Dr thinks the chest tightness and pain when side-lying is due to the dreaded costochondritis, although a new manifestation for me. Says I have a slight allergic rhinitis responsible for the sensation of needing to clear my throat. Maybe that's the culprit behind worsening swallowing problems lately, or maybe I just haven't been paying enough attention when I eat and drink, mistakenly acting like a regular ol' human bean.

Did get X-rays done and a scrip for the Chantrix (sp) starter pack, the new sto-smoking med that's getting lots of poitive attention. If we can get this case settled in the next month or so I'll have kicked the habit before my next birthday in October. I'll be 46 - started smoking at age 14 my freshman year of HS. My Dad smoked, and of course it was much more COOL in the 60's and 70's - my parents split when I was 12, and I think I partly started as a way to share something with my Dad, keep a part of him with me.

Now, you might think I'd learn something when he had a heart attack at 50 - he's fine, Drs have been amazed at his recovery - but it's only males with heart problems in our family, my blood pressure and cholesterol are great, and my heart checked out fine when I went through testing for the ketamine treatment. Besides, I'm not 50 yet, right?? Addiction - just another name for chemical stupidity.

I'm starting on an anti-inflammatory for the costochondritis, a new one to me, Etodolac 500 mg 1 tablet twice daily. Anyone familiar with it? Big blue boy - hope I don't choke taking it!!!

beth