constant pain under the ribs (on the right side ..in the back)

Digestive health
1

I am experiencing this pain under my ribs, on the right side and more towards my back than in the front..for about three months now and I have to take Ibuprofen almost every day

This pain is just annoying as its not as bad to prevent me from moving or do stuff, but it is very upsetting to have to endure it every day.

I am 29 years old (woman).

I went to the doctor first in February when he tested my blood. The result came back normal (he said he tested for infections). After that I went again and he gave me an X-ray in my abdominal area..well that one came back normal too.

Now, last week (30th of May) he said he would send me through the post a form or something like that.. to go with it and have an ultrasound. I waited now a week and I cant wait to receive it already as I want to see if they will see something at the Echo scan.

I would have wanted the ultrasound taken first if you ask me..as I suspect it might be something like a kidney stone..or something like that..?

I only have this pain in my back, somewhere under my ribs (and on the right side), only when I stand.

I feel better when sitting down or lying. I am thankful for that at least..I suppose it could be worse ..so I get some break from this.

The doctor as I see him is clueless and he said that if we don't find anything after all these tests..he might just blame it on a muscle that was pulled or something..

I mean..this is ridiculous as basically it would be just a guess..even leaving it like that..

what if in time it affects me more with some other consequences?

I am very concerned already and tired with this pain.

Please I would like to know your opinions about this.

I must add that I have no other symptoms..no swellings or other problems. Just this pain every day and is constant and annoying and I just want to know what it is already to treat it and get over with my life.

2

Don't give up and keep chasing I had similar symptoms for several years. Does it hurt more if eating  or are getting a pain that goes round your diaphragm. It could just be a pulled muscle but you need a scan 

3

Thank you Karen,

I wouldnt want to give up..but hopefully I will discover what it is in an ultrasound.I am still waiting though to receive the appointment from the dr through the post sad(

I must say I freaked out when I read that you had these symptoms for several years! OMG..I wouldnt want that..

So it just went by itself in your case? what was it? Do you know..?

My pain its stronger sometimes when i switch positions..Like for example if I am sitting down and suddently I am standing then it hurts..but even this it only happens sometimes..it is so unpredictable sometimes. And no, it doesnt hurt after I eat..its just hurts when I stand even if my stomach is empty and not eaten yet..only when I take paracetamol or ibuprofen it dissapears for a few hours.

Thank you for your reply though! I appreciate it.

So bottom line, you havent found out why you had the pain..?

4

I also want to mention that the pain is always in the same place (under my ribs..in the bach-on the right side..)

5

Geox Have you had your scan yet . It is possible you have gallstones or hiatus hernia  but the scan should show this

6

I will have my scan on Saturday..finally. I cant wait to see what this is and hopefully get a treatment that can sort this out soon.

A weird thing happened recently though..I just fell a few days ago..maybe because I was clumsy ..as I just fell flat on my face..for no reason while walking and not having any type of obstacles in front of me...It was very embarrassing- I was fine when two people that were just passing by helped me up. So..I just have some bad bruises now on my right hip and my right elbow..as I fel on my right side..

However, that same night my pain from my back right side, wasnt there anymore, but it had moved in the front..on my right side-in my pelvis area. I had to take paracetamol to be able to sleep. But  after that night it hurts slighlty less in my back (on the right side)..as it went back there, only not as strong as before the fall.

Now..the newest thing is that last night I think I barely slept one hour..as I had weird numbness and a bit of tingling in my big toes from both feet..

What could that be now?

OMg, it will now take another few months before I find what is happening with the toes..When I press on the surface of my toes..I feel them numb just a bit-like a dentist anesthetic.. I am scared by what I read on the internet about these things..

I might need to phone the doctor for another appointment regarding something else.

And I might need to choose a new section to write about this here on the forum..as I am curious about this too sad

I am falling apart apparently.........

7

Geox what did your scan reveal

 

8

Have your Dr. Check you for a UPJ obstruction of the kidney  or enlarged kidney  ....I have this and my pain is the same not in the back flank like most ...many Dr's don't find it ...talk to a urologist about checking your kidneys ...Hope you find the source of your pain ...

Best Dana

9

Everything seems normal with all the tests I took: blood tests, abdominal x-ray and the echon scan. All normal.

It left me wondering. Not that I dont want to see that everything is normal with my health..but what was that pain then? So after my result from the echo, the pain went away in a few days as well so I didnt thought is necessary to see the Dr again.

If it will reappear, I will make an appointment.

I want to add that the pain reappeared two time in a these last two months that have passed since the echo, and in those particular days I have put in more effort at work (I work in retail at the moment, but not for long as I am looking for an office job).

Maybe it was like my Dr said in the beggining: a muscle was pulled while exercising, as maybe I havent properly warmed up; who knows?

But that would explain the pain.

However, I want to start slowly building my strength for running, as I have to lead a hea;thy lifestyle..so hopefully I wont have a problem with that as well.

Before the pain I was floor exercising at home..so maybe..I didnt warmed up properly..

So that is all, really...

I will keep you guys updated if anything out of the ordenary happens again, which I hope it wont.

I wish you all good health and all the best.

10

No he didnt checked for that as far as I know. Now I am interested to know that. Although, how would I do that without upseting the Dr would suggesting him what he has to do?

I suggested once in the past, and a lady Dr got upset..a bit..by patronising me..and saying that in the UK, Dr`s decide what tests to give to patience, unlike other countries..(I am not a British citizen.. ).

I must say that it really annoyed me and now, I amconcerned that this Dr mught take offence if I make an appointment to just suggest him what to do biggrin

How would I manage this I wonder, without bothering their ego?

As mortals, have some knowledge and a brain as well..to think for ourselves, but Dr`s seem to foget that..maybe.

Best to you too Dana

11

i have the exact symptoms I had ultrasound for kidneys, gall stones they check liver, spleen and no abdominal aorta problems  and found nothing.  Still have pain and indigestion w/ burping a lot.? Dr also said it's probably muscle. Sounds strange to me.  I have it about 3 weeks. It's not changed at all. I don't remember doing anything to cause the strain in my side and back. Any suggestions?

12

I am 39 years old woman, I do have exactly the same pain and simptoms.  It started after I run a few miles this weekend and I got realy tired.

13

I have also been to dr for same symptoms and was given the same diagnosis sad  But this past June I had a laperoscopy for endometriosis (3rd lap) and ended up having to have my left ovary removed.   But have mostly experierenced pain on my right side sad  So i'm wondering if it's just the endo that has come back ? ? ?

14

I would like to add that i too am having problems with the pain coming from the underside of the right rib cage and moves to my mid back also at times i would experience pinching sensations. just recently ive had to start sleep on my right side or back because sleeping on my left makes it worse. I have wasted a lot of money on ultrasound, xray, blood work, exercise, pills for acid reflux..... nothing has fixed nor made it better. 

If anybody has the secret ingredient would be nice.

15

I am going through the same thing. I'm 38 and been in pain for 3 weeks. ct's, ultrasound, and xrays but no explaination can be found. I just want it to go away!

have you had any relief? how?

16

I am going through the same thing. I'm 38 and been in pain for 3 weeks. ct's, ultrasound, and xrays but no explaination can be found. I just want it to go away!have you had any relief? how?

17

I have almost identical symptoms!  I am 41 and have a dull pain in my right side which sometimes feels as though it is also around the right of my back.  My Doctor also dismisses anything serious and says it must be a muscular problem that probably happened in the night whilst I was sleeping! (Seemed like straw grasping but ok!)  I have had blood tests for kidney function but no scans as yet - I will insist on them in another week if the pain stays.  I cannot say that it's so painful that I can't concentrate, it's just that it's always there and has been for the last couple of weeks and is getting a bit demoralising. Looking at these threads, it seems as though it might be here to stay for a while :-(  Does anyone have any ideas on how to minimise or relieve the pain/ache?

18

I have read all your emails i am 45 and have had the exact pain for 3 days i have not been to the doctor yet.

19

Maybe just pop to the Dr to get the initial things checked out?

 

20

I have been having the same issue since February.....I have also had all of the tests mentioned above and been told it could just be a muscle strain? The doctors seem clueless. I also run daily which actually makes me feel better. Are any of you taking hormones? I am 47. I am now starting to have major bloating and uncomfortable after eating. I am in shape and not overweight? What could it be?