Pain under rib

[Ouchyjenna]

Hi just looking for some advice. I'm experiencing pain under my rib cage right on the left side of my body. Its quite intense.feels like a fist is lodged under my rib cage. I had this same pain last year when I was really flaring then it eased off. I'm flaring quite bad again atm and it seems to be back with avengance. I had a chest x-ray last year to see if there was anything there and there wasn't. Could this be rheumatoid related ? I'm a bit anxious to go to the docs about it because I worried that this comes as part of the RA package and they will think I'm.just wasting their time. Thanks

[Hidden]

Please contact your GP as soon as possible for guidance

[nomoreheels]

Definitely mention it to your Rheumy, it may be costochondritis. This is when the cartilage between your ribs becomes inflamed, typically when in flare as you are. It can be very painful & it's often eased by a steroid injection so if you're seeing your Rheumy or nurse any time soon do mention it.

[allanah]

I'm afraid I get it a lot and it is awful sore. Call the Rheumy it could be costochondritis and can sometimes go along other ribs and the breast bone. I get steroid injections and I find cold packs not hot ease the pain. Hope it eases soon

[helixhelix]

It may well be costochondritis as others have said. However it is worth checking with GP as your gallbladder is on upper right side of your abdomen, so could also be your digestive system playing up. You're not wasting your doctor's time as these things much easier to deal with if caught early. It's easy for us to put everything down to RA, but sometimes it's not!

[LizzieR]

I have this too. You need to see your doctor! Thinking of you- it is horrible x

[Ruth12345]

Go see the doc. You are not wasting his time. Sounds very unpleasant and if you dont need to suffer this pain please dont.

All the best

[Lisazs]

Sounds very much like costochondritis. If you have a Rheumatology helpline or a way of getting speedy access to your Rheumatologist then I'd get in touch with them pronto to get yourself checked over. I've had several bouts of this in the past 18 months and have found that acupuncture helps, but even then it can take a good while to settle. You could try heat and ice therapy as well. But make sure you get yourself checked over by the professionals! Good luck x

[Buelabell]

I hate to add to your worries but it could also be fluid around your heart caused by RA. Please don't delay anytime the are around your heart is acting different from normal. I had a major heart attack caused by RA inflammation. Heart problems for women have very different symptoms from men. Better safe than sorry.