Pain under left rib-cage

I had my Gallbladder removed in 2005 because the Doctor said it was diseased.  I had troube breathing then and pain under my left rib cage.  I seemed to feel better for quite some time but over the last few months the breathing difficulty and pain is back with vengence.  I have had 2 upper GI's and 1 lower colon check done over the last 3 years with nothing found.  Upon my last visit to a new GI doctor - he said thatI had air in my stomach and put me on some medication and told me to stay of pop and dairy. I stopped drinking pop and have stayed away from dairy at my doctors advice but the medicine made me dizzy, jittery & caused my vision to blur.  I really find it difficult to believe that air in my stomach is the issue but have no other causes to pin it on. I have all the syptoms (symptoms) of a bad gallbladder but on my left side. Anything that cuts across my waist like jeans, seatbelt etc. causes the syptoms (symptoms) to be worse.  I am 6'1 tall and have weighed 212 pounds for the last 8 years. Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated.

The pain is becoming a real issue and is drastically affecting my quality of life.

Thanks, Scott

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Upper GI disorders (like an ulcer or inflammation of the upper digestive tract), problems with the spleen or pancreas can all lead to upper left quadrant pain.  

An upper endoscopy (a more comprehensive test than the upper GI), tests for the bacteria H Pylori, and a CT scan can evaluate for these possibilities.

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_

[Kingping7]

Just reading the Archives - one person stated they used Oxy Powder. Thoughts on using this - is it for real or just a scam. Could it help me or hurt me?

[med123]

You may want to consider seeing a physical therapist that specializes in "trigger points".  Many times when you have pain symptoms and theres nothing found, its actually years or built up muscle tension.  I had a similar problem, and they helped me.  Worth a try.  Hopes this helps.

[jackthecat]

I am a 43 yr old female suffering with severe left rib cage pain.  I began two months ago after a bout with a respiratory infection.  I have since been to three doctors to try and find out what is happening.  I initially thought just sore muscles, but the pain is very intense.  I've had several diagnostic tests and have been diagnosed with bleeding ulcers in my stomach and esophagus and a hiatal hernia.  My gall bladder is at 22%, but the doc said its not necessary to come out.  I have had this pain before several years ago and the doc then said I fractured a rib.  I thought maybe I was beginning osteoporosis also.  I cannot get back to my regular excersise, have trouble moving, and have shallow breathing alot of the time.  Currently, I am on stomach meds, premarin, and taking ultram for the pain.  I would be very grateful fo any insight and suggestions.  I think my doctor now is thinking Im just crazy.

[dayothadrumma]

you should start taking robert barefoot's coral calcium...
drunk a can ov v8 juice every day avoid all fast foods and greasy foods as much as possible..
eat alot of fruits and vegetables ... also get at least 3 to 4 hours of sunlight in each day... as much as possible... sunlight is a very important part of our digestive track ...
now i dont know about all these meds your doctor is giving you... but from what ive seen and experienced they tend to make you alot worse off than you were to begin with...
its sick whatever puts a ******* dollar in thier pockets ...
i have never in my life gotten better from an ailment
by a man made drug...
but i know for sure my remidy works...
and if you can pass the news on thats cool
because in order for any living tissue to reproduce on your body it has to first be submersed in calcium...
i have a lot more to tell but no time so thats it for now...
just remember no matter what it is even cancer ...seriously
coral calcium ,vegetables... i find v8 to be the best lots of sunlight fruits and exercize
as long as you give your body those tings then your safe as well to eat red meats which they say shouldnot be eaten...
because we dont produce the right kinds of ammino acids to digest it...
which is true and also very ****** up because our bodies would have run thier normal course and continued to produce these acids that are nessicary for the everyday absorbtion of vitamins,if it werent for all these ****** up chemicals society is putting down our throats... like alot of stuff in fast food... hot dogs.. and yes evven sadly canned goods all have preservatives that arent good for you

look on tha back of most fruit juices and look not at the nutrition facts... sure they can tell you how much of a certain vitamin they have fortified it with... now look lower to the ingredients you will see where all our extra weight comes from and our clogged arteries people dieing for who knows what the **** and its all because some bastards want to make some money....
you should really read very closely to any labels you may pick up