Same pain as you guys. Usually under left ribs, with pressure in the ab muscles beneath the sternum when I lay on my back. Blood tests and abdominal ultrasound, x-rays all normal. If anyone figures this out - please come back here and tell us!
I'm going to try to get a pain specialist to do a lydocaine injection in the rib cartilage. If it helps, I'll assume it's muscular.
I'm going to try to get a pain specialist to do a lydocaine injection in the rib cartilage. If it helps, I'll assume it's muscular.
Hi. I'm 50 yrs old and an active Semi Pro Golfer. I thought the pain was muscular as I have had it for 4 Years on and off and its the same pain your all experiencing with the dizzy spells and the Gastric reflux or pukey feelings and extended periods of gas. Blood tests and Faeces cultures revealed nothing 4 years ago and it was suggested it was a small ulcer somewhere in the body that was leaking.
However things got a bit worse last week after 9 straight days playing golf, the pain became really severe with chronic backache as well. Dr. has re-done all the tests tried previously and a few I never had before and has suggested Diverticulitis. I hope he's right as I don't fancy surgery.
Will keep you all posted on my experiences over the next few weeks.
However things got a bit worse last week after 9 straight days playing golf, the pain became really severe with chronic backache as well. Dr. has re-done all the tests tried previously and a few I never had before and has suggested Diverticulitis. I hope he's right as I don't fancy surgery.
Will keep you all posted on my experiences over the next few weeks.
I am a 39 year old female i have had this pain in my lower back below my left rib cage after having a MRI,ct scan and a ultrasound nothing was found. recently I went in for surgery and discovered that I had a 13th rib that was applying pressure to my 12th rib all the way to the para spinal muscle it was remove and Im still healing I guess this 13th rib is rare but does cause problems so be aware and do not let anyone think your crazy I had to push to get answers so don't give up more later also this rib was in the lumbar region of my back which made it even more rare
I am 20 years old and I too have been experiencing lower left-sided abdominal pain, just below my rib cage. The pain started a little over 3 months ago when I had returned home from a trip to the river. The pain starts out in the lower abdominal/ rib cage area and moves around to the right side as well and after several hours my whole entire abdomen is in this sharp dull stabbing pain. I have monitered what I have been eating and nothing seems to make it worse or cause this pain it just hits me all of a sudden. At times I do not have an appitite at all. I have noticed that the pain usually arives around the 13th or 14th of each month. Starting off the pain has gone away in about 6-7 days. I have been to the ER 5 times in the last 3 months and to my family Dr., I have had the whole works done and everything has come back normal, they give me a few pain meds and send me right on out the door. My gyno told me that I "might" have endometriosis and put me on the pill and perscribed some pain meds to help with everything and said that within a couple of months i should be feeling better. I was in the hospital on the 14th of this month, it is now the 24th and i still am experiencing the pain. This morning i woke up and i had this extreme left abdominal pain and I starded vomiting it even had blood in it. As of right now I am still in pain.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS?
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS?
I have also had the same symptoms as mentioned with lower left rib pain that can increase with twisting. I am a physical therapist, but I have wondered if I damaged my liver with past behaviors?? I do drink today, but I know I taxed my system years ago with other drug overdose. I am being very honest!! I may have killed some organs, but I am unsure of these symptoms as I might have only lifted something too heavy. I had my rib checked out with co-workers and they did do some muscle energy corrections, but I am still freeked out!! Who wants to call the doc and say maybe I drink too much or took too many motrin over the years?
I’m only 18... and though maybe was from growing... but seems it is a common thing... been to the doctors many times and still no luck all they can come up with is go the heart specialist.
Not being funny, but serious.
The only way to get rid of every single pain in your body is through Jesus.
For He said "Come to me all of you who are tired and weary, and I shall give you rest."
Seriously, ask Jesus Christ to heal you, believe, pray and expect a miracle, and you shall be healed.
God bless.
The only way to get rid of every single pain in your body is through Jesus.
For He said "Come to me all of you who are tired and weary, and I shall give you rest."
Seriously, ask Jesus Christ to heal you, believe, pray and expect a miracle, and you shall be healed.
God bless.
Alot of your symptoms sounds like chrundritis, its an inflamitory virus, that attacks your ribs...any wheres there cartlidge, lay flat on your back, and tabparts of your ribs, but def see a doc all the best
i'm 15 and i have a pain in my rib, sometimes anywhere throughout my body. It stings a lot. I also can't focus very clearly and I get dizzy all the time. My dad said I was anemic because I'm also freezing cold almost all the time. So maybe these rib pains are due to anemia?
I have similar symptoms. GI issues. Strong stinging pain all over. Bulge under left lower rib.
I had a high temperature and bronchitis for over a week. When I began feeling better I started to get this pain that will not go away. It hurts when I bend, cough, or flex my stomach.
I am 24
Heard of this?
I am 24
Heard of this?
I too have started have similar problems. CT Scan, blood tests, xray and ultrasound show nothing. One doctor believes it to be DIRETICULITUS. He gave me a drug that stops spasms in the stomach and colon and it seems to be working. If you have tried everything else, ask for a colonoscopy and have a gastroenterologist check to see that all is ok.
Wow, I have an abdominal post similar to this. I am so sorry for all of you. I know how this is. I have suffered 23 years and now I am dubbed a problem patient because I argue with them and tell them what I think. Don't let doctors push you around. You know how your body feels. Put your foot down and tell them you won't let them treat you this way anymore. When they can't find an answer, suddenly they lay it on you. It is all in your head. I suffered for 23 years without going to a doctor because of their attitudes. When it got worse, I had to go. I can hardly walk without a cane now. I live in a small town and there is a lack of doctors. Sometimes I feel like all the flunkies are sent here. Don't give up. YOu know your body. Abdominal pain is the hardest to decipher. It can be so many different things. Next thing you know they are going to tell you you have fibromyalsia which is a convenient blanket diagnosis. Or try to shove cymbalta down your throat because you are depressed and that is causing your aches and pains. Hmmmmm maybe the aches and pains came first and because no one can find out what it is, it leads to depression. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Having insurance makes a huge difference too. when I had insurance they rushed me in for every test but when I had to go on a county medical program, my treatment became cold and just different. Hang in there. Go find someone else or do your own research and try to find holistic medicines. I have been taking vitamins and colon cleansers etc for 23 years and it got me this far. I continue to suffer but I feel very discouraged with the medical profession. Prescriptions is what they do. I don't have a pill deficiency, I have a medical problem and pills are not the answers. You see a new pill on Tv and suddenly your doctor is prescribing it left and right.. there are huge kickbacks from the pharmaceutical companies for every prescription written. It is the MOST POWERFUL corporation in the world, don't let your doctor cover up the problem with pills. Believe in yourself and listen to your body. It speaks to you. what you put in is detrimental to your bodies functioning correctly. Good luck everyone.
Just like he healed all those kids that have died when their parents would not take them to doctors and just prayed. Remember God helps those who help themselves. GO TO A DOCTOR don't listen to the religious fanatic.
The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Costochondritis. I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it. As I said on the index page I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible. I have collected this information over time from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well.
DEFINITION
Costochondritis is an insidious inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breastbone generally affecting the third or fourth ribs. It produces anterior chest wall pain associated with tenderness of the sternum and rib regions. Any of the seven costochondral junctions may be affected and more often than not, more than one site is affected.
ETIOLOGY
Costochondritis may be caused by trauma, as a result of a viral infection, or as part of an inflammatory disease process. Though, insidious in nature, repetitive minor trauma has been suggestive as the cause. But, generally the cause is unknown. Though I was 44 when I was diagnosed, it is usually diagnosed between the age of twenty and forty. It affects both sexes equally, but it is more prevalent in females.
SYMPTOMS
Costochondritis causes mild to severe pain in the lower rib area or upper breastbone, which can be mistaken as a heart attack, usually between the breast and upper abdomen. It produces profuse tenderness, without swelling, to at least one joint of the rib cage. It tends to be the most noticeable when sitting or leaning back. The most painful stage tends to be in the beginning and can decrease in time. So, it may change to a dull constant ache, or the feeling of sore ribs. However, when it is a chronic condition, it just tends to keep recurring. Pain on palpation is fairly consistent but after about a year, only about a half of those with Costochondritis continue with any discomfort, while only about a third report tenderness on palpation. Stress is known to aggravate this condition.
Qualities of the pain
Sharp chest wall pain especially with pressure
Pain may occur in more than one location
Severe pain at times
Tightness in chest
Sensitivity to touch
Worsens with trunk movement
Worsens on exertion
Improves with decreased movement
Improves by breathing position
Improves by changing position
May be sharp, nagging, or aching in nature
May cause a feeling of pressure
May continue to come and go
TREATMENT
Costochondritis may trigger for years or a lifetime when associated with other autoimmune diseases. It usually responds well to a course of painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
Indocin is frequently prescribed. Narcotic pain medications and occasional Cortisone shots are necessary for some to obtain relief from the pain and reduction of the inflammation but these measures should only be used as temporary measures and not long term.
Rest until movement becomes comfortable. Apply heat or ice to the affected areas. Avoid all movements and activities that increase the pain and only return to exercise gradually to avoid re-injury. These simple measures are all useful practices, however, if the condition does not respond to these simple treatment measures, more tests should be considered to because when Costochondritis is associated with liver disease, it is more difficult to treat.
MY POINT of VIEW
Living with Costochondritis hasn't really affected me that much. For one thing it is a new diagnosis that I've only had for a few weeks and it tends to be more of a nuisance than anything else. I take Indocin 75mg every 12 hours and that seems to do the trick. I, also, take Skelaxin 800mg every eight hours. My pain is fairly mild most of the time but it can and does flare from time to time. My pain is generally located at the bottom of my rib cage near the sternum.
There could be a couple reasons why my pain is not as intense as described. For one thing, I already take steroids. And for another, I have Osteoporosis. Now this is pure conjecture and I have nothing to back it up with so don't quote me, but, here goes. I have 2+ Osteoporosis [means I have the bones of the typical 88 year old person], and my bones are quite porous and rubbery. As such, my bones have the ability to "give" and maybe this helps keep the pain to a minimum. I would love to hear your views on this.
Anyway, for me what I notice the most, is a feeling of my ribs being in my way. The girth of my ribcage feels as if it has increased by several inches making them feel like they are protruding. I know that sounds strange but it is the best way I know how to describe it. I find I do not bend well during an acute phase. Coming up from a reclining position is almost impossible without help but this may be an automatic response to protect an injured area. All in all, I feel rather fortunate because it could be a lot worse.
2000 UPDATE
My pain medicine continues to be adjusted. I had to stop taking the Indocin and Skelaxin due to gastric disturbances and was put on Celebrex and Flexeril. It seemed to be working out good until I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease.
Now I can't take the Celebrex because it makes my Meniere's Disease worse. LOL... So, now I take Flexeril, Ultram, and Vioxx.
Unimportant observational note... what is with the letter X and pain meds?!? lol... I just noticed while typing this that I have never seen that letter used all that much. Now, we have Celebrex, Flexeril, Vioxx.
2001 UPDATE
My pain medicine continues to be changed as they find the most effective combination of muscle relaxers, anti-imflammatories and pain meds. Currently I am on a regimen of Flexeril, Ultram, and Vioxx.
I still have the feeling that was ribs "are in the way" with occasional pain as well.
2002 UPDATE
The Ultram started causing nausea and vomiting so I had to stop taking it. I have not replaced it with anything.
I still have the feeling that was ribs "are in the way" at times with occasional pain as well.
MY THOUGHTS
As you may know, I am now [September 2002] renovating my site and as such, I am proofreading all my pages... thank goodness as I have found many strange MS type errors [typing one word while thinking another... happens in speech too] making reading quite cryptic. LOL...
Anyway, while reading the above I was hit with a memory from the past... possibly the appearance of Costochondritis. In 1994, I went to the ER in Grand Junction, Colorado with chest pain. My EKG and blood work did not show any cardiac problems but due to my family history and the significant amount of pain I was in, the doctor decided to keep me.
I was there for two or three days and was treated for chest pain. Whatever it was, worked. I was not in pain. After two or three days, they decided I could go home.
While waiting for my ride, I had another attack and rang for some pain medicine. The nurse informed that the doctor had not ordered any. I was shocked! What was I supposed to do. They had done nothing and was leaving me the way I came in.
They called my doctor and his PA [and wife] came in. I explained I was still in pain and nothing had changed. She questioned me about the pain and then decided to take a look at my chest. This is when she palpated my chest. Normally with heart problems there is no actual tactile examination. While feeling around and pushing here and there, she pushed on a rib that sent me through the roof. She decided then that my problem had not been cardiac at all.
After asking about possible injuries, she decided I had a displaced rib. [I had been out country swing dancing a few nights before and one of my partners had such a whip that he had jerked enough that I felt it in my wrist.]
I think this was my initial appearance of Costo. I can recall over the next few years of having to wrap my ribs due to pain too. So, it is quite possible that the actual diagnosis of Costochrondritis was several years after it's appearance and may then explain why my pain is not near as bad as those that have just been diagnosed.... when I was first diagnosed.
DEFINITION
Costochondritis is an insidious inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breastbone generally affecting the third or fourth ribs. It produces anterior chest wall pain associated with tenderness of the sternum and rib regions. Any of the seven costochondral junctions may be affected and more often than not, more than one site is affected.
ETIOLOGY
Costochondritis may be caused by trauma, as a result of a viral infection, or as part of an inflammatory disease process. Though, insidious in nature, repetitive minor trauma has been suggestive as the cause. But, generally the cause is unknown. Though I was 44 when I was diagnosed, it is usually diagnosed between the age of twenty and forty. It affects both sexes equally, but it is more prevalent in females.
SYMPTOMS
Costochondritis causes mild to severe pain in the lower rib area or upper breastbone, which can be mistaken as a heart attack, usually between the breast and upper abdomen. It produces profuse tenderness, without swelling, to at least one joint of the rib cage. It tends to be the most noticeable when sitting or leaning back. The most painful stage tends to be in the beginning and can decrease in time. So, it may change to a dull constant ache, or the feeling of sore ribs. However, when it is a chronic condition, it just tends to keep recurring. Pain on palpation is fairly consistent but after about a year, only about a half of those with Costochondritis continue with any discomfort, while only about a third report tenderness on palpation. Stress is known to aggravate this condition.
Qualities of the pain
Sharp chest wall pain especially with pressure
Pain may occur in more than one location
Severe pain at times
Tightness in chest
Sensitivity to touch
Worsens with trunk movement
Worsens on exertion
Improves with decreased movement
Improves by breathing position
Improves by changing position
May be sharp, nagging, or aching in nature
May cause a feeling of pressure
May continue to come and go
TREATMENT
Costochondritis may trigger for years or a lifetime when associated with other autoimmune diseases. It usually responds well to a course of painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
Indocin is frequently prescribed. Narcotic pain medications and occasional Cortisone shots are necessary for some to obtain relief from the pain and reduction of the inflammation but these measures should only be used as temporary measures and not long term.
Rest until movement becomes comfortable. Apply heat or ice to the affected areas. Avoid all movements and activities that increase the pain and only return to exercise gradually to avoid re-injury. These simple measures are all useful practices, however, if the condition does not respond to these simple treatment measures, more tests should be considered to because when Costochondritis is associated with liver disease, it is more difficult to treat.
MY POINT of VIEW
Living with Costochondritis hasn't really affected me that much. For one thing it is a new diagnosis that I've only had for a few weeks and it tends to be more of a nuisance than anything else. I take Indocin 75mg every 12 hours and that seems to do the trick. I, also, take Skelaxin 800mg every eight hours. My pain is fairly mild most of the time but it can and does flare from time to time. My pain is generally located at the bottom of my rib cage near the sternum.
There could be a couple reasons why my pain is not as intense as described. For one thing, I already take steroids. And for another, I have Osteoporosis. Now this is pure conjecture and I have nothing to back it up with so don't quote me, but, here goes. I have 2+ Osteoporosis [means I have the bones of the typical 88 year old person], and my bones are quite porous and rubbery. As such, my bones have the ability to "give" and maybe this helps keep the pain to a minimum. I would love to hear your views on this.
Anyway, for me what I notice the most, is a feeling of my ribs being in my way. The girth of my ribcage feels as if it has increased by several inches making them feel like they are protruding. I know that sounds strange but it is the best way I know how to describe it. I find I do not bend well during an acute phase. Coming up from a reclining position is almost impossible without help but this may be an automatic response to protect an injured area. All in all, I feel rather fortunate because it could be a lot worse.
2000 UPDATE
My pain medicine continues to be adjusted. I had to stop taking the Indocin and Skelaxin due to gastric disturbances and was put on Celebrex and Flexeril. It seemed to be working out good until I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease.
Now I can't take the Celebrex because it makes my Meniere's Disease worse. LOL... So, now I take Flexeril, Ultram, and Vioxx.
Unimportant observational note... what is with the letter X and pain meds?!? lol... I just noticed while typing this that I have never seen that letter used all that much. Now, we have Celebrex, Flexeril, Vioxx.
2001 UPDATE
My pain medicine continues to be changed as they find the most effective combination of muscle relaxers, anti-imflammatories and pain meds. Currently I am on a regimen of Flexeril, Ultram, and Vioxx.
I still have the feeling that was ribs "are in the way" with occasional pain as well.
2002 UPDATE
The Ultram started causing nausea and vomiting so I had to stop taking it. I have not replaced it with anything.
I still have the feeling that was ribs "are in the way" at times with occasional pain as well.
MY THOUGHTS
As you may know, I am now [September 2002] renovating my site and as such, I am proofreading all my pages... thank goodness as I have found many strange MS type errors [typing one word while thinking another... happens in speech too] making reading quite cryptic. LOL...
Anyway, while reading the above I was hit with a memory from the past... possibly the appearance of Costochondritis. In 1994, I went to the ER in Grand Junction, Colorado with chest pain. My EKG and blood work did not show any cardiac problems but due to my family history and the significant amount of pain I was in, the doctor decided to keep me.
I was there for two or three days and was treated for chest pain. Whatever it was, worked. I was not in pain. After two or three days, they decided I could go home.
While waiting for my ride, I had another attack and rang for some pain medicine. The nurse informed that the doctor had not ordered any. I was shocked! What was I supposed to do. They had done nothing and was leaving me the way I came in.
They called my doctor and his PA [and wife] came in. I explained I was still in pain and nothing had changed. She questioned me about the pain and then decided to take a look at my chest. This is when she palpated my chest. Normally with heart problems there is no actual tactile examination. While feeling around and pushing here and there, she pushed on a rib that sent me through the roof. She decided then that my problem had not been cardiac at all.
After asking about possible injuries, she decided I had a displaced rib. [I had been out country swing dancing a few nights before and one of my partners had such a whip that he had jerked enough that I felt it in my wrist.]
I think this was my initial appearance of Costo. I can recall over the next few years of having to wrap my ribs due to pain too. So, it is quite possible that the actual diagnosis of Costochrondritis was several years after it's appearance and may then explain why my pain is not near as bad as those that have just been diagnosed.... when I was first diagnosed.