Costochondritis- Celiac Symtom Check List

Wuz up bloggy buddies,

Several people have asked me what the other symptoms of Celiac are. So here they are! There's like a million of them.

Celiac Symptom Check List

Costochondritis- Symptoms and a Piggy Back

This post is a shout out to Sophie, who asked for a post where you could comment on what makes your pain worse, and compare with other costo cats.

Random: I don't know about you, but ever since I went to the marathon, I keep thinking about my journey as a marathon. This could possibly be because I don't get out much. And you know how they have water stops every few miles? And people run by and grab water and don't ever look at the water holders? I so just want to jump onto the water holder, wrap my legs around one of them, give em a jolly ol' "giddy up" and get a it's a healing party piggy back ride off the course and straight to Pizza Hut. ....hmmm...it's been a long time since you and me made out, Mr. Yummy Slice.

Back to the topic at hand:

Okay, here we go, all of the symptoms I currently have are as follows:

• Chest Pain - I know...that was a shocker to everyone
• Burning in the Chest
• Stabbing Pain in the Chest
  
• Pressure in the Chest - mostly left side
• Chest Spasms - when laying on my back
  
• Lower Back pain
• Pain in upper left stomach
• TMI alert....diarrhea, lethargic, moody after eating any food with oils (canola, sunflower, safflower)
• Acid reflux and increased burning chest pain (and wake up feeling hung over the next day) if I eat dairy, potatoes, fried food, tomatoes, or gluten- hence- I avoid.
• High Protein in my Blood
• Slow digestion-in my small intestines
• Low blood circulation
• Candida
• Numb left hand, tingling down extremities
  

Symptoms that I've had the past 3 years, but are not there as of the past month with certain changes, mostly diet changes- Holla!:

• Lethargic
• Felt like I could not get enough sleep-and then felt hung over upon waking, this stopped when I changed my diet- (insert celebration dance)
  
• Pin needles down legs and right foot
• Tightness in throat
• Bladder Infections - yeah, that was fun to admit- gag
• Ovarian Cysts
• Mid- Back pain
  
• Thyroid is sluggish - on meds.
  
• Dark circles under eyes
• Blurred Vision
• Left Facial Pain...I know...WHAT?
  
• Hot flashes
• Headaches- haven't had one in 3 weeks!
  
• Tightness in throat- feels like it closes up- and burning after eating
  
• Cramps in my Calves
• Imbalanced Hormones
  
• Bad PMS - yes, that makes for a fun week- lol- you what I'm talking about ladies!
• Low Vitamin D

What makes my chest pain worse:

• Breathing
• Talking
• Laughing
  
• Singing
• Laying on my left side
• Laying on my stomach
• Lifting anything heavier than a pen
• Exercising
• Coughing
• After eating Canola, Sunflower, and Safflower oil
• After eating potato based food
• After eating tomato's
• After eating gluten
• Jumping, moving in general
• If anyone touches me
• Caffeine
  
• Sitting up
• Sitting for long periods of time
• Driving
• Shaving my legs -)
• Bending over in general - keep your mind out of the gutter people! (insert chuckle)

What makes my Pain Better after all this Guinea Pigging

• Sleeping on my Back
• Walking daily, light stretching
  
• Avoiding Gluten, Potato, Oil, dairy, fried foods, and Tomatoes
  
• Skilled Relaxation Exercises, prayer, meditation, reading the Word, everything that calms me down
  
• Sauna
• Not lifting anything, zilch, nada
• Staying as quiet as I can
• Medical Massage Therapy
• Watching totally cliche chick flicks
  

My worst pain with all kinds of hospital trips was about 10 months ago when I was touring and singing, lifting all my bags on and off the tour bus everyday, my mom had cancer, and I was doing the Mediterranean diet - lots of bread an oils. So that's what my rap sheet looks like. If you feel like sharing your symptoms and what makes it worse, feel free and thanks in advance for dropping a line in the comment section, where it's always a party. I didn't say a good one, with like cake and a pinata of giant, inflamed ribs....haha...okay...I just made myself laugh. I better go now.

-)
Lucy

Costochondritis- Hurts Worse at Night

Alright my fellow costo buddies. If you are wondering: is a symptom of Costochondritis that your pain is worse at night or is your pain is worse later in the day? You hit the nail on the head. As you move about your day, sit for long periods of time or pick objects or adorable little children, the inflammation will increase as the day goes on, irritaing your Costochondritis further. Our Costo feels better in the morning because the body has the time to recover a little bit and fight some the inflammation.

What do we do about this? I know we all handle this condition differently and I respect that. The way I'm dealing with this particular symptom of Costo is to take a look at the choices made throughout the day, trying not to pay a higher price at night. Eek!

If your Costochondritis hurts worse in the morning, read the comments below- you are not alone! From what I understand, some people have more pain in the morning due the way they sleep at night. Double Eek!

Costochondritis- Stress, Anxiety, and Fear

If you're new to Costo and wondering if emotional stress, fear, anxiety, tension, worry, apprehension, or being nervous can cause an increase of pain in your costochondritis, you are spot on. You are not crazy or mental. =) You just have a cruddy condition called Costochondritis...which in turn can make you mental. lol.

I wish during the 2 years when I didn't know my diagnoses, someone would have not only diagnosed me, but told me how painful, yet non fatal this condition is.

Here's the cycle: constant pain in your chest....then Stress hits, Pain in the Chest doubles where the heart is, Trouble Breathing, Panic, THEN More Stress, More Intense Pain, More trouble breathing, More Panic...and the cycle goes on and on until it elevates and you end up in the emergency room. Most of us have been there multiple times and can attest to this traumatic cycle that can run your life into the ground.

These cycles can cause panic attacks, depression, and a lot of doubt about your health and sound mind.

Why does stress induce more pain with costochondritis?

When your body thinks it's in danger (real or imaginary), it begins to spring into action. It prepares the body to respond to the danger and protect you. So when you began to get stressed about anything in your daily life, these are just a few of the things that occur:

• Your body begans to brace itself in preparation for defending you

• Muscle tension increases to prepare for action
  

• Breathing gets shallow and faster to supply more oxygen to the muscles and body tissue

• Heart rate increases and heart increases its strength of contraction to pump more blood

So if you are stressed, your body begins to prepare to fight...everything gets tense, ready for battle. And since we know that bracing from lifting precious kiddos, talking, lifting weights, or singing can cause pain. Stress is in the same boat.

Stress = bracing = More Pain in Costochondritis.

So What do I do about it? My life is crazy, I can't cut down on stress!

I'm not going to tell you what to do. You have to make your own decisions. I personally have really stepped out of my professional and personal life this year. It's been extremely challenging and honestly- sad. But I'm dedicating this year to doing everything I can to heal. This means reducing stress in every way. As much of it as I can. My hubby supports me fully. So my life revolves around preventing my body from bracing in any way.

So take some time to really contemplate what you can do in your own life to reduce the stress induced cycle. Big or Small. It will help. Also, adding in skilled relaxation is a great tool. You can check out more about it HERE.

So when you start the cycle of stress, pain, difficulty breathing, panic....stop yourself. Don't give your control over to the panic. Tell yourself that you have Costo. Tell yourself that you are okay. Tell yourself that's it's inflammation. Tell yourself that you are safe. You have to find that trigger that calms you down. It's a must with this condition. My trigger is simply, "You are just inflammation." Sounds corny, but it's what I use. Then I place my hand where it hurts the most to calm myself down, and go through my body and relax each and every muscle while listening to music that relaxes me.

It's time to stop the cycle. I pray as you read this, you will find a way to reduce the stress in your life. It took me being in so much pain, I couldn't even smile when my hubby walked through the door just to tell me how much he loved me. This condition has seeped into every aspect of my life. And I know it's done the same to you. And for that, may I say I am so sorry. I am so sorry.

I use to think I was indivisible to stress. It never really bothered me. I know now that was a load of stinky horse manure. We can't change where we've been, but we can contribute to where we're going....

To panic, or not to panic....that is the question.

Costochondritis- Pain when Laying Down

So you've have a crazy day...you're in lots of pain...and you think to yourself...."I just want to lay down and hide from the world!" You run into your house, throw your stuff down, and gently lay down on the bed. Sigh. Then Relief.

Just when the stress begins to melt away- BAM...the stabbing and pressure attacks you with the vigor of a tiger to a wide eyed Bambi. EWWW!!! That right, I said that. So....OUCH! You sit up, wig out...and start thinking "WHAAAaaaat???????"

So to everyone who's wondering, "can my costochondritis hurt worse when I'm just lying down?" The answer is "yes!" You are not crazy or imagining things. It's a very normal symptom of Costochondritis. Put a bunch of pillows behind you and rest at a 45 degree angle, you'll be much more comfy. For sleeping tips, click here.

So why does it hurt when you lay down on your back? I have no medical clue. Something about gravity, I think, or just something called plain RUDE. Yup, Costo, you are RUDE! ...hmph...and annoying...and no fun at parties. Ever.

Costochondritis- And Caffeine

I don't know about you. But I love Diet Dr. Pepper. If you are thinking..."you can't love a Diet Dr. Pepper, Lucy. That's silly!" I say to you, "why yes, my friend, you can. I LOVE Diet Dr. Pepper. I am exhibit A." I love the stuff. It is usually glued my person, so to speak. We have been in a disfunctional relationship for years.

But here's the problems. Caffeine exasperates the problem of costochondritis. How does it do that? I have no clue. =) But somehow it encourages us to "brace" more in our ribs and thus, causes more pain.

So I went off Diet Dr. Pepper on Sunday...I'm on day 4 of my trial run. Does my pain feel any better? Nope. Nada. No way. Still there, about the same and holding.

But I do know that it's good for the body to be off diet drinks or sodas in general. I'm sleeping better and that's a plus. I'm really into getting my body all the vitamins, minerals, calcium, fruits and veggies it needs. I just want to give it the best opportunity to heal, ya know? So if diet drinks strip the body of the vitamins and minerals it needs, my verdict is that I'll stay away from the yummy stuff that is oh so bad for me. I'm trading them in for green tea.

So Diet Dr. Pepper, I am breaking up with you. Our long term steamy relationship is through. Over. Done. Finished. (insert sad country song here).

Costochondritis- And the Cold

Does the cold weather affect costochondritis? YES! When we get cold, we "brace"- a big no no for Costo sufferers.

So if you've just struggled through a cold day and are wondering if it affects your Costo, you are not crazy or making things up.

So what to do about it?

1) Layers!!
2) Hand warmers in your bra or your shirt around the ribs
3) Get in the hot tub or sauna often to thaw out and increase your circulation
4) Breathe...sounds simple, but really focus on breathing deeply (don't hold your breathe)
5) Move to Mexico. =)

Hugs to everyone! Stay warm this winter!

Costochondritis- Blame the Underwire Bra?

If you are having pain in your chest/ribs due to the underwire bra you wear and you're wondering if you have Costochondritis...check out the symptoms post for more info. But yes, pain from wearing a bra in your front ribs under the breasts is a road sign of Costo. However, if that's your only sign, that's great!! Get diagnosed, get a different bra and don't lift heavy objects for a while and you may be good to go soon!

For those already diagnosed....We all know that wearing a bra is no bueno. The following article is tedious and a bit wordy, but helpful in explaining the details of Costochondritis. It's written by David S. Klein. He claims the under wire bra is responsible for some cases of Costo. Are you still wearing one?

"In our well recognized spare time, it pays tremendous dividends for the practitioner to re-examine the anatomy of the skeletal chest wall. This anatomic review reveals a complicated matrix of joints, some are bone to bone, others are bone to cartilage, and some are cartilage to cartilage. Each of these joints can be jammed, jolted or otherwise damaged with physical activity, coughing or external trauma. Review of the anatomy demonstrates the predominance of bone-cartilage joints in the anterior thorax, in the area surrounding the heart. Cartilage-cartilage joints form the inferior costal margin, over the viscera. Injured with forced extension of the arm, these joints can be injured with blunt trauma to the chest, they are vulnerable with motor-vehicle mishaps, and they are vulnerable to injuries sustained with lifting, slips, and falls.

The joints of the rib cage are innervated by branches of the anterior cutaneous branches of the Intercostal Nerves, the lateral cutaneous branches of the Intercostal Nerves as well as through autonomic nerves that accompany the many vascular elements within the area.

Careful physical examination will nearly always demonstrate which of these joints in the anterior chest wall has become damaged or dysfunctional, resulting in the complaint of chest pain.

Symptoms of inflammation of the costochondral joints include pain in the anterior chest and arm, aching under the breast, feeling ‘as if it were a heart attack.’ This pain is autonomically modulated. The stabbing, intermittent, knife-like pain is usually somatically modulated. It is common for the patient to be unable to assist in the precise location of the pathology.

The precise symptoms will differ significantly due to the factors that impart physical stress or move the joint, and the symptoms are different due to the peculiar innervation of these joints. When these joints are damaged, they become inflamed, as expected in any joint present in the body. When damaged, the resulting pain is modulated partly through the Intercostal Nerves, but also through the Autonomic Nervous System, resulting in referred pain patterns that can be similar or identical to cardiogenic pathology. This is the obvious clinical challenge. Because the innervation of these joints is largely autonomic in nature, symptoms are most often vague, dull and aching in nature.

More and more common in clinical practice women are presenting with self-inflicted Costochondritis. Unwise clothing options can damage these delicate joints, as well as damage the nerve fibers that innervate the joints. Under-wire bras are often to blame. Once used chiefly by large women, this type of garment is now much more commonly encountered in the general female population." -David S. Klein

I know the bra didn't cause my costo. But it really ticks it off, so I abstain.

However, If you are looking for a bra to wear with Costochondritis due to the pain you feel in your chest- you can check out a few options HERE.

Costochondritis- Most Common Symptoms

• Pain is characterized by tenderness in the places where ribs attach to the breastbone.
• Sharp Pain
• Pain can extend to the shoulder and back (after 3 months of Costo, my shoulder and back starting hurting)
• Pain when sitting for long periods of time like at a computer or driving
  
• Dull, gnawing, constant pain
• Pain worse when eating large meals.
  
• Pain worse when eating fried foods, especially night shade foods. EX: Tomatoes, white potato based foods
  
• Any of the 7 costo-chondral junctions may be affected
• More than 1 area of the ribs are affected in 90% of cases
• It occurs most often on the left side of your breastbone, though it can occur on either side
• It may radiate pain to the back, shoulder or abdomen.
• The most common site of pain is fourth, fifth, and sixth rib
• Pain increases as you move your trunk
• Pain with deep breaths or in some cases, all breathes
• Stabbing
• Can simulate the pain of a heart attack
• Tightness
• Burning
• Severe cases- Unable to even pick up a pen without pain
• Pain with lifting, pushing, pulling, sneezing, coughing, long hours of driving or using the computer, repetitive motions and caffeine
• Cold, rainy and humid weather also make it worse
• Discomfort wearing a bra
• Pain worse during stress
  

The Rib Cage- pain at the sternum- ouch! My pain in ribs 1-7 from the sternum to my back in my left side. Fun. =)