Yes, I’ll bet you did a second take at the title of this blog entry and you’re probably thinking ‘What the hell’s that????’
Until four days ago, I didn’t know what it was either. On Sunday, I self-diagnosed myself with this medical condition after some online research using the symptoms I observed on myself. A visit to the doctor on Monday confirmed my self-diagnosis.
So what happened? Last Friday evening I started feeling a dull pain running from my left shoulder, down my shoulder blade and then round the chest. I thought, OK, maybe it’ll go away the next day. Saturday morning, the pain didn’t go away but I thought I was well enough to go on a hike that was to go round Chi Ma Wan Peninsula in the south of Lantau Island. A quarter-way into the hike I started experiencing chest pains and a shortness of breath as I was going uphill. At that point, I decided to turn back as I still wasn’t too far from the starting point. I was afraid that I’d faint and have to be airlifted from the bushes by helicopter if I decided to continue! Thankfully I had the good sense to turn back and get back to civilisation sooner than later.
Anyway, costochondritis is chest pain caused by the inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the sternum (aka breast bone). It usually involves only one side of the sternum and it tends to be the left side. Apparently it tends to affect more females than males – oh, the injustices of the world! Costochondritis can be caused by virus or bacterial infection or it can be caused by repetitive microtrauma to the cartilage. In my case, it’s most likely all the paddling I’ve been doing over the years and also the lifting of weights etc.
The condition is making it difficult for me to breathe without feeling pain. Taking deep breaths, yawning and laughing have become painful actions. There is no treatment for this condition except to just wait it out and let the body heal itself. All forms of physically strenuous activities are a no-no at the moment as that would mean having to take deep breaths, which would in turn impede recovery. Recovery time can be anything from days to months. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery as I’m bored shitless what with not being able to hike, run and paddle.
I don’t know what to do with myself without sports!!!