Vicks Vaporub is excellent for Costeochrondiritis and other painful areas on the body too. I go through a lot of jars of it but it does help - a LOT!

Having worked in the ER, women sometimes have different symptoms when having a heart attack. Often you experience pressure, (like someone sitting on your chest), also sweating at the same time that isn’t related to the temperature in the room or a fever. Pain in your back, usually between your shoulder blades, sometimes shortness of breath, color is a pasty or gray. You feel an impending doom (anxiety), sometimes nausea, sometimes pain in your left arm radiating to your left jaw, or neck pain. I would err on the side of going to the ER during this type of episode. More women than men have complications because they wait, or don’t go in.

If your pain/pressure is gone you can see your PCP, and they can do an EKG. Most damage will show up, and get them moving in the right direction.

It’s hard to know because many of the symptoms mimic Fibro, anxiety attack, or the Costochondritis that has been presented. I would say, go to the ER if you are having a severe episode, and rule out a heart attack, especially if you are over 55.

Good luck! Such great advice from everyone.

Lisa

The last week and a half has been my costochondritis journey. It has given me my very own cardiologist, an unplanned trip to the emergency room and multiple diagnostic tests for my heart. This was my second bout of costochondritis. For the first I was absolutely convinced my fibromyalgia played a role, but I hadn’t found this site and I didn’t have the vocabulary. The second bout was far worse, I woke with severe shoulder pain in addition to chest and back pain. And diabetes puts me at higher risk. It was worth sorting out, good to know for sure not a heart attack. 🙏🦋🙏🦋🙏🦋🙏

I have had this.. went to Er twice and both times heart was fine. I get this also with palps. I would have dr check this out, because not everything is Fibro related. It seems many people with Fibro get this. It could be anxiety or it could be costochronditis. Symptoms are similar to many things. But it’s best to have checked, so you know. It’s scarey I know, I have learned to try and stay calm and breath. 🦋💜🦋, Love Deb

Nadine.. just keep in mind the importance of talking with Dr, because as I said, not everything is Fibro related. It could be simply anxiety. I was not diagnosed with costochronditis.. but it was relief to know my heart is fine. Also, it’s not silly, your reaction was quite normal, it’s scarey. I was so relieved when I was told heart is fine after tests. I have learned after these years to try and stay calm and just breath. My hubby helps tremendously to calm me💗. He’s my rock 😊! Also.. if you have dr do heart tests you will be less stressed & nervous about it. It’s important😊. Again, don’t assume everything is Fibro related. Sending you hugs💜🦋💜🦋, love Deb