Eileen
I've had this for 40+ years and the episodes have declined in frequency and intensity. I was also undiagnosed for many years and now, since I take an antiinflammatory for Rheumatoid Arthritis, it likely camouflages the symptoms of the ailment, that is until it really flares and then there's no mistaking it for what it is. You could try a stronger anti-inflammatory, but if you have it within your control, I would not alter anything. I've heard nothing, nor read anything that would indicate any 'damage' to the chest or ribs. I only hope I'm never in the throws of a heart attack during a heightened episode of Costochondritis because the symptoms are similar, this according to people who have had myocardioinfarctions. Is there any way of telling if it's Costo or a heart attack? Thanks. Good Luck, and really, don't move anything or pick up anything that you can get someone else to do for you. The resulting pain and disablity isn't worth it, that I've found out.