Left ribcage problems

10-09-2010, 08:59 PM

Hi,

For the last few weeks I've been having strange feelings in my left rib cage. When I walked, I would get a stabbing pain. I went to my doctor because it was really bugging me, but the chest X-Ray was normal. Since then I still get some discomfort but it is not tender. My fiance pointed out when I was lying down yesterday that my top couple ribs on my left side and really sticking out compared to my left side and that she never has noticed that before. I doubt it is possible for your ribs to move, but I have never noticed it either. The two ribs go out quite far, then the lower ribs are in a normal position, so they look weird. Anyways, does anybody know what could cause this?

FYI - I do have Celiac Disease and according to my GI doc, I had it likely most of my life undiagnosed. (24 years old) It still is not in control as I have antibody levels, but it is getting there. I just had a chest X-ray which was good, but I never had a bone density scan. Didn't know if this could have anything to do with it. Thanks!

Thanks.

**koriek361** · 10-10-2010, 09:05 AM

---double post---

**Rotties for life!** · 10-10-2010, 06:26 PM

Are you on the gluten free diet 100%? I was just dx'd with celiac 2 weeks ago, but the reason I kept going back to Dr's was because of pain in my left rib cage and my left ribs are more prominent than the right- especially the bottom 2 ribs- they stick out more- it almost looks like there is a lump there, but according to my Dr's it is just the rib bone. I've had XRAY's and CT scans that were normal.

Mine is VERY painful.

**zuha sultana** · 10-11-2010, 05:02 PM

I know Celiac isn't the best news, but I'm glad you got a diagnosis. Yes I am 100% gluten free, well I try to be. I know I have ingested some gluten by accident since I still have antibodies after 1 year checkup.

As far as my ribs, it is the upper 2-3 ribs and almost as if there is a lump where the 3 ribs connect in the middle of my chest. It doesn't hurt, but I do get cramps when walking.

I hope you find out what is wrong as well. My CT, Ultrasound and X-Rays have been normal as well. Have you had a bone density scan?

**anderson3000** · 10-12-2010, 08:15 AM

Have you ever heard of costochondritis or tietze syndrome? I was dx'd with both of those before the celiac thing and it sounds like what you are describing to a tee.

I am not sure really what is going on with my ribs, I guess I will find out when I start the diet! I have not had a bone scan- maybe that will be next if the diet doesn't work.

At first they told me to stop running (I was running a lot) because that might be causing the pain in my ribs, but I stopped and the pain is getting worse so obviously it was not that.

At least if what you have is costo or tietze- it is a benign condition and usually goes away on its own.

**himlover** · 10-13-2010, 11:43 AM

have them check elec and you could have a hinged rib. i have one. i get stabbing pains quickly on my right side.
i was dx with a kidney issue last year some of the pain has gone with rx potassium. and you could have a vit defiencey from the celiac issue. get them checked. drs do not routinely do either unless they have a reason to check.

that said, push on the where it bugs you and see it it moves a bit. mine do. and if walk a lot or fast and breath heavy it rubs more agains the area. i hate walmart for this reason or ikea. try riding a bike for exercise or walks.

**Black Keys** · 10-14-2010, 01:29 PM

Thank you both for your responses.

I tried pushing on it, but it feels hard like a rib, so no real movement in the lump.

As far as electrolytes go, I have them checked monthly and they are good right now. I do have fairly low B12 at 280 (range 220 - 1000).

I will see my doctor next week and it does sound like it could be Tietze syndrome, but I don't have the pain all the time. Walking was horrible last week but ok this week, just sticks out and looks strange. I know the lump is knew though because what are the odds my fiance and I notice the new lump within the same week on different days.

Thanks again