Ache below Left ribs. HELP

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2003
Ache below Left ribs. HELP
16
Sun, 03-25-2007 - 4:26pm
For the last 4 months Off and On i've been getting this Ache ( Kinda like a stitch in my side feeling) right below my left ribs toward the Center of my stomach area. It doesn't hurt when I breath deeply and I have Already Had my Gallbladder taken out so I know it's not that. Anyone have any ideas? It's starting to ache more and more frequently. Thanks

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Sun, 03-25-2007 - 8:58pm
Have you gone for any tests? I have had the same pain for almost a year now. It comes and goes but at times can last all day...for days. I've had some blood work and an abdominal ultrasound. Results normal. I am seeing a gastro specialist in a few weeks. I'm interested to know if you've had any testing. Unfortunately, I am not able to provide you with any help but i just wanted to let you know i share your pain and hopes for finding some answers.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2003
Mon, 03-26-2007 - 10:02am
Wow! Finally someone who knows what i'm feeling. I'm sorry that you Do know what it's like but it's nice to find someone with the symptoms I have. No i've not gone to the Dr yet or had tests. My insurance Stinks So bad! It costs a fortune to go see a Dr so i'm trying to hold out as long as I can. Does your Pain/ Ache migrate to other areas? I've noticed in the last couple of days that it kinda goes over toward my side more then before. Oh and does it make it worse after you eat? Thanks!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 10:19pm

I would have to say the pain has gotten more bothersome over the past 3 months now. I don't know if it is because I can't stop dwelling on it and stressing out over it. I'm constantly doing research on-line and that has only made me more concerned. You asked if the pain migrates to other areas, and the answer is yes. I feel pains throughout my abdominal area at times, in my chest and even in my back. I did have an upper GI test last September and my Dr. said I had a mild case of GERD. I'm finding it hard to accept that the GERD is the reason for this pain on my left side (under ribs). The pain is like a sharp cramp. At times can have a burning sensation. I have gone back to my Dr. about four times since for more check-ups. I don't feel she is taking me seriously, and I don't know what else to do at this point. I'll just have to wait to see how my appt. goes with the specialist next month. You asked if the pain worsens after I eat. I haven't really noticed a pattern of that but that could be because the pain has been so frequent, anyway.

Are you under stress? Do you think you could have acid reflux (GERD)? An ulcer (I used to think that but had an H. Pylori breath test and it was negative). Does your pain increase when you eat certain types of foods? Is your pain just below the left rib and spreads down your left side? Are you feeling pain in other areas?

I'm sorry to hear about your insurance situation. I understand how costly that can be! It's ridiculous.

Please update me on any changes you experience.

Thanks and good luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Tue, 03-27-2007 - 10:55pm

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Welcome mom and babs!


Sorry to reply to both of you at once, but have either of you considered costochondritis? Here is a link to some info about it, check it out and see if the symptoms sounds at all like what you are feeling...


http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/costochondritis/DS00626

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2003
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 1:07pm

Thanks for the Welcome! It's SO Weird that you mention that because I DO have CostoChrondritis already! I was diagnosed with it about 3 years ago and had to have a Bone scan done because of Swelling at my collar bone. But i'm not sure this Achy pain I feel is that. It's Not in any of my ribs, it's Below my left ribs in my Abdomen. Most of my Pain I get from the CC is in my shoulders, neck, back and chest. I also have Fibromylgia. So i'm usually in some kind of aches and pains. lol. Thanks for the help

Babs It seems like my aches are getting more "Burning" feeling too. On a scale of 1-10 it's only about a 1 but still lets me know it's there! I do find that in the mornings before I eat Anything I'm fine but as soon as I eat, it starts to ache. I also get a Lot more heartburn now then before. Has your Dr ruled out an Ulcer for you? I hope that your appt goes Great. Please Keep in touch and let me know what they say. I'm going to try to get into my Dr tomorrow. I'll let you know what he/she says. Thanks So much!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2003
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 4:17pm
UPDATE! Well I had my Dr appt today. I'm kinda feeling like it was a waste of time though. He examined my stomach and diagnosed me with GERD. I've had it in the past. Gave me Nexxium and wants me to give them a stool sample to check for the H. pylori that causes GERD. So i'm going to take the nexxium in good faith and See if it works. God I pray it does.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Fri, 03-30-2007 - 8:18am

I'm sorry that you felt like the visit was a waste of time, but maybe the Nexium will help this time. Also, you need to wait until you know if the test results show that H. pylori is present, at which time it can be treated.


Here is more info about stool testing,

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2003
Fri, 03-30-2007 - 10:30pm
I know you're right. I'm willing to give it the benafit of the doubt right now. lol. It Does seem like it helped today. I only had twinges of aches today, that is Until I ate some Cajun trail mix on the way home from my husbands dentist appt. Boy did I feel it then. So maybe my Dr Does know what he's talking about? lol. I'm praying it does work. Thanks agian sweetie for the links!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Sat, 03-31-2007 - 10:59pm

Hi. I had hoped to write sooner but it's been quite a crazy week. In addition to that, I haven't felt my best these past few days. I'm glad to hear you went to see your Dr. and the Nexium seems to be working for you. Perhaps I need to read up on GERD some more. I've always thought my pains and symptoms seemed to be so bad that it couldn't be a mild case of GERD causing it all. My Dr. wouldn't prescribe Nexium. She has me taking Prilosec. Have you been feeling any other symptoms other than the side pain? Any back and chest pain? I've had stomach pain and back pain constantly for the past few days. I'm also experiencing pms, so I don't know if that could be related. My pains sometimes feel worse a week before. Anyway, I have a Dr. appt. this week, so we'll see where that takes me. Good luck to you, and I hope the Nexium continues to help! Keep in touch with any changes.

To Elise - Thank you so much for your advice and information. I have read up on everything, and I've written down these conditions to discuss with my Dr.. -THANKS!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2003
Sat, 03-31-2007 - 11:12pm

I know what you mean about Crazy week. My grandfather finally got out of the hospital and I helped my grandmother around her house and taking care of him most of tuesday. Then Dr for Me thursday and my husband had to get teeth pulled *OUCH!!* friday and were Were gone all day. I'm tired! lol. The nexxium seems to be working so far. Today i've only had twinges of aches and burning instead of the more painful twinges. I need to change my eatting habits though to go along with the med. I'm not to good at that. :(

Where all do you hurt? I read you said your back hurts too?

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