Left side pain

[Elfed]

I’ve got a real nagging pain under my left ribs, it’s constantly there and painful to stand or lay flat in bed, I’ve been sleeping on the sofa for about 6 weeks now so I’m not stretched out fully. When I mention it they just say to take painkillers and presume it’s linked to the cancer, though so far nothing has shown up that side. I’ve now had 2 lots of chemo carbo/gemzer for my third recurrence since may 17 and it’s not easing the pain at all.Anyone else had this and if so what was the outcome. Thanks

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Elfed,

Doesn’t sound right....you MUST make a fuss/ask about it...CNS, Oncologist, Ovacome Helpline, GP.

Hope you get something sorted soon xx

[Flamingobeef18]

Hi Elfed

I have had pain similar to yours with the most recent being on my right side just below my ribs.

This came on after my third chemo out of a course of eight Caelyx. My pain was not as severe as yours but enough to be uncomfortable and worrying.

I asked my doctors on numerous occasions and really was given the same advice as you.Suggested explanations included that the pain was a symptom of the chemo working or due to a minor partial blockage somewhere in the gut.

The good news is that 6 months on and my chemo completed the pain has disappeared.

Hope you feel better soon

Juliax

[TarbonNZ]

I have had this as an ongoing issue on my right side under the ribs. At times it is just a quite uncomfortable feeling as though there is something there, and at other times it is more painful, with pain spasms. I have discussed with my Oncologist, and additional scans have been done, but nothing shows up. No explanation apart from it could be the cancer, but too small to pick up. I have always been concerned because the surgeon had told me the cancer nodules were extensive on my right diaphragm, but too small to remove. I now just accept the issue, and know that if it gets big enough it will show. Hope things improve for you.

[ZenaJ]

I have this. I'm told it's scar tissue, then it's a hernia, then it's nothing. I've had a CT scan and nothing shows up. Mine does come and go during the day and to differing degrees of pain and discomfort. I really feel it when I lift my leg up high and there's more pressure. I'm just living with it now and I've had it for five years.

I've just remembered I was told once that it's knots where the operation gathered bits together. (I'm not very technical, am I?)

I hope you get it sorted out and I'll be especially interested to know the outcome.

All the best, Zena xx

[Iwillbeatit]

I have that on my right side just under my ribs. Had it since diagnosis last summer had 6 chemo and now on avastin but still have that pain worse late afternoon evening and particularly when folded in a seat like in the car. Paracetamol which i take all the time dull it but not when its really bad. Sorry no answer to it so this won't help you but i know your pain I have a swelling in that area.

[Maxjor]

I have this too! I have had the same responses as ZenaJ --both by healthcare professionals and scans, etc. with that pain. Sometimes its bad and I cannot sleep on either side, then the scan is clear, sometimes I don't feel it and I am relapsing. Don't know what to think but I know the pain you describe. Hope someone, somewhere, gives a reasonable answer and it can be at least somewhat resolved. oxoxox

[CShotz]

HI Elfed,

I had constant pain right side under ribs during treatment for my second recurrence (now in third). Scans showed nothing but I kept up the fuss. After a few months my gastro thought it could be low motility in my gallbladder. Sure enough after a HIDA scan (nuclear medicine test) it showed my gallbladder was gooped up. 6 Months after chemo i had it removed and the pain was gone. Maybe have them check for that. Best to you, keep looking for answers.

[foxaloo]

I had a pain I would describe similarly that turned out to be (reversible) lung damage from the general anesthesia used during surgery. Before it was figured out, I had half-convinced myself that it was a tumor near my diaphragm.

[delia2]

I have it too but on both sides. I had a scan in April when I mentioned it to the doctor but was still ned and my CA 125 was still 5 last month. It really scared me before the scan but now I’m trying to believe it’s scar tissue. I don’t have a gall bladder so it’s not that for me.

[Mptelesca]

So sorry to hear about your pain. I had that pain and thought all sorts of things. Everything came out clear. When I started the PARP the pain gotten even worse. Then I realized I may have an ulcer. Nothing. It gradually went away. However, do keep track of when it hurts. Is it a constant pain or just certain times? The medical team should have a better answer than just a painkiller. Of course you want to know WHY you're having the pain. Good luck and feel better!

Marisa