pain in left side under rib cage

[clover91]

I have had so many problems in the last couple months that I really don't know where to start.  My latest is a pain in my front upper left side right below my rib cage.  It's not constant and it's not a bad pain but just enough to bother me and worry me.  I am also having bad lower back pain that comes and goes.  I have had changes in bowel movements going back and forth from constipation to loose stools.  I recently starting having dizziness on and off throughout the day but the doctor thinks it's an inner ear infection.  I woke up this morning with nausea but it's hard to tell if it's related or just nerves.  I also lose weight in spurts, just recently another 7 pounds.  In July the doctor noticed my thyroid was swollen but tests show nothing and that is not even an issue at the time.  I also had an abnormal pap in July (ASCUS) but have recently had a repeat that was normal.  I just turned 30 in July and it has been one thing after another ever since.  Does anyone have any ideas on the pain in my left side?  I will start a journal to see if there is a pattern but it doesn't seem to be.
Thanks!!!!!!!

[blm]

I was wondering why my post (which I thought made the most sense)was deleted?

[Meego1]

I am so glad to have found this site. I am a 29 year old female having the same problems, as most listed here. My pain in my left side, just under my rib cage started about a week ago. I feel like I am falling apart. I had mono last spring, problems with my stomach for ever now and it just keeps getting worse.
I am going to make an appointment with the gastro Dr. - i have to find one that is good around here. Another interesting problem is that I can't drink alcohol anymore. I thought it was becasue of the mono lingering, but i have no taste for it and when i try to drink i feel very ill. I wasn't a heavy drinker but went out on the weekends. Now my social life is as miserable as my physical health!!
If anyone has any input or has found anything out please feel free to e-mail me directly.
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[D A]

I'm 33 - fulltime working mother of 2.  The left-sided pain under rib cage radiating through to my back just started 2 nights ago.  I've acid reflux for the past 4 years but haven't religiously taken my meds.  You just get sick of taking drugs for birth control, hip joints, depression/anxiety, bla bla bla.  Anyway, this new pain woke me up in the middle of the night. It was like a clentching pain, then a release.  My normal family practioner is sending me for the whole gastro area ultrasound November 18th.  She thinks it's gall bladder, but I was confused as the pain is on the left side.  I suppose it's all connected some how.  Has anyone out there had a resolution to his/her pain?

[mgannuch]

You may have a small bowel or colon tumor in that area they don't hurt alot but cause all of those symptoms.  Try a Gi specialist or if you are having any problems with anemia associated with this see a hematologist.  It needs to be worked up asap.  A ct scan and upper gi and colonscopy are all possibly helpfull for diagnoses.  Don't ignore it and don't let them tell you it's nothing, persist!

[krisg]

From what I have been told by gastro. doctors, the alk phos. will be elevated if something is going on in the biliary tract.
You may want to mention that on your next visit.  Good Luck. Also type it in doing a search on the web.  You will be amazed what kind of information you will have with you on your next dr. visit.

[AbPainWontLeave]

Bamabone- Have you had any look in finding the cause of your problems?  I too have pain on my right side under the ribs and down the right side.  Same kind of thing, tender to the touch, feels a little bit more tense than the other side of my abdomen.  Been going on for six weeks now.  I just started having some low back pain as well.  I had an ultrasound, it was normal.  Liver function tests are all normal except for ALT which is elevated.  GP does not know what it is and has referred me to a Gastroenterologist, who doesn't have an appointment until Nov. 5th.  I'm busy looking for possibilities myself.  To no avail.  Anybody have any ideas.