Left side abdominal pain

[jakey2]

I just turned 34, non smoker, non drinker, no family history of any cancer's or disease's.  I am overweight, by about 50 pounds.  On Christmas eve, I had blood work done which all came back normal, also back in Oct had blood work done again was normal.  My recent symptoms are on the left side under the breast, by rib cage I've been having a fluttering, girgling, muscle twitching sensation.  Sometimes with pain.  This first appeared back in Oct, then went away but now has returned.  I went to my PCP back in Oct and Dec and she felt around and says she doesn't feel anything and blood test (CBC) is normal.

What could be causing this? I have recently been experiencing chest pains, had EKG, Rhythm test, 24 hr holter,and blood test done, all normal.  Also, last Dec 03 doctor diagnoised me with IBS.  I'm concerned with going back to my PCP because I'm concerned she is beginning to think this is all in my head, since all the test she has done since 03 have been normal.  Please help

1) could this be a symptom of the heart, or panceras?  
2) would blood CBC test detect a tumor?
3) I know that a CBC shows blood count, but can it detect serious problems

Thank you, I appreciate your response as I'm extremely concerned and worried

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Both are possible.  You can obtain pancreatic enzymes (i.e. amylase or lipase) to evaluate the pancreas, or an echocardiogram or stress test to evaluate the heart.

2) A CBC is not diagnostic for tumors.

3) A CBC measures the white blood count, hemoglobin and platelets.  It can be suggestive infection, possible inflammation, as well as blood loss.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[jakey2]

forgot to mention, overall I feel ok, I have regular bowel movements everyday, with no traces of blood.  They are usually formed but because of the amount of fruit and vitamins that i'm taking sometimes the bowel movements are lose.  However, the left side discomfort began before I started a weight lose program

[Teresa545]

To jakey:  I'm 59 years old and have had IBS for 10 years. Recently I've had sharp pains in left diaphragm area.  Had a Barium x-ray.  I have a large paraesophageal hernia (duodenum and part of bowel have flipped up and are sticking through my diaphragm).  Dr. says I must have surgery.  You might want to
get an Upper GI and barium x-ray yourself.

[Capricorn]

Several times in the past month I have had severe pain right below my left breast. I was bending over to put a shoe on and the pain was so sharp I couldn't straighten up. The area where the pain was seemed swollen and stayed tender for several days.

I thought gallbladder pain was on the right side but that's the only thing I can think of.  Anyone got an idea?

[bmf]

i am having really bad left sided stomach pains. I just felt very uncomfortable no matter how i fat. The pain would not go away and also it made me feel like i had to constantly go to the bathroom and when i did it burned a little. Is there any chance this has to do with being pregnant or what is it? Please HELP!