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Posted 10/6/2008 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone

I was wondering if anyone knew what a pain on my left side back (top of rib) would be. I called my primary and the office called back and told me not to worry it was just fluid retention. I have had this pain for over a month now. I guess I am more worried because my mom always said pain is a sign that something is wrong.

Any ideas????

Karen
Posted 10/6/2008 6:04 PM (GMT 0)

By "top of rib" do you mean at the very first rib?  Is it upper or lower back?  Could be kidney if lower back.

I've had a pain just under my left ribs for 4 yrs. or more.  Nothing shows up on scans and nobody seems to know what it is.  Sometimes it's so bad I have to take ibuprofen 800 or Lortab for it.  Usually, it's just annoying.  I have thought it could be my pancreas or spleen, but nothing unusual shows up.  And my blood work is fine. 

If your pain was less than a week old, I would be inclined to think "muscle strain," but since you've had it a month I doubt that's it.  If you find out, please post!  It might give me an idea of what's going on with me.  smilewinkgrin

P.S.  I don't have any fluid retention, so that's not the answer with my symptom.

Posted 10/6/2008 7:40 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I have the same pain. Sometimes I will have it for a week  or so and then it goes away.

I seem to get it if I am not eating properly, or if I eat to much. nono

Another theory is pressure from gas putting pressure on something over there. 

I thought it was my spleen, but a scan showed nothing.

I see the Dr. in 2 weeks- will ask him..

Posted 10/7/2008 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I'm glad I'm not alone.  I've never mentioned it to my hepatologist (there are usually more pressing issues, so I haven't even remembered to ask her), but will see what she has to say at my next visit...which isn't until Jan.  I see my primary care doc next month, but she's never been able to tell me what it is...has just brushed it off as "nothing."  rolleyes
Posted 10/7/2008 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone

The pain is on top of my top rib on left side about 3 or 4 inches from my side on my back. Sometimes the pain is really unbearable but it is always there.

Connie, I know what you mean about remembering to ask Hep Dr or primary Dr questions sometimes. I try to write them down bu then I forget where I put the paper

Karen
Posted 10/7/2008 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
I carry a little 3 x 5 spiral memo book with me at all times.  I write my questions in there.  Also, I keep an ongoing grocery list, and a few important phone numbers.  wink
Posted 10/7/2008 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
I too am an avid fan of notes & lists.

I don't know what the left side pain is - but its not liver - that's right side. I've never had left side pain - only right side.

Best,
Cary
Posted 10/8/2008 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
Connie
Great idea about carrying the small pad of paper. Thanks...Now if I can just remember to buy one


Karen

Laughter is a great medicine......................
Posted 10/8/2008 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Karen, write yourself a sticky note to p/u a notepad...stick it on your mirror!  I get the pads at Walgreen's when they have a sale with coupon...at something like 39 cents ea.  I stock up then.

Cary, the liver does extend a bit into the LUQ...that "tail" of the liver.  That's what I'm surviving on.  Now that I think of it, perhaps it's cirrhosis...which I know I have, as the left lobe was biopsied when they took the right lobe.  That pain is rather strong right now, though I've taken pain meds within the past half hour.

Posted 10/8/2008 6:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Karen,

Just a thought and never trust mine. Both the spleen and the gall bladder are around that area. I think that spleen pain is moderate pressure pain, while gall stones can really hurt and have some complications. If your Dr suspects the gall bladder, a simple sonogram can ID the problem.

Don't put it off. I hope it's minor.

Be well, John
Posted 10/8/2008 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Well since I had my gallbladder taken out a year ago and thats when I found out about that I had ESLD cirrohsis and Hep C, etc etc It can't be gallstones besides the gallbladder is attached to your liver. Don't worry I did not know that until I went to my TP eval. I recently had an ultrasound of my liver, kidneys and spleen and results were alright or at least not anything that wasn't there before. I hopeto find out more when I see my Hep Dr on the 23rd. See there is another thing to write down to ask.

MY Ammonia levels doubled last month and even though I have doubled dosage of lactulose, I still have the big foghead and forget way to much. I am taking care of my friends old dog and I almost forgot (3 hours late) to let the dog out. Hey wasn't that a song?

Karen
Posted 10/8/2008 7:30 PM (GMT 0)

Hey, John!  You're posting!!  That's certainly a good sign...even if you did rearrange the location of the gall bladder.  Yep, it's on the right, at the bottom of the liver.  smilewinkgrin    When they took the rt. side of my liver, they also took the gall bladder.  

Karen, let us know what your doctor says about the pain.

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