Costochondritis is scary!
As if the pain alone from costochondritis was not bad enough, it induces major anxiety, which eventually leads to a panic attack.
It's challenging to try to manage these symptoms no matter how often they occur. Doctors like to say things like "you have been here before and it will be okay." While that may in fact be true, it doesn't take away from what you have to experience and what your body goes through each time you have a flare-up.
What does costochondritis feel like?
Imagine an elephant sitting on your chest, sometimes for minutes, sometimes for hours, sometimes for days. Then imagine random stabbing pain in the center of your chest. It takes your mind to "I am having a heart attack" immediately and honestly, I am not sure I would be able to tell the difference.
Both of my parents have heart disease, and my mother suffered a major heart attack in her early sixties which resulted in triple by-pass surgery. Given my family history, I am constantly a nervous wreck about my heart because it plays tricks on me all the time. My heart will start racing suddenly for no reason at all, because we all know I am not out there doing any cardio. I have extra beats that are very prominent, which are also scary because sometimes it feels like my heart is beating out of my chest.
I have undergone a few cardiac workups and have completed three separate halter monitor tests. The most recent halter monitor was just completed and picked up on the symptoms I noted above. The cardiologist said everything is fine with my heart and the testing gave her an explanation for the symptoms I was discussing with her. She assured me that even though I can feel these, and it doesn't necessarily feel right, it is benign and not to worry. I will note that she mentioned some supplements can give these symptoms as well, which I found to be intriguing.
I believe costochondritis to be related to inflammation and some of us feel it more than others in certain parts of our bodies.
If you or someone you know is having these symptoms, I encourage you to consult with your doctor for a cardiac workup and appropriate diagnosis. it is never wise to ignore symptoms like these or brush them off as costochondritis when they could in fact be something more serious.
I always tell people if something changes or you are experiencing what you believe to be a medical emergency, ALWAYS see a doctor!
The information shared on this page is for informational purposes only, it is my opinion and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your medical provider for medical advice and before starting any new treatment.
