I do find heat soothing. At the moment its such a big area that using ice would just chill me off too quickly, and I have difficulty maintaining body temperature anyway. Ice works well for me on things like elbows and knees and SI, but I really can't bear it on my upper torso.

I'd love to be able to stand under a hot shower, but I only have a bath, and at the moment I can seldom even take advantage of that as when ribs are sore, then using my arms to get myself out of the bath becomes too difficult as well.

In some ways now I actually have a date for the rheumy I'm just focussing on that, and trying the best I can to hold out till then. I've got some holidays I could take if it came to that. Its a little less stressful than when I didn't have a date and didn't even know if I was going to be seen by him.

Know what you mean about the getting in/out of bath. Can't do it. TG I have a shower over the bath - best ever for 'comfort'.

Wish you less stress cemc.

So sorry to hear that you are suffering so badly.

I had this on the left breastbone, although before coming onto this site, had no idea what it was and was never diagnosed. It was painful enough just on a small area so cannot imagine the discomfort you must be in.

Sending healing thoughts to you and hope it eases sooner rather than later.

I hear you cemc. Hope it gets better fast!!

Cemc,
When is your Dr.s appt.? Have you had it yet. Now that they have seen some fusing in my ribs, the costo isn't as bad or doesn't hang around very long either. I use the heat because it helps the spasms that make my whole spine shake every morning. I ice with the enthesitis hits my ankle. Let us know how you are doing and what your Dr. say's. Just checking back in with you.

Thanks for thinking about me Pea. Rheumatologist isn't until the end of July - a long time yet. Am hanging in there with codeine several times a day, low starch (definitely helps), heat pads, and really messing around with my work hours (spreading four days work over five, but am allowed to do that). Also means I'm not getting out in the evenings or much at the weekend, and not getting any housework done. Am really just taking a day at a time. I am sure I am getting far worse problems thoracic spine - getting quite a lot of muscle spasm there and also with my ribs feeling like they are out of place. I do wonder if I am starting to fuse around ribs. Measured chest expansion and its half an inch maximum. Good thing I can do abdominal breathing.

Oh so sorry cemc! -Those pains are awful! I know and I feel for you so much. And there just is no relief that works real good either.

I wonder if that would show up on ultrasound btw?

(((hugs)))

Love
gilth

Thanks for the update. Sounds like you are doing what you can to be comfortable. I'm so far gone, I can't even remember what it would be like to go back to work.

My Rheumatolgist really thinks that the shaking or spasming up and down my whole spine every early morning is the Fibromyalgia reacting to the A.S. Feels like an electrical current just buzzing the heck out of my spine. I don't know if that is the same thing you are experiencing but I want it to stop!!! Ha ha, as if right?

Could be you are fusing at the ribs. That is not much lung expansion at all.

Sorry you have to wait until July my friend. Wish we all lived in one neighborhood and had golf carts to drive over and visit all of our fellow pained out A.S. family. Keep me updated until July.