chronic lower left rib pain

[natcarpe10]

I am 19yrs old, female, healthy weight. I have had chronic rib pain for MANY years. As far back as a can remember i would get this "aching" feeling in my lower left rib (near the very bottom), always in the same exact spot. In the past it would come and go and wouldnt come back for a long time. However, in the last year or so, it has started aching way more frequently. (sometimes daily as opposed to maybe every few months or so in the past). I can feel a slight indentation where the pain is coming from. I have been diagnosed with exercise induced asthma but didnt use to have that much of a problem unless i was running. Now, I almost loose my breath walking up one flight of stairs. I have to stop and catch my breath because I become so winded. When the pain does come it's hard to get adequate oxygen meaning I feel like I have to take long deep breaths just to feel like im not loosing my breath. And when it hurts it almost feels heavy or like someone is holding my rib down and thats why my lungs cant expand. It also seems to be worse when lying down flat on my back. I have had an x-ray for this which came back normal. But that was a couple years ago. I can tell something is definately wrong but cant seem to figure out what. Any idea what could be causing this? Also, this may be unrelated but I have been getting migraines more frequently as well. (and my jaw is very sore but im sure thats because i havent been able to get my wisdom teeth removed). Any way, can someone, anyone help!!! Please.

[natcarpe10]

I had never heard of the voucher, I know indiana has the H.I.P. (healthy indiana plan) which i applied to. they said i was eligible but they were over their "single family" limit. I'm reluctant to get the "stress test" that my family doctor suggested if i quit smoking and my lung function did not improve. since then ive lost insurance (use to have it through my mother) but she no longer has a job. where is it that you said i should call to hear my options?

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us but sorry to hear about your on-going pain. I know the frustration you must be feeling with out a diagnosis. My heart goes out to you.

I just wanted to add a welcome and my concern. In my opinion when you are experiencing breathing difficulties associated with pain you should not wait months to have this evaluated.

X-rays are helpful when looking at general structures, obvious fractures, misplacement or enlargement of organs and such....However they are not a good diagnostic tool for other conditions.

Have you seen your local social service office. Often states (WI for one) offer insurance or even "free" one-time vouchers for a medical evaluation. There are also free clinics in some locations. Unfortunately I do not know what IN has to offer but it's worth a phone call or a visit to your county seat office.

The law has now changed and parents are allowed to insurance their children under a certain age. I think it is 26. They do not have to be in college. So that may be another option for you.

Some clinic's are also open to taking payments with some of the cost due on your first visit. Please know your options. Often the sooner a condition is diagnosed the better the outcome.

I hope you will keep us updated. I wish you the very best.

Peace,
~Tuck

[SLadylani]

Good luck, hope all goes well and you feel better soon! :)

Sara RN

[natcarpe10]

Thank you very much, im trying to get insurance and then will schedule an appointment

[SLadylani]

Well, we can start with the simple things first. Since you're having more trouble breathing and trouble taking deep breaths, I suggest you have another asthma test done, a lung capacity one where you low into the tube and raise the bar/ball. This will show if infact your lung function has decreased. If it has, your doctor can go from there to prescribe additional medication to help you feel better, and perhaps find out why your lung function decreased. Next, with the right sided rib pain, I would treat that as a seperate issue so your doctors don't get that confused with the breathing issue, even if it is related. I would again describe the pain and the recent increase in pain and especially state how much it is bothering you. Be persistent with your doctor as you are you own advocate. Hopefully from this point, your doctor can order additional tests, such as an ultrasound, which can see things x-rays can't. Be insistent if you have to in wanting to find out what's wrong so you can feel better. Lastly, if the migraines are bothering you I would treat that as a third issue. Your doctor may send you to a specialist for this problem, or prescribe you migraine specific medications to help releive your pain. Jaw pain often can come with migraines, or could be related to dental issues. So the most important thing I would suggest are treat you three main symptoms as seperate issues for now, even if they are related. This just makes it easier for doctors to see what may be going on, and order more specific tests. But the first thing you have to do is schedule an appointment with your doctor. And remember to be strong! Good luck and keep us posted on how things go. I send my best wishes and hope you feel better soon.

Sara RN