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Pain in stomach and just below/under right rib....Pancreatic caner concerns!

For the past 3-4 months I've been getting pain in my stomach regin...and just below/under my right rib. I've had all the blood test and they've come back completely normal. I'm having an ultrasound on tuesday next week. I've VERY worried! The pain in getting worse and worse. When I push down in that area it's very tender. My bowel movement have be terrible for about a year now. I was diagnosed with IBS earlier this year and have adominal pains and lower back pains. I've only just read about Pancreatic cancer and it appears that I have a lot of the symptoms including itching skin. I don't have weight loss or any dietary symptoms.  I'm a very healthy person...28yrs of age. I am an ex smoker so that's always worried me.
Please can someone put my mind at rest....I'm freaking out!!!
Thank you in advance.
Luke
13 Responses
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Avatar universal
Hi,

You should still get the chest xray done to be on the safe.

It would be good to review with a gastroenterologist in case your symptoms persist.

It would also help to eat healthy and follow a daily walking routine.

Do keep us posted.

Good luck and best wishes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm currently taking anti reflux meds and have been for 4 days now and there doesn't seem to be any improvement. I'm going to give it another few days before I go back to my GP.

I don't think it's acid that's causing my pain. I had an endoscopy in march last year and they didn't find any signs of too much acid in my stomach.

No I haven't had any x-rays. I'm not sure how I could of injured my rib cage...

I think the next course of action would be to see a gastroenterologist...again.

Maybe we might finally find what's cause my IBS...constant abdominal cramps...throat gland problems...heres hoping.

Can I just say that I'm 28yrs...

Luke
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

It would be best to take pain relief medications and anti reflux medications for a few days.
Also try some warm compresses at the site.

If the pain still persists after a couple of days ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist - a gastroenterologist .

Has a chest xray been done to rule out any rib cage injury or fracture?

Do keep us posted about your progress.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The pain now seems to be concentrated on the right rib edge in between the left and right rib cage...but pain is mainly on edge of right rib (could be under...who knows), as well as in the stomach area. My doctor seems to think it's inflammation of the lower ribs/cartilage...not sure how that happened if that's what it is?? So I've been told to wait a week and if the pain persists go back. She's also prescribed anti-reflux medication which I've only been taking for 1 day.

It's been a week and the pain isn't getting any better. The other day I had to take pain killers to cope with the pain. It seems to be worse when I'm sitting down. It's goes away if I'm lying flat or walking. Also the pain tends to radiate around my right ribcage to my back...this is a worry.

I've had an ultrasound and all organs are normal so I'm not too worried but am still concerned.

Could this pain be caused by acid reflux? I spoke to my doctor about getting a ct scan and was told that it's not something a GP in the UK can refer you to and I'd have to see a specialist before hand.

What are your thoughts?

Luke
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Luke,
My IBS symptoms usually consist of a dull ache around the center of my stomach, but I will also feel it in the lower & upper abdomen at times. Occasional cramps are expected. I alternate between constipation & normal bowel movements. I've gone long periods of time symptom-free, then it returns all of a sudden. As for non-gastro pains, I experience some sort of pain on a daily basis due to fibromyalgia & herniated discs in my neck & back.
I was thinking that because you are so focused on your symptoms now, your IBS plans on hanging around awhile. Don't worry, though, you will have days/weeks when you'll feel great. With all your tests coming back negative, it certainly sounds to me like you have nothing serious to be concerned about.
Try doing activities which relax you - maybe consider a yoga class. Exercise is good for IBS.
Let us know how your CT scan turns out. Take care.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

Yes you could talk to him about a CT scan to find out a confirmed diagnosis. You could also suggest anti reflux medication to your doctor.

Also discuss about your diet with your doctor and whether you need to follow a definite diet plan.

Do let us know how your appointment goes and what your doctor advises you.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Cjpal
I find having IBS more of an annoyance also. It doesn't effect my daily life at all. It's just the on and off cramps and lower back pain and regular trips to the toilet that are a pain in the behind :-) (no pun intented). I didn't have a full colonoscopy...but the one where they go half way up (sorry can't recall what it's called). That came back all normal. Also had an endoscopy the same day (what a horrible experience that was). That was completely normal apart form a common stomach infection which was treated.

I can't exactly pinpoint when the IBS starts and stops...it seems to be there all the time.
The itching problem I've pinpointed to being a seasonal thing. I live in London and it's currently very cold and dry which results in my skin drying out and becoming itchy...I should of gathered this but you know how it is...your mind tends to find other reasons.
Thank you for your comments...it's nice having people to talk to about this sort of thing.
What are your exact IBS symptoms? And do you have any non-gastro symptoms?
Luke
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I wouldn't say the pain was severe...it's more like a tight...stitch like pain and occasionally it's sharp. It's more annoying then anything else but not something I want to ignore. As I mentioned the radiographer said everything looked normal and all my organs looked in good shape. When my cramps get bad I tend to take Buscopan which is an antispasmodic but it doesn't seem to have any effect the pain I'm talking about. I'm seeing my doctor on monday and thought maybe suggesting an x-ray/ct scan just to be extra sure it's nothing serious and if that comes back normal then I suppose trying some anti-reflux medication might do the trick. I had an endoscopy earlier this year and they found a type of stomach infection, which they treated, but they never mentioned anything about excessive acid in the stomach?
Luke
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Luke,
I have IBS, too - it's more of an annoyance than anything else. Your pains could very well be coming from that. Have you had a colonoscopy? If not, go to a good gastroenterologist and have it done, just to be on the safe side. Maybe he can do an endoscopy at the same time; some doctors will do both at once, some will not. The endoscopy will determine if you have reflux, which can also be causing the rib pain. You're doing the right thing, though by being vigilant about getting checked out. I take Dicyclomine, the generic of Bentyl, an anti-spasmodic; it works very well and I rarely have to take a second pill later on. I have also been taking Nexium for my reflux for a number of years, and it's pretty much under control.
Do you find that your pains are worse when you're stressed? This is typical of IBS. The itching can be due to stress also, or a separate dermatological problem. Try some hydrocortisone cream over the counter or get a prescription from a dermatologist for a stronger one.
Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Is the pain still severe in intensity? Have you taken any antireflux or antispasmodic medications?
If you still are not convinced it would be best to seek a gastroenterologist opinion. If the specialist doctor feels you need a CT scan, then you can get one done.
Do let us know about your progress.
Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your response.
I had an ultrasound and everything was normal. The pain is still there...where should I go from here. CT scan?
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your response. You've put my mind at ease.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Relax pancreatic cancer is a very rare diagnosis. There are a list of causes which can cause the same symptoms. Go ahead with the USG and let the report come in. Ask for a copy of the report. Till then try to maintain a healthy diet plan, drink plenty of fluids, take some OTC anti reflux or antacid medication. Have you tried any antispasmodics? Discuss with your physician what needs to be done next after the USG report comes in. Goodluck.
Helpful - 0
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