Strange Feeling Around Ribs

[cporrino]

I have a strange feeling on my right side around my ribcage. It's hard to describe, it's like something's "off".  It's impossible to be comfortable. I noticed when I pick up something with my left arm like, say a gallon of milk, my right side feels like it wants to cave in. There's not much pain, just every now and then. Driving is the worst. When I make turns I have to hold on to something or brace myself, because it seems hard to keep myself erect.  Like the muscles are weakened or something. The side also feels tight. One last thing I notice is when I just relax my body when sitting up, my abdomen curves out to the left. Kind of like the right side "caving in" again.

I have a dr appointment scheduled for friday and hopefully I can hold out til then, but I want to know if it could be something where I should go to Urgent Care.
Thanks,
==Chris==

[cporrino]

Thank you.
I am going to try to make it until Friday. I just wanted to be sure that there is not a possibility of it being something that shouldn't be put off until then.

Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I cannot make specific recommendations without evaluation.  If there is suspicion or concern about the symptoms, I would recommend that you see a physician ASAP.

Musculoskeletal causes can lead to some of the findings.  An intercostal muscle strain or weakness is certainly possible.  Imaging the chest with a plain X-ray or CT scan can be considered to exclude fractures as well as evaluating the lungs.  If there is further concern about the lungs, pulmonary function tests can be considered.

Neurological causes of the symptoms can be discussed and evaluated via a neurology referral.

These options can be discussed with your 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.
www.kevinmd.com