Rib pain

[Westie2012]

Out shopping last night I reached down for something on the lowest shelf. I had such a sudden sharp pain by my right ribs , it went when I stood up but stayed as a dull ache . Could it be connected to pericarditis , I had it in December along with a pericardial effusion , there’s no fluid now but I’m im left with almost constant rib pain.

[seasider18]

It is most likely costochronditis. Yours seems very mild. I've had really painful ones that have taken a couple of months to get better.

nhs.uk/conditions/costochon...

[Westie2012 in reply to seasider18]

I’ve had rib pain both sides for the last month or so , it’s mostly a dull ache on waking but I do have sharp pains as the day progresses and I’m more active , are you on any medication ?

[seasider18 in reply to Westie2012]

Not for that. I've had costochronditis several times. First time I went to the doctor but now I just sit it out. Some go quicky but others have lasted for over a month.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to seasider18]

I thought the same as you Seaside18, that it's costochrondritis that Westie has.

[Sunnie2day]

You really really really need to talk to your medic as soon as possible - it could be anything from an after-affect from the Covid and/or pericarditis to a broken rib (coughing can break a rib even in a young person if it's violent enough) to...to just about anything pneumo-thoracic and the only person who can safely determine what is going on is your medic.

Er, that said, if the rib pain is only more towards your spine, it probably is the pericarditis - but again, ONLY the medic can make that determination and should be given the chance to first thing Tuesday morning (Monday being a Bank Holiday).

[cateblanchett]

Hi Westie2012,

Just to offer a different perspective. I had a similar pain which turned out to be caused by a blockage of the renal artery. At first I was told I had pneumonia. The true situation was revealed only when I had a scan.

This blockage is similar to coronary artery stenosis. Sometimes stents are also used to open up the affected renal artery, as they are for coronary arteries.

Self diagnosis doesn’t always work. I would encourage you to see a doctor.