side side pain under ribs

[pb]

I have had this pain for years....I am starting to worry about pancreatic cancer or cancer of bowels. I just got physical and all bloodwork came back good. Would it be elevated if i had cancer? i have an scans and tests done in the past like endoscopy, and upper gi series and they were all fine... any ideas

[LindaRK]

Could very well be muscular.  This is what I'm dealing with right now - pain/achiness under right rib and at side.  Feels better with heat.  Tends to worsen with use of right arm (lifting or reaching).

I finally went to see a GI doc who did a thorough exam and spent well over an hour with me.  He doesn't think it's gastro-related.  Ordered extensive bloodwork.  If it comes back clear, possibly a CT scan, but he really doesn't think I should do that.  He, too, thinks it's muscular and I haven't given it time to heal.

I also do accupuncture and have been having it addressed there with some mild improvement.

Don't even google this one ...... it's important to put it into perspective.  Think about the pain.  When did it start?  When does it get worse?  Is it constant?

[pb]

I feel like it is at its worst after i eat like ten minutes later. It is under left rib cage and pain in back and side. I have had it for 5 years now. it never completly goes away. I have had a ct, upper endoscopy, upper gi, blood work and nothing. Ironically it didnt bother me much when I was pregnant. I dont know, maybe ibs? I dont want any more scans....

[pb]

feel full or like pressure. I am 32, normal weight ( maybe a little under weigth since I am breast feeding) I am afraid it is something to do with pancreas. if you have pancreatitis does that mean it will turn into cancer.... would blood work for pancreas be normal, cause mine was as well as cholestrol, I also do not drink or smoke at all and never did.

[LindaRK]

Could be IBS.  I have that, too, but I definitely know what I have isn't IBS related.

Because of the feeling of fullness, could be GERD or something similar.

If you had pancreatic cancer, it would have presented itself in other symptoms by now.

Like I said before - could very well be muscular or cartilage related.  If you've got a baby ...... that would mean you're carrying your baby .... doesn't give it time to heal properly.  You might want to keep track of when it feels worse or what exacerbates the pain.  You mentioned discomfort after eating - could be something as simple as gas, or perhaps a gluten sensitivity.

[jbills8]

I have been there with the pancreatic cancer scare. A couple of months ago I was completely certain I was dying from it. I still have GI symptoms, strange bowel movements, and back pain. I have seen a GI doc twice, and have had several blood tests including pancreatic enzymes, which were all normal. I had a good friend of mine who died from PC last June, and it was fast and aggressive. From what I have heard about pancreatitis is the pain is unbearable and you get very ill, so there would be no mistaking that something was seriously wrong. I am pretty sure my problems are IBS related brought on by anxiety and it is probably the same for your symptoms. Like someone else stated above, if it was PC it would not go a year without presenting other symptoms.

[trainwreck]

That was what got me to the doc.  Pain along my ribs and a tender spot in my stomach. He said is was a muscular inflammation that comes and goes.  He didnt even order so much as blood work.  And my fears were exactly the same as yours.  And he told me that if it was PC, that I wouldn't be wondering about it a year later.  He also said I wasn't presenting any symptoms that would make him even check for that. 

[pb]

I just feel like I am at a catch 22... if I dont go I fear it could be inflammation that will lead to cancer or cancer itself. If I go I know they will want more tests, I was suppose to do an ultrasound which is ok cause there is no radiation but I feel like it will come back normal and then what.... when does it end. Just want to feel normal for once in my life.

[LindaRK]

How about if I have all of the tests and let you know what it is? ;-)  Okay, just kidding, but I bet that put a smile on your face.

[msgb98]

I get this a lot.
I chalk mine up to poor posture and also fibromyalgia and costochondritis.
Also if a muscle goes into spasm it can refer pain to other locations not just the spot of the spasm.