Under rib pain

[Clancy08]

I have a persistent pain under the front of my lower left rib cage; I've had it for about 10 days.  At first it seemed to be getting better, but it has now become more persistent.  It is especially uncomfortable at night; I cannot sleep on either side without agravating the discomfort.  I'm living in a relatively isolated area for the moment and wonder if it could be a muscle pull of some sort.  Although I am 57 I am very active and could still run despite the discomfort at night, hence my thoughts that it could be muscle related.  It has since gotten Very uncomfortable at night and wakes me up.

[wanting4#1]

Well, after an upper GI and another round of bloodwork, including stool sample tests, the gastroenterologist is saying that is IBS, irritable bowel syndrome!

I am not sure if I believe it or not, but I do know that the pain has lessened significantly since seeing an acupuncturist!

Hope that helps someone!! :)

[wanting4#1]

Have you been tested for pancreatitis? Gallbladder issues?  I am waiting to get my labs back, but the more that I read about pancreatitis, the more I think that is what it could be...also, I just found out that my grandmother had her gallbladder removed and had severe pancreatitis.

Hope you get some answers - I'll keep checking, so please post if you do!

[Suebirch]

I am also surprised to see that others have also had this same rib pain. I just wish I could get a correct diagnosis and on the right pain medication so I can deal with my pain and function more properly.I have had many scans, Upper GI,x-rays, plus tons of blood tests and no answer. I finally gave in and went into the ER today because I was actually in tears I couldnt stand it anymore. I also called my pain clinic to tell them that the steriod epideral I had is not working and that it gave me hives on Sunday. They called me back to tell me that the steroid medicine can take up to 7 days and to continue to take my other meds. This is the second time I have had this epideral and it didnt work the first time so they figured they would do it again. The pain during the procedure hurt really bad, and since these two didnt work I will not do another. I have my second physical therapy tomorrow and I am sure that it will be a big waste of my time again. The pain clinic doctors are talking that if the epiderals dont work then they are talking about putting in an implanted devise. (Not sure if it is the internal tens unit type thing or the medication one) Since the tens unit does not help on the outside, I dont see how it can help if they implant it in me. I dont want to go through any invasive surgery for nothing. I want results and so far it has almost been a year and I just want some relief.

[wanting4#1]

I am usually on another forum for MedHelp,  but have been searching the internet incessantly to try to figure out what is going on with me. I am amazed at how many people are out there with this 'lower left rib pain'!

Here are my symptoms, of late -

Pain under lower left rib area
Pain under lower right rib area (not as frequent or as intense)
Pain in the center (maybe where my stomach is?)
Pain in my right front collarbone
Pain in my upper middle back (between my shoulder blades)
Cloudy urine (may not be related)
Stinky gas and a lot of it (could be a change in diet??)
Strange coloring of my fingernails (noted today for the first time)
Heartburn
Extreme nausea

Due to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, years ago - every doctor I have seen for these symptoms tells me that it 'could be that' or it 'could be IBS' or whatever. I have had fibro for my entire life; diagnosed back in the late 90's.  These symptoms just developed within the last 6-8 months and have gotten progressively worse in the last month! That's not the way that fibro works not to mention that it doesn't 'feel' like my fibro!

Had an upper GI done last Tuesday - said everything looked fine. My CBC came back normal (which I hate that they won't give me the numbers - I see a number of different physicians and an acupuncturist -  I would like to get second opinions without having more blood work done, seeing as everyone's view of normal seems to be different).  My thought, at this moment, is it might be pancreas related or liver related....

I am tired of being treated like and feeling like a hypochondriac!  Any help that anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated.  

[Suebirch]

Hi there, I also have had the same pain that is in the right side in my ribs. I first started feeling this pain after I had fallen on my side on concrete. It actually was 1 week after my gallbladder surgery. We at first thought it was from the surgery but this all happened in May 07 and it is now March 08. My doctor had been prescribing Vicodin this whole time, and about a month ago cut me off cold turkey and decided he did not want to prescribe them any longer. He told me I should go to a pain management clinic for my pain meds. I have been there now 5 times with no sucess at all. They have given me steroid epidurals, rib blockers(all very painful) and I am now attending physical therapy. I also have been given Lyrica(which I hate the side effects),Flexeril, Naproxen, a tens unit, and Lidoderm pain patches to apply on my ribs(which really helps when sleeping as I also cannot lay on my side or my stomach without extreme pain. All have failed to help my pain except the pain patches and the Flexeril helps some.  I am trying now to find a doctor to help give the what I need for the pain because I feel like I am going to burst I hurt so bad. I have been in and out of ER's and I hate going because I dont want themt o think I am a hypochondriac or anything. If anyone has any ideas that would be great. I hate being in pain and the doctors just dont seem to understand at all.