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Pain Behind Right rib-(Not underneath Rib)

Hi,
I am hoping you can help me. For approximately 6 months I have been having pain behind my right rib. (not below or underneath the rib) The pain is also in my right side and back. The pain is aggervating/uncomfortable during the day but is worse at night. It keeps me awake. Pain relievers do not help nor does a heating pad. There are times my rib gets tender and feels like it is bruised. I have had no injury in the area.
I do have IBS and Gerd. I did have an abdominal X-ray, Ultrasound, Upper GI w/ small bowel follow through, and recently a colonoscopy and EDG. I have not had my follow-up appointment yet since having the Colonoscopy and EDG but was told after the test that everyhting looking fine. There was nothing significate.  The other testing came back normal. I do take 40mg of nexium 2x a day.
The pain is really getting to me and the above testing is not giving me any answers.  I desperatly want a solution to this pain.  Can you tell me what other disorders can cause this?
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Avatar universal
Have you had your gallbadder checked?  That might be your next step if everything else came back normal.  I'm having some discomfort on my right side and well.  No major pain, but my back lower rib cage is tender as if bruised and I haven't had any trauma to that area either.  I also have pain on my lower right side like in the pelvic area, but only when I'm laying down and start touching around does it hurt and the pain radiates towards my side and back to lower rib cage.  If you get any insite on your problem please post it so I can see if it will help me any with my problems.  Good luck.
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
What else have you learned? Anymore test results?

I'm a 38 year old female who cant toss or turn over in bed from the pain under my right rib cage and across my right bicep.  Weird, they go hand & hand.  It's brutal and it occurs mostly during the middle of the night and in the morning.  It doesn't effect me during the day with movement, although it is tender to the touch.

I do have fibromyalgia so I prograstinate Dr visits till I'm bleeding for Pete's sake!  Because test results come back "normal" it's like throwing money down the drain and the "You're nuts, Lady" digs I can do without.  Quite honestly the thought of even just an ultrasound on that area would put me trough the roof with pain.  Fibro pain usually radiates, oddly this is a specifc isolated area and is has been pestering me for weeks. (very slight swelling but feels like a golfball under the rib and and a vice-grip on the bicep)

My mother had a diseased gallbladder with stones that had to be removed and non-alcohol induced cirrosis.  For me unfortunately, LOL eating has not been a problem. (oink)

Anyone, anyone?
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Hi I have read your comments and I am sorry that you all are having pain.  I also am having discomfort / pain behind the right rib area.  Yesterday I went through a series of test including CT, Ultrasound and X-ray. They also grew a culture to test my kidney and drew blood. I have had to hold my breath to turn over in bed.

Before I tell you my results I want to say that 2 weeks ago I had a colonoscopy and they did find a large polyp which was removed.  I have had a history of IBS so this procedure had been ordered.  I am a 40 yr old woman.  Ever since the colonoscopy I have had this pain.  

They found a gall stone and 2 ovarian sists but nothing that would cause this current pain and I felt a bit like I was overreacting because I am not one who frequents the doctors office.  

However, I have had 2 large bowel movements and it has made such a difference.. Do you think things are different in there now that that large polyp is gone?

I am thinking that as long as nothing is wrong internally I am just going to get on which my excercise routine and if the pain comes back I am just going to see if taking off some weight and treating my body better will help. Let me know what you think.

Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
This indeed is a popular complaint.  I have had the same thing for years.  Pain under my right rib that sometimes extends into my back.  It got especially bad about 5 years ago and, since I was sick at the same time, the doctor took my gallbladder out.  I wasn't sick after that but the pain gradually came back and it comes and goes with exercise.  Running is the worst for exacerbating it.  Just this past week I went to the doctor to mention it again and he sent me for a rib x-ray.  Turns out I have "subtle changes" of the 9th and 10th ribs as if I may have fractured them at some point?  Wouldn't you think I would know if I had fractured my ribs???  Because there is no obvious injury recently or in the past my doc is sending me for a bone scan.  I don't think he necessarily expects to find anything "bad" but it's just to try to put a little more light on the subject.  Sometimes my entire right side rib cage area just feels achy/tight and sometimes it's just in the front, sometimes it's just in the back and sometimes it's the entire area.  It's annoying.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
PEOPLE!


I had this also. It's gone now. With all due respect to western medicine, my cure came with a liver cleanse. I have never followed homopatheic medicine, never took herbs, and never took vitamins. I thought they were a huge waste of time, and possibly dangerous. I was very skeptical of anyone who discussed this stuff. Then came my gallbladder attack.

Two ultrasounds later, there are no stones, but a fatty liver. My doctor had me scheduled for an MRI, which also showed nothing except a cyst on my liver. I was in such pain, my stomach was bloated, and I felt toxic all the time. I'm 50, and I thought that I was pretty much done with my life. I even, stupidly, took a pregnancy test because those flutters felt like when I was pregnant! My husband thought I was crazy, but was damn nervous during that test...of course it was negative.

Then my friend, who is an OB/GYN, and into holistic medicine turned me onto Dr. Hulda Clarks site. I took the liver cleanse there, and amazingly enough, I improved immediately! I lost over 500 stones on my first try, 1000 stones on my second....it's absolutely amazing! I feel 25 years old. And to top that off I decided to do a parsite cleanse, and when I did that, the fluttering totally stopped. I got that from DrNatura for a product called Colonix. There is no bad feedback anywhere for this product, and it has done wonders for me. I have lost 45 pounds, my blood pressure is way down, and I no longer feel like my stomach is an alien being attached to me.

Now, I know all of you are on a traditional medical website, and I completely understand if you feel relunctant to look into this, but just do a little research. I'm so glad I did. My life is so much better, and I didn't have to lose my gallbladder to do it.

Good luck to all of you.

Ann
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
YES!!  I am amazed at how many people have this same problem!  It is like we have all been abducted by aliens and implanted with something unknown!  I have had an ultrasound and CT scan but nothing at all was found.  Gall Bladder, Liver and Pancreas are all in good order and I had my appendix out when I was young - I am now 36.  I have had this pain for over a year now.  It started as a gradual thing when I was running on the treadmill at the gym.  I used to be able to run for at least half an hour up hill and fast, now I am lucky if I get 10 mins in before the pain is so sharp that I have to stop.  It is like a really bad stitch but higher up and it lasts longer, like you have torn or damaged something and so it kind of aches after.  I can ride a bike, use the cross trainer, row etc all without the pain, but running hurts!  It is also like I can feel something inside me but you can't feel it to touch.  If I am a bit stressed I also feel it.  The only time it actually hurts is when I run, the rest of the time it is just uncomfortable and if I am sitting on the couch or lying in a certain position it sometimes feels like it is digging into me.  But the Doctors tell me they can't find anything!!!  This to me is not a good sign as I want them to find something and then do something to get rid of it so I can get back to nice long runs!  It is SOOO frustrating as I am sure you all know!  I have also developed Hives in the last 6 months which only come out at night and then are gone by morning so I can't even show Doctors this.  I was rather highly stressed when I contracted them so I guess this is how I got them but I am not sure if they are related to my other problem.  They mostly come up over my legs but I have been known to get them on my arms, stomach and bottom.  But only at night.  I thought it may be when I get hot but I get hot and sweat at the gym and don't get them but when the moon comes out, out they come!  My skin on my legs just burns!Another alien unexplained thing.......
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Sounds as if quite a few people have the same problem with the under the rib pain.  I also have that problem and have had a test revealing slow emptying of the gall bladder, but I seem to have more problems when I drink.  I am a 54 year old woman who can not get any help from my doc's they all seem to think that it is complications relating to menopause.  When I have an attack of the pain under the rib cage my whole body seems to get a feeling of having a yeast infection.  My throat get sore, I have frequent trip to the bathroom and lately I have developed pain in my back above the waist line.  I have always been a healthy person, no surgerys no sickness. I am having one of the attacks now and I guess it is another trip to the doc.
Helpful - 1
233190 tn?1278549801
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There has been a pretty comprehensive GI evaluation.  You can consider a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation to evaluate the gallbladder function.  In those with a normal ultrasound (i.e. no gallstones), a low gallbladder ejection fraction can cause RUQ pain.  

If the testing remains non-revealing, you can consider looking outside of the GI system.  This can include chest imaging looking for pulmonary causes, or going to see a physiatrist (rehabilitation MD) looking for musculoskeletal causes.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I also have this pain, I am 28 a mom of three boys, My pain started while I was pregnent My right side looks swollen all the time, I'm in so much pain 70% of the time I can barely move! The pain is becoming more and more crippling, I have had hidascans, mri's, bloodwork,tests, tests, and more tests, It feels like it's under the skin, I wish ONE doctor would just realize, I don't want the pain meds, I want to go through ONE day without crying from the pain, one full night of sleep! It has been 9 years, I have also seen a shrink, tried cymbalta, and prozac, lexapro, and paxil, My life is good I don't need attention from dr's, I wish somebody would explore, think outside the box!!! And Now I'm Losing my insurance, so all the meds I am on for this pain and the 7 herniated discs, and osteoperosis I will be losing those! Maybe my family is bettter off if I just try to ignore it all and if it gets the best of me whatever! I'm exhausted!
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, help! was started.
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Avatar universal
I have all these problems that every has mentioned EXCEPT I ALSO have a small but chronic clearing of the throat sometimes I have to cough and all the coughs usually produce a very small amount of phlegm. Anyone with all of the symptoms on this blog PLUS a phlegm producing cough?
Helpful - 0
1098768 tn?1259805814
A related discussion, pain under right rib was started.
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Lower Right Rib Cage Pain was started.
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515035 tn?1244353264
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Sharp pain under right rib was started.
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A related discussion, Under Rib Pain was started.
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Avatar universal
Well I dont know if u all got better?
I am having severe pain in right muscle/ribs over liver area and around under bust and rount to back under shoulder blade. I thought I was starting with shingles, however I AM bruised around there and I have no explaination for it! The bruising is going using Arnica, the pain is JUST controlled with paracetemol. I am itching over the area terribly and the pain then seems to radiate around from where I touch. IT IS DRIVING ME MAD, I CANNOT SLEEP, I AM EXHAUSTED (I am a long time CFS sufferer too). I suffer with anxiety sometimes and hyperventilation (because of overcompensating for my asthma) so I see I have some things in common with some of you who have posted.
Did anyone get any relief?
luv
Whitters
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi my pain started in jan 06 with a pain under my righr rib I went to my doctors and he said it was a pulled musscle, WELL after a month I went back and said that I was still getting the pain but now I was also having nausea heartburn stomach pain and pain on both sides of my ribs, I had a scan on my gallbladder and that come back normal.My pain can be so bad that i cry it been with me everyday for 5 months now it like its at the front and the back oof my ribs.IT SEEMS TO BE MORE AT THE BACK WHEN I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND IN THE DAY TIME IT AT THE FRONT AND THE BACK??? Ihave been to A&E3 times they do nothing,I have so many health problems going on I have a underactive thyroid, I have had a blood test that has come back with a high level of prolactin over (1000) this could be a tumor on the brain!! but all the doctors i see do not what to know about thie rib pain i say rib pain but it not on my ribs near my ribs whats goig on help.....Mandy
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I too can be added to the list of people who have been dealing with pains on both sides on the ribs. I have had these pains since Oct. 2005. About a year ago I thought I was having a heart attack, I had a pain in the middle of my chest that went straight thru my body to my back. I went to the emergency room and after a four hours and some tests a heart attack was ruled out. I went to the hospital two more times between July and Sept 2005 with chest pains. Both times a heart attack was ruled out. Most of my pain since last October has been on the rib cage on both sides and on my sides and back. I have had MRI's, CT's, exrays, nerve tests, blood tests, a stress test, a endoscope, a colonoscopy, and dozens of doctor visits. Every test has come up with normal results yet to this day I am dealing with this pain. I sleep only 4-5 hours a night and most of my sleeping is done in a recliner, when I sleep in bed I wake up with extreme pain on either side that I sleep on. The pain is on my rib cage but it is on my side. The pain that I experience during the day time is mostly on my lower ribs on both sides.I have also had dizzy spells, arm pain, hip pain, leg pain, adominal pain and pains in my groin area. I think the only day in the last 8 months that I woke up with out rib pain was the morning after reading all of everyones comments on how so many of you suffer from the same pain and no one has found out what is causing the pain. Besides pain being what we have in common is the fustration of not getting better. I need to add a few names in my prayers now, knowing Im not alone with problem.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Mickey.

You are not alone, I am in the same boat. Have not heard of the diaphram possibility before but have thought about that myself. I have no insurance and have a hard time getting the help I need. If you get any results please, please share with the rest of us. ***@****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I too have similar pains.  Noticed originally last October and it went away.  Came back in early April and seemed to start with constipation and abdominal discomfort.  Then led to pain under the ribs on the right side.  This pain is much worse at night when I sleep and turn over the wrong way.  Hurts many times when I twist toward the right and bend over toward the right.  Was scared all was related.  My doctor performed HIDA scan (gall bladder) and abdominal ultrasound last October and everything looked fine.  Blood test revealed slightly elevated liver function, but nothing too high.  Am concerned now about colon and other liver disorders (as well as others).  My doc seem to think the rib pain is muscular and related to my diaphragm and the intestinal issues as stress related or perhaps IBS.  I am on Wellbutrin now and Xanax.  The Xanax seems to ease the worry and relaxes me to understand this may not be fatal.  I do worry way too much and am under alot of stress.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What if we tried this:
- no drinking
- reduce fatty foods, spicy foods, nuts and seeds
- increase water intake
- try a macrobiotic diet, whole grains, fruits and vegetables
- if vigorous exercise hurts, do something more mellow. if you don't exercise, start, and do what you can
- yoga or meditation or anything relaxing for at least 10 minutes a day

it seems like the problems come from:
- diet (including alcohol)
- obesity
- long-term digestive problems like IBS, ulcers
- stress
- stress
- stress

I think a lot of us know how to take better care of ourselves and we just choose not to. I'd definitely be guilty of that. I do find that when I do yoga, stop drinking, eat well (but not too much), I generally feel ok. The lower right-side pains come on in times of stress, drinking, and physical over-exertion.

Maybe it's easier to be well than some of us think? I realize many have serious long-term health problems, and are worried. I wonder how much our worrying contributes to elusive wellness.

Just thoughts. I don't mean to oversimplify. I just think that if we're honest with ourselves, we're not doing everything we can to get well. I know that's true for me.

Blessings and good health to all,
Aleria
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Add me to the list.

Right side pain under ribs. Had my gallbladder out and it DID NOT HELP! I wasn't surprised cause all tests were NORMAL! I was way overweight when this started and REALLY stressed with my job. Now I have a lower stressed lifestyle but the pain is still there, I have lost ALOT of weight and the pain is still there. My wife has a good job and is making good money and we just bought a nice house and I am Mr. Mom. Less stress but we don't have insurance so I can't afford more tests that will show nothing. I already had ultrasound, Hida, CAT, upper endoscopy, liver panel, etc, ALL NORMAL! Then had gallbladder out with no help. I have also tried the liver cleanse by Hulda Clark and even saw a Natural Doctor that is a follower of Hulda Clark, sorry to say, no help.

Lets figure this out together. Maybe we can start a support group.

What has helped me,

Eating smaller amounts(my digestive system seems to work slowly and backs up and causes the symptoms to worsen.)

Meditation(anything that takes your mind off the pain, stress makes everything worse, and causes constipation.)

Keep physically active(It has been hard to do cause IT HURTS! But what difference does it make? You hurt either way. Physical activity keeps my bowels moving and this helps a little.)

Eat high fibre diet(Stay away from toxic food, anything processed. It is hard but we must trudge through this illness or condition.)

Don't give up!(Some days I feel like it's the end for me, it is that bad. At least we are not alone, we have found each other here.)

Call me! If anyone wants to talk more about these conditions my name and number is Ricky 601-657-4587. If you want to call me I will take your name and phone number and keep you updated when any of us has good news about their condition or finds out new info. Lets lift each other out of this dark place we have found ourselves in.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank goodness.  I've been experiencing waking at night and screaming out now for approx. 4 weeks.  Last rib on right moving left to sternum.  And it DOES feel badly bruised! One night is good, the next terrible.  Mon of this week - bad Tues - no prob Wed - cried out at 3:00...this morn (Sat.) woke at 6:00 and almost went to ER.  Called my dad about AReflux...nope!  THEN, my mom called me back and said that she'd been exp this for YEARS...and that she has cysts on her liver. Hubby says it might be arthritis sooo I'm taking Lodine until I can see MY wonderful (really) Doc June 26th. I'll be 45 June 27th, weigh 115 lbs...pilates, yoga, running, walking, lite weight training...I AM 'religious' about my workouts.  So, this is VERY frustrating to me...i'm ALREADY doing everything right! I take vitamins and extra fiber, eat whole grains, wear sunscreen even if i'm staying in the house, and etc. etc.  I'm too vain for this &:^)!  From all the recent postings, it looks like the most promising one is from Ann k. (2/26/06) liver cleansing, but I surely don't need to lose weight (my mother nags me enough) One thing that I'm concerned about is that all my grandparents dropped dead of heart attacks...65, 55, and 48!! I guess I'll need to ck that out:^(...From the combined posting, looks like there's quite a few of us and very little answers...Funny, it usually doesn't hurt so much during the day...it that not weird???
Helpful - 0

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