Hi, I have a complicated problem and feel totally lost.
For a few months I have had discomfort in my right side, lower rib area. It has made clothing impossible to wear, and every moment of my life i am uncomfortable. It's hard to describe because it's not exactly PAINFUL, but really uncomfortable.
I went to the doctor many times. There is a small, movable lump on my lower rib. He took Xrays, blood, even a sonogram to see that it wasn't my gall bladder. He said it was a pulled muscle, gave me anti-inflammatorys and muscle relaxors.
A month later it was no better and it seemed the pain spread from my rib around to my back on the right side. I went back and he diagnosed it as shingles without a rash. Known as "zoster sine herpete." I was given steroids, anti virals and meds for nerve pain. Well, I finished those meds and am no better. I've researched shingles and saw that it does occur without the rash, but it is rare. AND shingles itself is rare in young people. (I just turned 24) Now, I'm told that the fact that I'm still not better could mean that I have post-herpetic neuralgia... but apparently that is even more rare in young people.
To me it all sounds a little too rare, and since I'm not any better I don't really believe that's what's wrong with me. But I've gone to the doctor so much now that I'm broke and at a loss. He doesn't seem to think the lump on my rib means anything.... I'm losing faith in the medical community as a whole. :(
I'm really scared, it's not getting any better and I can't go on living like this. It's really taking a toll on my life... if anyone has an ideas I'd love to hear them. Also, if anyone who has had shingles could tell me what their pain felt like it would be helpful.
Thanks a lot