I have suffered undiagnosed speech difficulty for years, probably since childhood but I`m not entirely sure. I have always felt some sort of squeezing sensation coming from my abdomen when speaking, while chest x-ray shows nothing wrong with my lung. I have only grew to realize that the tightness came from the abdomen area around the tip of my left 12th rib, and why it causes trouble with speaking is simply due to that by contracting my rib during exhalation I aggravate the pressure.
Local doctors keep either referring me to respiratory system doctors who end up finding nothing or gaslighting my symptom as my imagination, while I have so much difficulty with the simple task of speaking. The tightness sensation seems to came from the left kidney, which according to my abdominal CT is directly next to the tip of 12th rib. The kidney shows up completely normal on imaging tests and blood and urine tests came back normal too.
To sum up, none of the tests show problems but there does exist a tightness sensation and it affects my breathing patterns. I know that the sensation is real and it doesn`t come from my imagination, but I also wonder if this is simply how my body is structured and nothing pathological will ever be found so that I can receive treatment. I`d appreciate any input.
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Hi, ThutmosisCYH.
Given that you've undergone various medical tests and consultations without any significant findings, it's possible that the cause of your symptoms may be more complex or less apparent. In some cases, symptoms can be influenced by factors such as muscle tension, posture, stress, or psychological factors.
It's important to keep communicating your symptoms and concerns to your doctor, as he may needs to consider other possibilities or refer you to specialists who can provide a more comprehensive evaluation. You might also consider seeking a second opinion from another medical professional or specialist who can assess your symptoms from a different perspective.
Additionally, keeping a journal or diary of your symptoms, including when they occur and any potential triggers, may provide valuable information for them. This can help them better understand the pattern of your symptoms and potentially identify any underlying causes.
In the meantime, you could explore techniques to manage stress, such as relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises, or meditation. These practices may help alleviate some of the discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
Have you been to nephrologist to ask him about your kidney? Maybe he can give you more precise input.
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The issue I have with local doctors is that every consultation goes the same way, as in they immediately ask to see the imaging tests without really listening to my symptom and declare everything is fine once they the images. I feel like I`ve met an dead end.
The symptom is consistantly there and never seem to go away no matter what time of the day it is. I meet the same physical difficulty with breathing/talking whether I just got up or in the middle of the day. I did find a lot of relieve however, by correcting my spine posture. I had reduced lumbar curvature/flat back syndrome and I think it caused my rib cage to stay in a locked position. By working on restoring a healthy posture I was able to reduce the tightness to a much lighter degree and identify the exact position of that sensation, hence I am only now able to tell it came from inside 12th rib.
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It's unfortunate that you've had difficulty finding a diagnosis and treatment for your symptoms. When experiencing symptoms that are not easily explained, it can be helpful to seek a second opinion from a different medical professional or consider consulting a specialist who focuses on complex cases or rare conditions. They may be more likely to explore alternative possibilities or consider less common causes for your symptoms.
In some cases, certain conditions can cause sensations like the tightness you describe, even if the imaging and lab tests appear normal. One possibility worth considering is thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), which can result from compression of nerves or blood vessels in the upper chest area. TOS can lead to various symptoms, including pain, tingling, and weakness in the arm, neck, and upper back. However, TOS is usually associated with the lower part of the rib cage rather than the 12th rib specifically. Nevertheless, discussing TOS with a healthcare professional specializing in this area might be worthwhile.
Another potential explanation could be related to the musculoskeletal system, as you mentioned finding relief through correcting your posture. It's possible that certain postural issues or muscle imbalances in the chest, back, or abdominal area could be contributing to the sensations you're experiencing. In some cases, physical therapy or exercises targeting these areas may help alleviate symptoms.
Psychological factors can also influence physical symptoms, so it may be worth considering consulting with a psychologist or therapist who specializes in somatic symptoms or mind-body medicine. They can help you explore any potential connections between your emotions and physical sensations, as well as provide coping strategies.
I really hope some of this can be the reason for your issue.
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