Rib cage pain when touching for over a year, please help

[kaa731]

I have had moderate to severe pain, right side rib cage, it hurts on top of my rib cage when you press on it and it runs down my side and into my back. I have loud gurgling noises and run from having diarrhea to being normal. I don't have nausea and no vomitting. I have not been jaundice, no yellow eyes or skin.  I also feel a twitching sensation in my lower centrer abdomin.  I feel bloated.  The pain has been costant for over a year, worsens right before my period.  I have had complete blood work drawn and an abdominal ultrasound, everything came back normal.  My coworker thinks it could be celiac disease? One dr said IBS.  Just trying to figure this out. I am 47

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include GI infections, inflammations, malabsorption syndromes, GI motility issues, chest wall inflammation, injuries, causes related to the respiratory tract, neuro-muscular causes etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by a primary care physician/ internist initially and depending on the cause diagnosed/ suspected, it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hi there,
Without a complete evaluation I may not be able to determine the cause of your condition. From your symptoms it seems that you are suffering from IBS. In IBS there is abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and other symptoms. Celiac disease and Crohn’s disease may produce similar symptoms. Regular exercise, dietary changes like increasing fiber in diet and avoiding caffeine, colas may help. Colonoscopy with biopsy may help in differentiating between the above mentioned conditions. Discuss these possibilities with your doctor. Do write to me again.
Best luck and take care!