Pain In The Upper Left Side

[j007102]

I am having pain that started 5 days ago in the upper left side just under my ribs that feels more like a knife it goes from severe to moderate the doctor diagnosed me with diverticulosis a cat scan did show I had some diverticula but from what I've been reading the pain is usually in the lower left side not the upper left side I think maybe i have been mis diagnosed. Can someone please help guide me here should I except that this is diverticulosis and that I'm having a flare up or could it be somthing else.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Upper left sided pain can be due to problems with the spleen, the pancreas, or a variety of upper GI conditions, such as GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper digestive tract.

Depending on what your doctor suspects, imaging the abdomen with a CT scan, as well as blood tests to evaluate for H Pylori, a bacteria associated with ulcers and inflammation, and the the pancreas, can be done.

An upper GI series or upper endoscopy can be considered if an ulcer or upper GI inflammation is suspected.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI consultant.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[justgotpaid]

I have had same exact pain for 3 years now.  I have mildly enlarged spleen and GERD.  But my doc for some reason doesnt think spleen is the reason.  So I have suffered with this pain for all this time cause all my tests are normal.  Good luck finding a cause.

[churn]

A related discussion, UPPER LEFT ABDOMINA; PAIN was started.