I have had this for 20+ yrs. It definitely can be unbearable when it flares up. Mine started in college by carrying a heavy backpack. It is on both sides of the upper chest and lower right side. It varies from a dull-moderate ache to a sharp stabbing pain. The stabbing pain kind of feels like I was stabbed with a pencil or arrow and it was left in place. The aches feel similar to that of a mildly sprained ankle. Aches when not doing anything, then increases when I lift/carry things or clean the house. I hope this helps. It's not fun dealing with it, but can be managed once you figure out what triggers it. For me, it's usually carrying a purse or backpack, and cleaning that triggers a flare-up.

Yes, I ended up in A&E with it in August as it was new to me. They recommended I take ibuprofen and try to ignore it. Now it comes and goes, where it was near constant before. I have issues with my heart as well, and I don't know at what point I should seek help anymore.. 🤦‍♀️

I have recurring Costochondritis with my ME and Fibro too! I’ve been to hospital a few times with it as it’s so hard to know when chest pain is very serious. I normally find if you can reproduce the pain my pressing along your breast bone (centre of your chest where your ribs meet) it’s likely Costochondritis! Anti-inflammatory drugs help mine subside when it’s really bad but sometimes it goes away on its own with time. I’d definitely check with your doctors for peace of mind though 😊

Me too, I was told if it ever gets too uncomftable tho go to a&e cause somtimes may just need help reducing inflammation abit

My chiropractor is really helpful at getting me through costochondritis flares. My ribs like to slip out of place, and I often can't re-locate them on my own. They also like to get stuck in place- not "opening" when I try to breathe. So I can't breathe, but my lungs are fine- there just isn't any room for them to inflate. It is unbearably painful, and makes it so hard to breathe. Certain stretches help sometimes. One I like to do child's pose, with my legs spread apart and a few pillows stacked under my body to support me (so I dont have to use energy to stay propped up), while gravity pushes my shoulders forward & ribs apart. My medical cptsd is far too bad for me to go to the ER/A&E unless I am literally dying. So as long as my vitals are stable, I suffer through it at home or with the help of my chiropractor