Pain Under Left Side of Rib Cage

First off, I feel everyone's pain, this is not cool that all of us has the same exact thing going on. Mine first started about 6 months ago, I was home and had this extreme pain go from my chest, to my left arm, down to my lower Rib Cage, I'm 25 yrs old, and at the time, I was in great health. I was worried about this "pain" generally because of left side, chest pain = incoming heart attack, so I went to the ER and was told that I had a Panic Attack and was released.

I have never had a panic attack in my life, not stressed what-so-ever, and I generally sleep 8 - 9 hrs a night, so I was like "ok, I'll go home and sleep this off". Everything went back to normal, until about 2 months ago. I was awakened by a Severe pain traveling through all of my left rib cage, Chest area, and abdominal areas... seeing as I already went to the hospital and looking like an fool, I decided to go to WebMD.com... errr, worst mistake possible, since I did the symptom checker, and I have 20 results, all of which were "Life-Threatening", So I freak out, go to the hospital, the doctor did Blood, Urine, and stool sample tests, of course, all of them came back Negative! Well, my Doctor told me I had IBS... so I was like, ok, I'll take the meds and hope for the best... now it's been 2 months, the pain has doubled in strength, and I cannot sleep, nor do I want to be awake, I have taken everything under the sun, watched health vids on the net, and even went as far as to drink myself silly, which actually relieved the pain almost automatically! I have no clue as of what this is, why it's happening, and why my body doesn't respond to any medication
at all, and that I have had over 17 tests done for everything you guys have said. It's driving me insane, my life is literally "messed up" because of this, and I have been to the ER so many times, the doctors and nurses think, either I have flipped out, or that I am just Imagining these "Pains" because they can't find wrong thing with me.

I will keep in touch with this site, hopefully to get a solution to tis, as I am sure all of you want the same, I'm starting to think this should be called "The Unknown Disorder" Hoping this will clear up and stop for all of us.

This is the only page I've found on-line that even remotely comes close to describing what I've been experiencing! I am 27 years old. VERY healthy and strong, never smoked, drank or done drugs of any kind.
Every morning for the past few weeks I've been waking up with aching and sporadic shooting pain deep under my left rib-cage, going all the way up to my collar bone. When I roll to my left side it gets worse. On my right side the pain usually abates. I don't often feel this pain during the day though for the past 3 days it's been more constant with more severe shooting pains that seem to coincide with my heart beat.
Has anyone experienced this or heard of anything like it???

Hi Everyone, just a quick update, I went to the hospital a few days ago, suffering from bad pains, again in my left side, chest/arm/ribs. Thank God I actually get a doctor that knew exactly what was going on! They did the exact tests that alot of you have said to get, and it came back as a severe case of Costochondritis (might have spelled it wrong, lol) and a pretty bad case of IBS, no ulcers, blood clots, or cancer (they were at the top of my list, always thought the worst). That was my problem, I freaked out so much over this, it actually made it worse! The Doctor told me to stop stressing over every little thing (which is easier said then done!). I told him about this site, and what I read and he smiled and pretty much said I should have listened to you guys in the first place... LOL! Anyway, if anyone else is having the same symptoms, but you don't want to see a doctor, then I would suggest, a total change in diet, RELAX!!! I didn't know stress good actually create a sort of "Gateway" to a pain portal... which means, we stress over the pains we get, because we're stressed out already... this can make (it can, not always though) make our pain receptors think there is something wrong with what is going on. Now IBS isn't fun at all, it can cause alot of problems, though not at all, life threatening, and this Costochondritis pretty much sucks, but I was given Ibuprofen for the Costo* and told to change my diet, and to get up off my butt and walk, jogg, run, do something other then sit at my computer all day (I work for a MMORPG on-line game, coding and designing, which equals to about 12 hrs a day, sitting in my chair). This doesn't go for everyone on here, because everyone is different, but it's helped my greatly in the past two days, no pain in my side, my bowels movements arn't back to normal, but I have to wait on that.... I was told to eat yogurt, since it has active cultures and can make your "bowels" kick back into gear (I've been getting "Yoplait: YO PLUS Digestive) they're about $2.25 for a 4 pack at wal-mart, but it has helped alot with my stomache aches.

BTW, I found out the gurgle and grumble noices that alot of us hears, is our Bowels trying to kick-start itself, the Clicking, weird moving thingy, is trapped air/gas bubbles in our intestines, which can hurt enough to make anyone hit their knees and start praying, lol. I know it hurts alot, but I'm sure this is what the Majority of the people on here have, if you are still worried about it, go to the doctor, and tell him/her you might have either Costochondritis, or IBS/ or both, which sucks, but both can be totally taken care of.

Best of luck to All, and Kelle, you are having the very same symptoms that I did, when I first started, do not get freaked out, if anything go to a doctor and get checked out. And you also said the pain subsides, during the day... which means your probably active/working during this period, when we wake up, or about to go to sleep, it'll rear it's ugly head and start up again, since we're in the "resting stage" and not doing anything, Best of luck to you!

I've been having this same pain as well. But mine is a bit odd. First, I'm 29 yrs old, male. More active than most, 6'1" 170 lbs, ride a bike 8 or so miles 4-5 times per week, etc... My pain comes mostly when I lay on my back. Which, with my lifestyle only happens before I go to bed. I do drink most weekends with friends... sometimes heavily, but rarely. I also have been known to smoke while I drink. I do not, however, smoke during the week... ever. But of course I've been doing this (smoking while drinking) for about 8 years now. Like yall's, it is only on my left side... high up under the upper rib cage on my side. Sometimes it throbs as well... in fact, it mostly throbs. I have IBS like many of you. But I fugured... "Great... just my luck, the little smoking I've done has caused lung cancer. Just great." I asked a doctor, and he said it didn't have anything to do with my IBS. His reaction was irritated connective tissue in the ribs, just as many of you have been told. Now I'm no doctor, but this has been going on for over a year now. Any irritation, I would think, would clear up. But, I guess I'm wrong on that one.

But anyway, this thread has been great. I registered just to reply to it. I'm also relieved to see that no serious and/or tragic diagnosis has been made for any of you. Maybe now I can relax and it'll go away! hah

I read through years (literally) of this thread's posts and I fit the bill exactly. I was googling on it today because it really flared up at work.

Coincidently, my lifestyle and physiology match tsmith274 closely. I'm in pretty good physical condition, work out regularly, drink regularly, but rarely to excess and often smoke a few cigarette with my beer.

Also, I take Prilosec OTC for acid reflux.

My pain is the typical under-left-ribcage, spasm/cramp, going into the chest and back/shoulder. Stress can bring it on or make it worsen. Same with eating - even small meals make me feel full for hours.

I went to my doctor; he sent me to a cardiologist to be safe and my ticker checks out just fine. They had to pull me off the treadmill.

I think I've gotten past the: "I'm dying of a terrible disease." phase, but this plain sucks.

I just stumbled upon this site and I'm glad I did. It's been a revelation to learn that I'm not alone in suffering (although I wouldn't wish this on anyone).

I'm a 34 year old male and I've had these pains round my left side for nearly 4 months. They first presented themselves at a period of intense work related stress. At the time I noticed a lot of gurgling and rumbling from my left side as well. The pain comes and goes and just lately its not as bad as it has been.

I've had a couple of tests (which I had to push the doctor to do), such as sigmoidoscopy and barium enema. I've just been referred for a colonoscopy (again at my request).

My doctors don't seem especially interested and trot out the diagnosis "IBS" like a mantra. They tell me I'm too young to have anything especially serious and seem remarkably complacent. But my dad died at 62 years old several years ago from some kind of colon cancer and he had presented these symptoms. They told him he had IBS too. It is this fact more than any other that has had a profound effect on my current mental state.

I haven't had any other symptoms of IBS until very recently, but the stress and anxiety I've felt these last couple of months has been immense and I'd like to think these new symptoms are IBS related and not something more sinister. My gut has always suffered when I'm under pressure.

I just wish I'd been referred for the colonoscopy earlier, its been nearly 4 months and if it is something sinister its only going to get worse in those 4 months. I went to the doctor as soon as the symptoms arrived to try and get a quick and accurate diagnosis but I've felt more like I'm banging my head against a brick wall.

I'm afraid I'm not past the "I'm dying of a terrible disease" phase. In fact, I've convinced myself I am dying and have found myself planning for that eventuality. Not much fun when you have a beautiful 2 year old son, and xmas on the horizon.

Please forgive these ramblings. Its the first time I've got this off my chest and I've found it kind of cathartic.

Hello- I am new to this so bare with me.
I had a miscarriage back in December 06 and since the pregnancy I suffered from pain in my lower left side, which sometimes shoots across my lower back. It feels as if I am constipated /gassy and usually flares up around my period. The pain is so sharp sometimes it scares me. I was taking meds for ADHD, which I also think has caused bladder issues. I AM A MESS. I have stopped taking the adhd meds (currently looking for natural vitamins to help). I have also since this time had trouble with my marriage and lost 2 family members to cancer and one from old age. Could stress cause this?Could this be cancer (crazy, but this is what goes through your head after dealing with it for so long)? I need all the advice I can get!!!

Hi! I'm new here. I,too, have this stabbing, sharp pain under my left ribcage just 4 finger breadths from the nipple area. Its been 3 weeks now and despite the intense pain that I felt, I still haven't gone to the the hospital to seek professional medical help. I was hoping that through this forum, I can somehow find answers to my questions. I took Ecotrin, Advil and did some cold compress but I just got temporary relief. My Uncle said that it's probably Costochondritis since the pain is aggravated with deep breaths,coughing and sneezing. True, I do feel intense severe pain when I cough,deep breath,sneeze and yawn, but the pain is not located in my front chest wall. It does not radiate to my back or abdomen either. Prior to such pain occurence, I wasn't doing anything physical like lifting heavy object, exercising and what not. i didn't have any upper respiratory infections nor have minor traumas. Does any of you here have any idea on what's going on with me and how I could possibly lessen this discomfort? I haven't been sleeping well because of this. In fact, I just had 2 hours of sleep since yesterday. I don't have fever, body malaise, loss of appetite or whatever. Just this pain that's been bothering me like crazy!

HELLO ALL i am new and i have the same thing as you all are been talking bout and i have had this since a month now and it is driving me up the dam wall!!!
had all test done but found nothing and my dr is treating me for uti and got me on antibotics and still have the pain and dr said i also have ibs witch i got pills for that to but nothing seems to work but a really good pain killer does the trick but the poain is still there when it wares off LOL----CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL TO DO?????
THANKS SO KINDLY I AM LOST

It has been a year & have had numerous tests & to no avail nothing has been found. Reading all the replies from everyone is so reasurring to hear how there are other people with the same problem. I feel like I've hit the jackpot. I haven't had a chance yet to look up splenik flexure syndrome. I'm so tired of telling the doctors all symptoms I've made a bio which I take with me to each doctor & let them just read it:

- began April 2007 & is consistantly every day on left side only
- main source is one spot directly below ribs & travels to top of thigh
- pain also travels from chest area to top of thigh, belly button to my waist & varies day to day, evening worse
- most painful sitting in chair or L-form (back straight, legs straight out front)
- aggravated after coughing, sneezing, physical work such as sweeping, vacuum, washing dishes, folding clothes, carrying anything & walking
- as stomach fills throughout the day pain increases, bowl movements gives some relief as some pressure is relieved from main source area under ribs
- no pain when lying down.
- press down on left side no pain is felt, pain will surface afterwards since pain area has been aggravated
- pain can become so severe where the left side feels paralyzed

lets keep in touch & let each other know what works & doesn't work in relieving the pain.

Hi Sidonia- I have an eerily similar story- and my pains even started at the same time, 4/07.

I have continuous pain under my left rib cage, into my back, down into my left thigh area. No pain when laying down so I have been going to sleep rediculously early every night. I feel crazy because I have had a CT and other tests and nothing ever comes up. I went to a different doc on Friday and will be getting an ultrasound and xray of my ribs.

I also feel like there is increased tenderness and sensitivity over the left pelvic bone.

Like you, I cannot pinpoint the source of the pain by pressing on the area but it will hurt after I press there.

I really can't deal with this everyday for the rest of my life, and I fear it's ruining my marriage. I just hope to god I can get an answer from the new doc.

Hello, I am new to this forum. I read all your message. I am asthamatic and I go regularly to the doctors. I was diagnosed with IBS couple of years back and was suggested to take Ispaghula natural fiber. They asked me to diet and stay active I tried joining Tae-kwon-do, tennis, walking and swimming regularly. Many times I used to feel my tummy bloated. If I go to doctors again, they always say it will all change if I change my diet and try to be active.I got this pain under left rib cage somewhere at the back, behind my stomach. So I started researching into natural healing foods. I have reduced eating too much. I normally eat too much of fruits and try to eating vege's raw. I bought a full fruit juicer and started juicing cucumber, carrot, mint, few vegetables, apples, grapes, lemon everyday in the morning. For this pain in our digestive system, I read in the internet that MINT helps. So I tried it for few days eating couple of mint leaves and taking a bunch of mint leaves and boil or put it in hot water for 5 minutes and drink it at least two or three times in a day. I took probiotic yogurt often and at least one activia everyday. Whenever I remember I try to drink water as much as I can. After couple of days I felt better and really the pain is gone. .. I felt very strange without the pain. Now I have started telling everyone about this Mint concotion. Everyday, whenever I remember I added fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds to the mint water and drink the concotion as part of my daily fluid in-take. Believe me, if its to do with the digestive system, these will help. Along with this swimming also helps to and relax. Good luck to you.

I started having pain around the sternum, under and below left ribs, extending to left back ribs Oct. 2006. Went to ER twice had test for heart -ekg, stress test, and Cat of arteries. Stomach was scoped and bioposy taken. I do have a small hiatal hernia but was told was not causing a problem. Had Hpylori and ulcer many years ago, treated and cured. Also have had CT, Ultra Sound. Only thing found was enlarged thyroid, have an appointment with endocrinologist in May. Primary doctor and GYN does not think their any problem because blood test is in normal range. Primary doctor does not think I have a problem even though the pain around sternum, ribs and back has become constant. It hurts to wear a bra, and is difficult to sleep on my side because of discomfort. My pain starts after physical activity like walking, riding bike, gym, vacuuming etc. It was improving after 3 or 4 days of rest. This time it has been eleven days and still very unconfortable. I have always been an active person and this has debilated me. My GYN did call a heart doctor today and I am to get an appointment. I am a 67 year old female. It bring me to tears not being believed.

last monday i ate a really spicy soup and just plain too much food. i love food though i only weight 114 so this isn't part of the problem. i have had some of the same pain before last monday but i never payed attention to it because i was a excessive drinker and thought it was due to that and yes like a fool i ignored the fact drinking too much was ruining my body. and i'm big into being healthy besides that.
after i ate too much i felt too bloated and felt like vomiting so i made myself. when i did, i vomited blood and my left side under my ribs started hurting sharply off and on. so my husband took me to the hospital. they took 4 blood tests and a urine sample and told me i had gastronitis because they found nothing "serious" wrong and gave me some pills to lower the acid in my stomache but the pain is getting worse. i admitted i drank a lot so they probably just didn't want to waste their time on me.
im not drinking anymore but im scared i gave myself stomache cancer and its too late. i dont have insurance so im afraid to go to the doctor and just have them tell me nothings wrong and wasting money i dont have or most likley end up oweing the only doctor i have left i dont owe. am i just being paranoid ? i am known to be a huge worry wort. or could i really have stomache cancer? i'm 25 and been drinking heavily for about 2-3 years. it sucks this is what it took for me to finally stop drinking but at least im not dependent on it and i can actually quit. what should i do? i go to the gym i try to eat healthy MOST of the time. besides the occasional red meat or poor weeks where i have to eat lots of noodles. thanks in advance for anyones help. and i know im an fool so no one has to tell me.

Suggestion... I am a 46 year old woman with IBS. My doctor told me that the best thing that I could do to manage the pain in my left side (caused by repeated involuntary spasming of the colon and muscle spasms at the base of my rib cage were to 1. drink a 4 oz. glass of port wine every evening. Taylor port costs about $9.00/bottle and absolutely stops the spasm of the colon AND it delivers excellent policosinol (great antioxidant). He also suggested that I buy a product called CalAbsorb to offset the muscle spasms. He thought they were due to a lack of magnesium in my system. With these two things going I rarely ever have any pain, I'm not spending a fortune on RX and there are some very nice side effects! Longer, stronger nails and great sleep at night. I hope that you are all feeling better very soon!