Pain in stomach under left rib cage

[gbryan]

I am a 35 yr. old male in good health with no prior medical problems other than acid reflux about a year ago.  I have been experiencing mild to stronger pain in the fatty area under the left rib cage for about a month.  I have had some pain on and off in that area for about 1 1/2 years but never severe enough to get too concerned.  In that time period, I have had a colonoscopy and and upper endocsopy, neither of which revealed anything problematic. The pain and general discomfort has become more constant in the past month and I have also noticed mild left kidney pain in the last few days.  I went to a GI dr. and he did not believe there was cause for concern and prescribed Prevacid in case it was related to reflux.  The prevacid has not really helped.  In the last several weeks, I have also developed rashes (unrelated to the timing of meals) that appear and disappear in a matter of 30 minutes or so.  Not sure if this is related to the pains on the left side but the combination of all of this suggests to me that my body is telling me that something is wrong.  I have researched on the Internet and these are common symptoms for diverticulitis or even kidney disease but there are other common symptoms of these that I do not have.  I am going to another dr. next week but thought others may have some thoughts/suggestions.

[hayhook]

A related discussion, pain under left rib cage was started.

[tonitee11]

A related discussion, pain was started.

[Namron]

About a year ago in April, I had my first ever bout with a kidney stone. Woke up at two in the morning with bad pains in my left abdomen. Long story short, it was a kidney stone, a small one but nonetheless. Over the past year since then, I have had intermittent pain coming from that same area. It feels like a small balloon filled with liquid. I went and had a full lab (blood work) done last fall and it all came back fine. I went in last week for a semi annual check up with my doctor at the VA and told the doctor about this pain that I have been having since last April, off and on. I also asked if we could have a full blood work done again just to follow up and see what might be up, if anything. That was done and the doctor called me that evening, (last Thursday) and informed me that I have a HIGH RED BLOOD CELL COUNT. Since then, I went in for another blood draw in my wrist to check for blood gases. (Oxygen level and such).
The doctor wants me to go in for another test tomorrow, something to do with hemoglobin...not sure what. Then, the doctor also wants me to go in this weekend for a CT scan. I have done some research on the net and found only one thing, which comes close to the description of what I might have and that, is,
Polycythemia. I have been having short bouts of light-headedness, but not very often. My abdomen is somewhat blotted and I feel somewhat like I am about to catch a flu usually at around four o'clock each afternoon for about the past week and a half or so. Other that those things, I feel normal and fine.
Very curious as to what it might be that I am afflicted with. Any thoughts on the matter?       Thank you.

[annieR]

Similar symptoms as you have.
Started about a year ago...upper left quadrant pressure/fullness/discomfort which I described to my doctor as a golf ball lodged between my lower ribcage and the intestines. Things that increase the discomfort: elastic around waist, bending over, going around a curve when driving, sitting (standing is more comfortable), playing tug with my dog, lifting, and eating. A lot of belching follows eating and even drinking water! I am about 50 pounds overweight, work all day and spend hours on the computer. I get very little exercise of the right kind. I have had colonoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound of liver, pancreas and gallbladder, plus lab work - all normal.
Tomorrow will be second CT scan in 1 year...first was clear. On April 1 I have an appointment with a doctor who practices  integrative medicine. He will have all my previous records so I hope to have new information soon. Good luck and please keep your findings posted.

[cagoulet]

Have you been checked for gall stones? sounds like a classic attack to me...

[Kevin Pho, MD]

With the upper and lower endoscopy being normal, this excludes various causes - including polyps, inflammation, ulcers or masses.

I would consider a CT scan to evaluate the spleen and pancreas.  Pancreatic enzyme tests can also be considered for evaluation.  Another test to consider would be a 24-hr pH study - which is the most comprehensive test looking for GERD.  

The CT scan would also look for diverticulitis.  Regarding kidney disease, blood tests can be done to evaluate kidney function, and a kidney ultrasound can be ordered to evaluate the anatomy of the kidney.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

It might be time for an abdominal CT scan, and some blood work. Diverticulitis is possible, but not common at your age. Pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems are among the possibilities.