Left Side Abdominal Pain

[JJJBBB]

My problems started when one day just out of blue I had an attack of sharp, cramps on the left side of my upper abdomen. The cramps were happening every 3 minutes and would last for about 15 seconds. This was going on what seems to me forever, before I soacked myself in a tub. Painkillers did not do anything. This was 4 years ago. Ever since, I have been feeling pain that spreads from that area to my back, under my left ribbs and sometimes in the lower back. I did all kind of tests: endoscopy, colonoscopy, abdominal CT, spinal MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, bood test. I also tried chiropractor and acupancture, and finally trigger point injections in my back and abdominal muscle area. And my pain is still there as it always has been. I feel the worst pain in the morning, and in the evening. I can only find peace if I am constantly moving, as soon as I sit down and relax, it comes back.  WHAT COULD IT BE????


This discussion is related to pain on left rib,side and back.

[Lrgb]

With all those tests, I imagine that you ruled out any problems with your pancreas, gallbladder, such as stones, or hiatal hernia (which my doc suspected even though I had almost completely left-sided back and side pain - & under the left ribs).  The docs know more than me, but I wonder, did they say they ruled out any possibility of stones in any ducts?  If there are any stones in ducts, the stones might not show up on ultrasound.  And if they are NONcalcified stones, they might not show up on CT scan.  Perhaps they ruled out the possibility of stones in ducts in the other tests that you had.  I don't know enough about those other tests.  I know that some tests with contrast media may be able to show.  One test which may show is an ERCP, which is a procedure which has some risks (but I've had to have it done twice with only mild complications of pancreatitis, having to stay overnight in hosp).  Maybe someone else will have insight as to whether the other tests would show noncalcified stones (if that could possibly be the cause), or ideas as to other problems that may be causing this pain.  I hope you feel better soon.  Please keep us posted.

[JJJBBB]

All of my doctors that came up with some kind of diagnosis think that I have a muscle problem (chronic muscle strain - T12). They suggested trigger point injection, which I did, but the pain did not go away. For some reason, I think that it is a gastro problem as well as muscles.

[ayri]

hi, you might have a diaphram rubbing disorder, it comes on depending on how your sitting or laying down, it can be relieved by getting up and walking around, to eliminate this problem, you need to excercise light weights once a week, cheers.

[JJJBBB]

Is there a test that can diagnose problems with diaphragma? Long time ago (20 years ago) I had a doctor overseas tell me that I had an inflamed diafragma.

[lailaelf]

i had the same symptome in my left side : pain under my sholder in the left side and sharp pain under my left breast exactelly under the sternum that goes all the way to my back  and left sholder , can anybody help me please i had his prob 5 y now i'm tired to see doctors ,i need help please.

[yurma29]

Hello,
I have been suffering from evening abdominal pain and EXCESSIVE gas for almost two years.  I have this problem EVERY SINGLE night and a lot of times the pain is on the left side of my abdomen.  I have had all sorts of blood work, an abdominal ultrasound, a pelvic/transvaginal ultrasound, an abdominal and pelvic catscan, a pelvic MRI.  Fortunately or unfortunately all those tests have been normal.  The only tests I have not had done (and can't right now because I'm pregnant) are an endoscopy and colonoscopy.  I don't suffer from nausea, poor appetite, diarrhea, or black or bloody stools.  I do suffer from occasional constipation, I am lactose intolerant, and i have suffered from reflux since I was a college student.  I am DESPERATE to know what could possibly be wrong with me!  I live with pain and gas every single night and can't take it any longer.  My doctors can't seem to figure out what's wrong with me.  My father thinks this might be a psychological problem, but believe me, this is not psychological.  I have a true problem and I worry that it might be a more serious problem like cancer.  Please help!!  Your suggestions will be greatly apreciated.