PAIN

[card10]

I have right rib cage pain. Had the following tests come back all negative. Ultra sound gall bladder, upper/lower pelvic ct scan, Hida scan and kinevacs, cbc,  Been to gastronologist, gynecologist,urologist and MD.
I have had Fibromyalgia for years but this pain will lasting a year in July 2011.
Any ideas of what else it could be or how to treat? I am seeing a P.T. now

[Tuckamore]

Hi Card,

Thank You SO MUCH for the update. I am very glad to hear that you are pain free!!! What a wonderful happening.

There is no "cure" for Fibro but there are treatments that can help the pain and fatigue. I am so glad you have found one.

My Best,
~Tuck

[card10]

Thank you both for your interest in my situation.
I have an excellent P.T. who has been working on my rib cage by spreading it and having me do rib cage excercises and stretches.  This is the first weekend that I have been actually pain free and it is a fabulous relief and i hope it continues.
I still have 4 weeks left at 3x a week so hopefully, this will  work it out of me.
Thank you both again. Best thing to cure Fibro is physical therapy and their wellness program when I am out of therapy.

[Onoceobi]

I ended up with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia when in fact the top 1/4 of my sternum was sitting horizontally because I had an undiagnosed dislocated Sterno-Manubrial Joint (angle of louis). There was an injury that seemed minor at the time.

My symptoms expanded from initial shoulder and back pain > neck pain > hip pain > throat pain > jaw pain *and it wasn't until more than 5 years later* that I got noticeable rib or chest pain. I did think my chest had changed shape in some way but it soon became a 'new normal' and I stopped mentioning it early on when I was treated as an absolute nutcase for even thinking it was possible (ignorance *and* arrogance is such a destructive combination !!!!!).  They say it is an extremely rare injury and there aren't that many reported in the literature  but then my injury isn't reported in the literature, either, and there are quite a few people asking about Sterno-Manubrial symptoms online (popping sternum). It is mainly able to be seen on a lateral chest x-ray (not a CT unless its 3d and centred on the joint). It is clearly visible on a bone scan I had of my cervical spine but wasn't reported (you can only see what you know is possible).

My Sterno-Manubrial joint was initially damaged (loud crack noise) a few months before it was dislocated (different incident) when I was picked up from behind by a male friend. I have thus wondered if there are more women out there like me who also ended up in the 'Fibro' basket so I'm writing this just in case you're one of them :).

Wishing you peace,
-C

[Tuckamore]

Hi Card,

I am sorry to hear that you have rib pain in addition to your Fibro pain....which seems like more then enough for you to deal with on a daily basis.

Have you been evaluated by a rheumatologist? They may search for inflammatory reasons.

It is my understanding that rib pain is not uncommon in those that have Fibromyalgia. A condition called costochondritis which is inflammation of the cartilage of the ribs, can go hand in hand with Fibro. However with or without costochondritis Fibro may still produce rib pain. A medical professional that is well informed and educated in the signs and symptoms of Fibro may confirm or deny what I have read.

Another thought would be a spinal structure issue.....you may be experiencing referred pain. An MRI would take a detailed look at your spine and surrounding structure.

I wish you well and hope that you will find answers that are acceptable to you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I'll be interested to learn the outcome.

Peace,
~Tuck