Dull, Aching Pain

Hi,

I've have had a painful and debilitating pain in the middle where the rib cage starts to fan out and downward.  I don't know if it's the part where my esophagus ends or what but it's right in that area.

I gone often to a heart doctor and have no problems that they know of.

I've been walking bent over for about 2 months.  I've been constipated for years and everything's been backed up.  I've done a colonic cleanse but it doesn't seem to have helped.  My gastroenterologist thinks that should have solved the problem.

I've had an ultrasound of the kidney, liver and pancreas and also an endoscopy.  The only thing the doctor saw were little white dots she said were the beginning of little, tiny ulcers, but she didn't feel that would be causing the pain.  I've had bad heartburn in the past but have been eating only natural no processed) food and haven't needed any medication recently.

I've had fibromyalgia and am terribly fatigued all the time with the additional painful aching.  Can you help me?  I'm beginning to feel desparate.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the testing thus far, and many of the major GI disorders would have been ruled out.  

Further testing can be done with a 24-hr pH study (ruling out GERD), a motility study (excluding esophageal motility disorders), or a gastric emptying scan (to evaluate for gastroparesis).  

These options can be discussed with your GI 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 patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com