I started suffering from chest wall and upper back pain several weeks ago. I thought I sprained myself working on my biceps and triceps at the gym. I tried to deal with it by taking over-the-counter medicine. My General Practioner prescribed pain patches, which did little for my pain.

When my chest became inflamed and my breathing became a problem, I realized something else was going on. I felt I had costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone, causing sharp chest pain that often worsens with deep breaths, movements, or pressure.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which I have had for over twenty years, can cause costochondritis when the systemic, autoimmune inflammation characteristics of RA target the cartilage and joints where your ribs meet your breastbone.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joint(synovium). It causes painful swelling, warmth, and stiffness-often symmetrical on both sides of the body-and can lead to bone erosion and joint deformities if left untreated.

My having costochondritis is nothing new. It is not a chronic condition; however, there were times early in my illness when I had costochondritis for several months. My prior rheumatologist once called it RA in my chest wall. It is very painful, especially when my breathing becomes an issue.

So when my breathing became labored and the chest pain became worse in the third week, I called my rheumatologist, and she prescribed a tapered-down dose of prednisone. The prednisone helped immediately with my breathing but did little for my back pain.

I made an appointment with my General Practitioner yesterday morning. I had an EKG, which was great! When she examined me, my chest was very tender and painful, especially when she pressed down directly on it. Yes, that was indeed painful!. But, as painful as it was, the reproduction of pain was one symptom of costochondritis.

We talked after she examined me, and she decided that it was more than likely costochondritis. I trusted her; she has been my GP for almost 15 years, and she’s been with me on my health journey. She told me to continue to rest, of course stay hydrated, take my prednisone as prescribed, and absolutely, get an X-ray, which I will be getting today.

This morning, I feel a little better, which is why I can write this blog. Continue to keep me in your prayers as y’all are in mine, and

Until the Next Blog, Be Blessed