I've been suffering with left rib pain for 6-8 months. I also get pain in the back of my left rib cage below scapula. I'm a hairdresser and stand 6-8 hours per day with my arms out in front of me. I've had chest X-rays, ekg, full blood work up, colonoscopy and even an ovarian ultrasound. I had to abort my MRI due to severe claustrophobia. My anxiety is at an all time high. I'm so thankful to have found this discussion forum! I relate to so many of your stories. Any advice on dealing with the anxiety would be appreciated.
Also is the diagnosis a process of elimination of other health issues?
I'm 50. No shooting pain. On a bad day the pain is around 6. It hurts when I press on my lower left rib cage in the front and back. No numbness. It hurts when I massage muscles around shoulder blade
Hi Christine. So sorry your going thru this. I too have had some of the same symptoms and had all the same workups as you and even many more. I was diagnosed with Fibra Myalgia. My anxiety is not great, but much better now that I see a psychiatrist and take medicine for anxiety. I also take Neurontin for the widespread pain and tylenol. I use cold ice packs or heating pads. Both definitely help me. Have you seen any specialists for yur health issues? I have. Im grateful they ruled out anything life threatening...Thank God!!! Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and advocate for yourself. Good luck. Have a great day
I am 49 years old and I had been a hairdresser for 30 years. I have dealt with my ribs slipping out for 2 years and recently been off work for two weeks because I developed costchroditis. Been to ER two times because blood pressure , shortness of beath and chest pains, all because of the costchroditis! Been back to work a couple days only working about 5 hrs and go home and am miserable, sitting with a heating pad on my back and chest!! So discouraged!!!