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UC and Chest Wall Inflammation

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Posted 9/16/2023 5:48 AM (GMT -8)
I have been suffering with intermittent discomfort in my chest for quite a long time. It all started about the same time I was diagnosed with UC. I've gone to my Dr about this several times and he sends me for heart tests which always come back with no heart issues. I'm very grateful for that. But he's stumped by my chest pain.

The pain is sometimes aggravated by drinking too much caffeine. But that is not always the case. I know that UC can affect areas in the body outside of the colon. I am wondering if this chest discomfort is related to UC. I'm getting very weary of this, as it affects every aspect of my life.

My UC seems to be doing fairly well but it sometimes fools me. Has anyone else on this fantastic forum had anything similar to chest discomfort with UC?

Post Edited (BumTum) : 9/16/2023 8:36:37 AM (GMT-8)

Posted 9/16/2023 9:22 AM (GMT -8)
Have you had a CT or MRI of your chest?
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Posted 9/16/2023 9:33 AM (GMT -8)
My first thought is it could be costochondritis. When you have this pain what do you normally do to try & relieve the pain?
Posted 9/18/2023 11:14 AM (GMT -8)
I saw a mesalamine package insert that listed chest pain and shortness of breath as a rare side effect,
Posted 9/23/2023 2:09 AM (GMT -8)
A few years ago, I dealt with chest pain and a terrible cough for over a year. I saw a pulmonologist, consulted with my GI and PCP, and I finally got a chest CT. In the end it was a motility problem with my esophagus and also acid reflux. Getting the chest CT was key to starting the diagnosis. For me, coffee aggravated the cough. I resolved the problem by changing my diet and taking acid reflux meds for a bit. I share all of this because you mentioned that caffeine aggravates your pain. For me, the cough and pain were terrible, and it took a while to sort it all out. I wanted to share my story in case it helped you. Hope you you feel better soon!
Posted 9/30/2023 1:08 AM (GMT -8)
I thought the same as Straydog - it could be costochondritis. I've had it in the past, and resolved it by correcting a severe vitamin D deficiency.

Alternatively, if it persists, it could be a sign of ankylosing spondylitis. AS and UC run heavily in my family.

Personally, when I have a UC flare up I tend to get inflammation in joints as well. I've had sacroiliitis in the past (the striations can be picked up on MRI).

I'd suggest you talk to your medical team about a vitamin D test, and MRI scan if the pain persists.
Posted 9/30/2023 4:26 AM (GMT -8)
I second the reflux possibility. Some UC meds can have this as a side effect. Reflux and heartburn can have really obscure symptoms. For example, if I don't take gaviscon prior to sleeping at night then I sometimes get woken up by the feeling like I'm suffocating and feel disoriented and panicky. Then I feel a slight burn at the back of my throat, sometimes none at all.
Also, at your next colonoscopy it would be good to add a gastroscopy, if you haven't had a recent one already.
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