Does this sound like IBS? I hate the ever changing symptoms of this wretched condition! The pain started a few weeks ago as some sharp pains under my ribs (directly under my left arm) with a “stitch” feeling in my side that doesn’t leave (been there off and on before). The pains would happen quick and last half a second usually a few times a day. A few days ago the gnawing upper back pain started. Today, I noticed the abdominal tenderness and acheyness. Ive noticed my BMs have increased from 1 to 3 times a day now, but they are not loose or difficult to pass and the pain does not seem to be associated with them. The gnawing pain disappeared for a short time today for whatever reason. Anyone experience this?
Some people get pain under their ribs with IBS. Pain can occur just about anywhere especially back pain. However, everyone experiences it differently. Have you tried an antispasmodic to ease the pain and have you tried a food diary to see if you are reacting to a particular food? Do not worry!
The pain you are describing sounds more like costochondritis. Not sure how your IBS was diagnosed but I had a diagnosis of IBS and it just didn’t fit. It is often a catch all when doctors don’t have an explanation for what is going on. It took me a long time to get a proper diagnosis but in the end I did. I have gastritis associated with an auto immune auto inflammatory condition and this caused costochondritis with the type of symptoms you mention. Have you had a gasyroscopy? Have you been tested for h pylori?
hi charcey, even with a misgianosis of ibs i still got terrible pain along the left handside like you describe. you could try getting in to your gp, due to the pain, failing try your phafmacist. have you eaten anything different or had stress to deal with? i hope you get this sorted, it used to take my breath away.
Are you getting the stitch pain under your left armpit to your chest on the left?
Probably a good plan. Haven’t tried either! Thank you, Pippa.
Hi Margaret-
I was wondering about that, too. My IBS was diagnosed years ago after everything else was ruled out. Had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Negative for H-Pylori. Inflammation noted on the gastroscopy, but nothing major. This pain popped up a few weeks ago completely unprovoked. Can costochondritis be on only one side?
Thank you, Sam. Me too. No diet changes here.
Not under my armpit per se, but if I put my arm down at my side, its right under the rib on the left side (following my arm down). It doesn’t travel to my chest, but occasionally when I breathe deep, I’ll get a sharp pain in my chest that lasts a few breath cycles. Same pain as under my rib.
hi charcey, someone mentoned costochondritis - i have had it before, is it worse when yoy breathe in? have you had a cold recently or lifted anythjng you shouldn’t have? you will be offered pain killers and rest for this, doctors will say for definite.
Did this pain start after a chest infection or a virus?
My costochondritis started on my left side ribcage and then progressed to my right side ribcage, down the front of my chest and all over both breasts and a little round my back.
Best of luck.
I was told to use a non wired bra, take painkillers and wait it out. I decided to wait it out without changing my bra or taking painkillers and the pain went away on its own as the doctor said it would.
i think costchondritis affects different people in different amounts. i had to have an inhaler in the end as my breathing was so poor. good luck to the post writer, i hope you get this sorted out!
I got it due to a huge barrage of stress and I only went to the doctor after two months of agony because I was too frightened that I would get bad news because most of my pain was on my breasts. Going to the doctor is such a big deal for me. I think I have short lived minor reccurances but at least I know now whAt it is.
Yes! Worse when I breathe in! It’s not all the time though. The pains can be very random and disappear just as quickly after a few breath cycles. The acheyness lingers in my left chest and back though. No chest infection here, bit definitely heavy lifting.
No
A lot of it has been in my chest and breasts! Hmmm…interesting.
Same here. My bra is pretty loose and its not bad enough for me to take pain killers.