finally have an answer, just sucks they can't do anything about it. Not too much longer now though!!!

Btw, love your little girl's name!

#13 September 26th, 2009, 07:18 AM

Like Kate, I had costochondritis from falling flat on my ribs. Maybe it's something you had that got worse?

greeneyes · #14 September 26th, 2009, 09:21 AM

I've never heard the estrogen theory, I'm not really sure how would works as it's caused by inflammation. My chiropractor told me my costrochondiritis was worse during pregnancy because the ribcage expands to accommodate baby (this is also why you need a bigger bra band size during pregnancy) and causes frequent flare ups of this painful condition. A chiropractor CAN help since you won't be able to take any NSAIDs. He also taught me a breathing technique for when I had a flare up, it's essentially a very deep breath that causes a soft pop in the sternum area. Do you know if your insurance would cover a chiro visit?