What is costochondritis?

Put simply, it’s the inflammation of the cartilage around the sternum and ribcage area, often caused by impact. It feels like a horrible sharp stabbing and the very first time I had it I was taken to A&E with a believed heart attack (much to the fear of my poor house mate at the time)! After an x-ray I was diagnosed with costochondritis which I am particularly susceptible to since I hit the ground so frequently from my seizures. Bit of a fun circle, but I cope with painkillers, microwaveable heat packs and deep heat.

Recently though, I’ve come across a couple of new solutions which I’ve been trying out.

The first is MCC pain slayer balm and the second is the YuYu hot water bottle.

The YUYU Bottle

The second thing I’ve been using came just this morning- a YUYU Bottle . This is essentially a high quality extra long hot water bottle which comes in a variety of textures and has a strap so you can hold the hot water bottle in place! I bought a green fleece one for £30 (including bottle and cover) and I’ve found it absolutely brilliant.

Normally when I have costochondritis I have to clutch a heated pack to my chest all day so moving about it a bit awkward. The YUYU tied neatly round my shoulder and allowed me to get about the house and my day with a constant source of heat. YUYU claim the bottle stays hot 2-8 hours depending on how cold you are and I got a good 5 out of mine today- much more than my microwaveable heat pack gives! It’s a shame they haven’t made the straps Velcro is my only issue.

Have you come across anything new which is great for pain relief? What do you tend to use?

Always great to hear new ideas!