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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Severe, moving pain around ribcage
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Severe, moving pain around ribcage
by drewkeener, Aug 30, 2006 12:00AM
My mother has liver failure and has been put on the list for a transplantation. She has many other health problems associated with long-term use of specific medications. About 6-8 months ago she was told she had broken ribs associated with osteoperosis. Her pain and suffering started there. A fall approx. a year before was a likely cause. Recently, after many x-rays, ct scans, and Mri's a doctor and nurse told her that the ribs had healed and there wasn't a sign of breakage. Her pain is affecting her way of life, her sleeping habits, and her appetite to this day. The pain moves around her ribs, under her breasts, and spine. A gurgling sound can often be heard externally from her rib area. When she turns in bed or sits back too quickly she is engulfed in pain. She has taken some powerful pain meds but in small doses. The doctors I contacted will not perscribe anything more powerful for her due to her condition. They say there is nothing to do for it and no one really explained where this pain is derived from. At this point we have tried everything to help her with no success. I don't know if it is gas trapped in the body cavity, The swelling of the liver, or broken ribs the doctor missed. I can only speculate. What could be causing this terrible pain for her and is there anything to help her endure it? I feel very hopeless at this point and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 31, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 31, 2006 12:00AM
Pain from a rib fracture can last several months and can persist due to nerve irritation. However, before attributing the pain to this, you may want to exclude GI causes - such as upper digestive disease.
An upper endoscopy, ultrasound or CT scan can help rule out GI causes.
Liver failure does make pain management more difficult, since many narcotics are processed through the liver.
One option would be the use of a Lidocaine patch. A referral to a pain management specialist can help with other treatment options.
These questions should be discussed with her 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_
An upper endoscopy, ultrasound or CT scan can help rule out GI causes.
Liver failure does make pain management more difficult, since many narcotics are processed through the liver.
One option would be the use of a Lidocaine patch. A referral to a pain management specialist can help with other treatment options.
These questions should be discussed with her 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_
