I have had costochondritis for 6 years. I have good days and bad days. I found hot water bottles helped in the beginning but I am now on regular painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to ease the pain and get on with day-to-day activities.

I had a triple by-pass May 2005. Since then had severe chest pains, but not angina. I am a treadmill expert along with ECGs etc. I had another angiogram and confirmed all bypass grafts as OK.

Costochondritis (CCD).I am sure I was injured working out on chest exercise equipment at my gym. I was bench pressing a barbell and actually heard a snap. The subsequent pain that followed was severe and sharp. At the outset I thought I was having my third heart attack. My doctor examined me and determined I have (CCD). I have been on Norco, a very strong pain killer for herniated discs in my back. I get no relief from any medication. The pain returns whenever I stretch or reach, I can't push or even put on my socks. I will try heat. I have had CCD for three weeks, no improvement. I cannot exercise at this time. This pain is sharper than the pains I had with my heart attacks they only last a few seconds but oh the pain.

I was recently diagnosed with costochondritis. The pain is in the center of my chest and radiates under my left breast-directly over my heart. I was tested for heart problems, given a cat scan, upper GI and X-rays to rule out other problems. I was sent to physical therapy for 8 sessions and given ultrasound and manual therapy-which was a waste of time and money. I am using ibuprofen for the swelling. I have also found that chiropractic has helped me greatly. My chiropractor is using LLT (cold laser therapy) on the area and it has helped tremendously. I am also scheduling massage every other week which not only helps with the affected area but alleviates stress in the other areas of my body that are fatigued from the pain and stress. Things were beginning to get better until I got an upper respiratory infection that has set me back almost completely. I am not looking forward to 30 more years of this.

I was diagnosed four days ago and didn't really give it a second thought until today, when I realized that this could potentially affect my future. I'm a dancer, and when the pains in my chest get severe, I cannot participate. Sleeping on my back helps, as well as drinking water. I've had the symptoms for over a year but the pains never lasted over a couple hours. Last week, however, they lasted for about 13 hours. This is when I finally went to the doctor and was diagnosed. My dad has arthritis in his hand, and my brother shows symptoms as well, however not as detrimental as mine. I'm still not sure if I will have this for the rest of my life, or if it will go away.

I was driving when suddenly I was overcome with severe chest pain. I drove to the police station as it was closer and was taken to the hospital where upon realizing the extent of pain I was having, the doctors there informed me of costochondritis after several tests were done.

I am 58 years old and had a quadruple bypass three years ago. For two years now i have had these chest pains that haven t been too bad. Last year my cardiologist gave me a stress test and all returned fine. Last week I spent two days in hospital for severe chest pains that doubled me over. All tests came back negative for heart problems. Today i went to my GP and she diagnosed me with costochondritis.

I just recently returned home from a 48 hr. stay in the hospital having a complete cardio work-up (EKGs, echocardiogram, stress tests and several blood panels). My whole experience started at work in the late morning when I started experiencing extremely sharp, rapid firing pains in the center of my upper chest. I thought for sure I was having a heart attack! I was taken to an urgent care facility by my co-worker where I remained for about 5 hours until it was recommended I be admitted to the hospital for further observation. After finding out that my heart was normal I was released from the hospital. It was the follow-up visit I had the next day with my general physician that the Costochondritis was diagnosed. She was probing each joint along the breastbone when she hit one that just about shot me off the exam table!! I now wear a Lidocaine patch during the day and take an anti-inflammatory med if needed.