Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Subject: upper left abdominal pain / inability to take a deep breath
Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic Area: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Posted by Todd on September 14, 1998 at 05:26:20:

I am male, 36, in good shape, non-smoker. I have had a persistent dull pain in my upper left abdomen, immediately below the rib cage, for more than 2 months. It is on and off, but lately the number of good days I have seems to be on the decrease. The best way I can describe the pain is that it resembles the "stitches" that runners/joggers get soon after starting their run. It sometimes radiates to the back, and causes cramping on my upper left chest. It's usually present when I wake up, and may go away in the early morning (like today, thank god!), or stay for several days. It is *always* accompanied by inability to take a deep breath. When I try, the pain stops me. I also have the sensation that I am being poked by tiny needles on my left side, over my left love handle.

I am currently taking a muscle relaxant prescribed by my doctor targeting my intestines because he thinks this might be IBS. However, my bowel movements are fine, and I do not have constipation or diarrhea. I can't really say this medication has helped me. I have had a few pain-free days since starting this medication, but I'm not sure it's because of the medication.

Earlier this year I had:
- *MAJOR* stress due to a temporary move overseas; for this I took antidepressants, for about 2 months.
- Thyroiditis; took beta blockers for about a month, and I was fine afterwards.
- A bad flu; lots of coughing; took antibiotics.
- True IBS; I had constipation and diarrhea on and off, and irregular bowel movements, where the shape of my stool was either very thin (like a string) or loose like pebbles.

For the above I had an ultrasound, MRI, and endoscopy done, and all were fine.

All of the above took place the first 6 months of this year. Then I moved, and felt better for a while, until this pain started. However, I am still under some stress, as currently things are not quite right in my life.

I am able to exercise vigorously. My appetite is great, and I am watching my weight, as I have a tendency to gain weight with this appetite. My pulse, and my blood pressure are excellent.

The pain, however, really bothers me, mostly mentally.

Not to leave anything out: I have been diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids, and had light rectal bleeding twice this year. However, I do not believe its related to my current condition.

Thanks very much in advance --

Todd



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