Pain just Under Rib Cage and Nuasea
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| Fri, 01-26-2007 - 3:46pm |
I am at my wits end with what is ailing me. Over 6 months ago I went to the doctor for pain I was having jsut below my rib cage in the middle where the V shape is. It felt like pressure and I didnt like things touching me there...it felt uncomfortable. I have to sleep with a pillow against my stomach and chest to feel comfortable on my side as it supports me somewhat. The doctor took X-rays, a CT scan, and a ultra-sound. They told me they couldnt find anything wrong with me and it was all in my head...or so they inferred. They game me hydrocodine as I told them it was hard for me to sleep and also ranitadine (sp?) in case it was an ulcer.
Fast forward to the present.
For awhile I felt better and the pain meds really helped but I no longer take them. I have had several bouts of nausea where I feel clamy and just not right in the middle of the night. I get up and take some pepto-bismol and it helps. Ive thrown-up a couple of times...usually it is just stomach acid and once I just burped really loud.
Im not pregnant...but the nausea comes and goes. Sometimes I don't even want to eat and I feel I have lost some weight over the time I havent been feeling well due to not eating enough bc I dont feel well.
Recently the pain below my rib cage has come back and I would really like some kind of idea of what could be wrong with me. I cant afford a million tests again just to hear "we cant find anything wrong with you!" and get sent on my way again. My insurrance is not that good and I barely make enough to cover my normal bills. The pain seems to be all across the bottom of my rib cage as of last night. It's not sharpe but more like a dull pain that is tiring. I feel like Ive been holding my stomach in forever and my muscles are just really tired. The middle area below my rib cage is especially sensitive as well. No matter what position I am in, I feel discomfort..sitting,standing,laying down...there is no escape for me.
My husband just thinks its an ulcer but Ive been taking pepto-bismol for 3 weeks twice a day now and the nuasea seems better but the pain is not. He wants me to take some other ulcer medication but I just dont know what to do.
Please help! If you can give me any idea what this is I would greatly appreciate any advice/help you can give me. Thanks!

I know the frustration you feel, I've had many doctors suggest my pain was 'all in my head'. Ugh!!
I am not too sure what might be causing your nausea. I have provided some info that might help you...
http://digestive.health.ivillage.com/digestivesignssymptoms/nauseavomiting.cfm
Have you ever heard of costochondritis? It is an inflammation of the lower ribs that can produce the type of pain you described. Here is some info about it...see if it fits you.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/costochondritis/DS00626

<Hi,
I'm so sorry to hear about what you've been going through - it's exhausting and oh, so frustrating. This is my first post as I've come here looking for anyone who's had an ordeal similar to mine - your post really hit me...
Your symptoms sound like gallbladder disease - either gallstones or what is called "functional gallbladder disease" (which is really a dysfunctional gallbladder). I suffered for almost a year with symptoms that mirror yours.
The only real test that can detect the presence of gallstones is an ultrasound. The other test you may want to investigate is called a HIDA Scan (Cholescintigraphy). Simply put, during a HIDA scan you will be administered an intravenous injection of a radioactive material called hydroxy iminodiacetic acid (HIDA). It challenges the gallbladder and will detect malfunction or the presence of gallstones.
The pain, discomfort and other symptoms you describe mimic what I went through for a year. Three days ago, after yet another acute and excruciating attack I ended up in the ER, yet again. This time I pushed for answers and after a simple ultrasound exam they found the offending gallstones and I had the surgery to remove my gallbladder.
I'm already feeling 100% better as far as those horrid symptoms. I've been able to eat for the first time in ages, and - well - actually eat!
The post surgical discomfort at three days post-op is nothing compared to the misery I've been in and I know that I am well on my way to being normal again.
Since gallbladder disease symptoms overlap and mimic so many other common GI problems it's often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Keep pushing for answers. There really is light at the end of the tunnel.
Ask your Doctor if your problems may be stemming from this - the tests are easy. Although surgery is never a walk in the park - it may be what solves your problem.
Good luck to you!! Hope I was able to at least point you in another possible direction.
Deja
hope this helps
Donna K
Hi Donna,
I have had costochondritis a few times and know how painful it is. What helps me are Lidoderm patches...they have to be Rx'd by your Dr. You can use up to three patches at a time and they've helped reduce the pain to a bearable level for me. See if your doc is willing to Rx them for you!
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