ps - how is this bear photo attached to my post lol I definitely did not add that!

Hi,

I have suffered from costochondritis for just over a year now. The pain for me has been between my sternum and my ribs on the right hand side. I take co-codamol, paracetamol and amitriptaline (for sleeping). The pills seem to help, but I find heat works amazingly. A friend recently bought me a 'cozypak' which is a lilac (lavender scented) body cushion which you heat up in the microwave. I find draping this around my ribs or over my chest has a brilliant affect, as I have struggled previously with hot water bottles due to the pressure they put on my ribs. I would definately recommend this as well as heat packs that you get with sticky sides so you can stick it to your ribs. Mainly I would advise that you try to do as many normal things as you can manage. When I was diagnosed in September 2007 I basically did nothing due to the severe pain and hope that it would not last long. This simply made me worse as I missed out on a lot socially, people are amazingly understanding about the condition, so stay involved as much as you can. My doctors have said I am a severe case so I am sure you will start to see your condition improving soon, but take advice that is given to you, avoid upper body exercise and rest when you can. I always have a dvd on stand by incase I can't sleep, but the lavender heat pack helps me as well.

Hope this helps.

K11 xxx