I’m aiming to swim 10 miles (640 lengths) to raise awareness for Slipping Rib Syndrome (SRS), a rare and misunderstood condition that completely changed my life.

In 2023, I suddenly got debilitating rib pain which felt like knives every time

I moved or took a breath. I was also diagnosed with chronic costochondritis just to add icing to the cake (they often go hand in hand). I tried everything – physiotherapy, osteopathy, strengthening exercises, diet changes, massage therapy, many medications and intercostal steroid injections – but nothing worked.

Eventually, I was diagnosed with Slipping Rib Syndrome. For those unfamiliar, SRS occurs when the ribs become hypermobile or “slip over one another”, trapping nerves in between, pulling away from the sternum and causing intense pain with even the simplest movements. It’s rare, often missed, and has left many people isolated and without answers.

In November 2024, I had thoracic surgery to remove the unstable joints between my 6th and 7th ribs, shave my rib cartilage away and grind excess rib away. This was an experimental surgery, as are many for SRS. Whilst the surgery was a success, I faced complications – a severe post-op blood infection and hence another hurdle. Still, the outcome changed my life for the better. After 2 years of daily agony, I can now lay on my side, drive my car, walk, dance, and swim – all things I thought I’d lost forever.

I’m sharing this not for sympathy, but to raise hope and awareness. Many people suffering from SRS are still fighting for answers, often told their pain is “just in their head” and that the condition does not exist. Awareness leads to faster diagnoses, better treatments, and less suffering. There are only 3 SRS consultants in the whole of the UK.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) have just released an update to their ICD (International Classification of Diseases) - ICD-11. Slipping Rib Syndrome is now a globally recognised diagnosis. The code is FB82.Y for anyone who may resonate with this story and need help themselves.

This 10 mile swim is a physical challenge that reflects the emotional, mental, and physical endurance required to live with and recover from this condition. For me it’s empowering and the start of taking back my life. Swimming was my life pre-illness. Every stroke I take is for those still fighting, still searching for answers and still in pain.

Your donation will go towards raising awareness and supporting those affected by Slipping Rib Syndrome – whether through advocacy, support networks, the not-for-profit shop or eventually funding research and better diagnostics.

I plan to donate 1/2 to Sheffield Northern General Hospital (cardiothoracic) - for research. The remaining 1/2 will be sent to Middlesborough thoracic departments - the first people to take me seriously and help me understand the condition fully.

Thank you for reading my (long) story and for supporting a cause that means the world to me. Please consider donating and sharing – you might just change someone’s life.

I have linked resources and support groups for anyone who would like to further their own research, or thinks this condition may be something they have. You are not alone.

Ashleigh x

Links

SRS Website

UK Support Group

Worldwide Support Group