Hello

A number of years ago I injured my left lower abdomen area. (A twisting accident – pulling to the left.) At the time I felt sharp soreness around my left floating rib, accompanied by nausea and hot/cold feelings. (Spleen sensitivity I guess.) After a days rest the hot/cold/nausea symptoms disappeared.

However as soon as I ate a meal I experienced severe pain just to the left of my naval button. This lasted for a few weeks then died away after complete rest from any activity that require me straining to my left side.

Today, I still experienced discomfort when eating, but mostly under the left lower ribs. My main problem now is chronic constipation. This was not present at the time of the injury but has gradually developed into an overwhelming problem. (I have a high fiber diet, and access to excellent laxatives if required, to help, but the condition is worsening.)

The following tests showed northing wrong:

Barium Enema Test
Colonoscopy.
Spine/Ribs x-ray



The following test did pick up one problem:

Abdomen Ultrasound

It detected that my rectus muscle (6-pack) had split down the middle and that the left side was noticeably unsymmetrical.


My physio believes that my ribs are no longer symmetrical and that a floating lower left rib may be pressing on internal organs which could be the cause of digestion problems?

Any thoughts on the matter would be most appreciated. I am planning to have an MRI shortly to confirm the symmetrical ribs question.


Thanks very much..

Peter