Sharp pain below right breast under ribs. PMR? Steroids?

[Merryfield]

Anybody with PMR have sharp intermittent pain under rib cage under right breast? I am worried about what it might be. On steroids, bp meds, statin. ..two diabetes and two depression meds as well as nexium and vita d. And my son died xmas ‘22 and I cry every day. I had a mammogram within last year. But here’s the funny part. The two dogs i inherited when my son died have already cost me several thousand $ in vet bills—one with two bouts of diarrhea and the older one with. pneumonia. And my husband, who has been wonderful up to now, needed an escape so he is in Cuba fishing and incommunicado. Could it be stress?

[Tahiri]

When I had a similar pain under the ribs, it turned out to be gall stones. I would get my gallbladder checked, but first try cutting out ALL fat and if the pain goes,you have your answer. It’s unbearable losing family. I’ve lost a brother and two sisters in the last 3 yrs., but the thought of losing one of my adult children would be unimaginable. My heart goes out to you.

[Merryfield in reply to Tahiri]

Thank you. What sad losses you too have had.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Could it be costochondritis?

[Merryfield in reply to PMRpro]

Have it already in upper right breastbone, so possibly. Had an MRI recently to make sure it wasn’t cancer because breastbone is enlarged. Will see what doc suggests to get to a diagnosis. 🌝

[123-go]

My deepest sympathy for your sad loss, Merryfield.

There have been previous posts about rib pain and this is one found in ‘Related Posts’: healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Stress can and does cause many physical symptoms but I would advise seeking professional medical advice to identify what is causing your rib pain if only for peace of mind.

(I think it will be your turn to go AWOL after your husband returns from his trip 😉. You have been wonderful too. 💐

[Merryfield in reply to 123-go]

Thank you, 123. The stabbing pain is tricky. Every few minutes one day, none the next, just a bit achy today. Will read up on it.

[SheffieldJane]

Dear God yes! You poor woman, my heart goes out to you. What a simply dreadful time. If it was the left side, I would say your heart was broken. Which is going on too. We get so many scary pains and symptoms with this autoimmune disease. I know I have had the pain you describe because I was relieved that it wasn’t on the left. It could be that you’ve been lifting and bending caring for the dogs. Or even the sobbing Merryfield - sneezing and coughing can bring this sort of pain on in my experience. There is also the gallbladder around there, so you’d better get completely checked out. Full marks to your husband for self care but no points for supporting you. You need to take a leaf out of his book and find something to relieve and relax you. First though, let’s get to the bottom of your pain. Do you have a friend who can come to stay? I am deeply sorry for your loss and the nightmare that you find yourself in. Sending you love and hugs. Your post is the saddest I have ever read on this forum. You really do need someone to talk to. A bereavement counsellor my be a consideration. You have of course got us. We will always respond to you. See the doctor though. I even wondered about statin side effects. 🌷🌹🌷

[Merryfield in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you Sheff for your kind words. I am strong but my heart is indeed broken. I see internist in a week and a half for PMR check-in and blood draw. If rib pain gets worse, will try to get that moved earlier. I do have costochondritis already my at the top of my right breastbone. I have seen my husband have gallbladder attack at a restaurant and he could not stop vomiting. That was scary. Good friends from Chicago just left Mon and am seeing buddies for lunch today. A low-fat veggie lunch. All supportive folks, thank you.

[piglette]

When I had sharp pain under my ribs it was costochondritis. It even hurt to breath. It went away again in the end.

[Merryfield]

Good to know.

[Sharitone]

I'm glad you are going to consult your doctor - there are so many7 things it could be. Whatever it is, I hope it clears up soon for you. Every sympathy❤️

[Merryfield in reply to Sharitone]

Thank you. No sharp pains today.

[2013mayo]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

I too am having terrible pain just below my left rib, sometimes going to my right. I’m undergoing lots of test and saying lots of prayers ( novena ). I’m getting over pneumonia which is taking an age to improve. I hope you are being seen by the doctor and having everything checked out. Im sorry your husband is taking time out, it could be he’s afraid of your illness and not able to cope especially having the loss of his son.

Sending you a big hug 💐

[Merryfield in reply to 2013mayo]

Thank you. Hubby has been handling all my son’s real estate, legal, credit card and banking account matters for weeks, as well as his dying aunt’s. He needed relief.

[powerwalk]

Let us know how you get on. Best wishes and huge hugs to you.

[Merryfield in reply to powerwalk]

Thank you. Will report in.

[Zappata]

Or Tzietes disease - I was diagnosed with this 25 years ago due to sharp pains in my right chest and I still get it occasionally usually after straining or bending gardening but I don't worry about it now as I recognise it

[Merryfield in reply to Zappata]

Funny how this sounds exactly like what is happening.

[Appledore6]

So very sorry your having such a difficult time. I had pain in the same place and it turned out to be gall stones . Ended up in hospital for 3 nights for pain control. Please take care of yourself x

[Missus835]

Hugs to you Merryfield. I'm so extremely sorry for your loss and kudos to you for trying to look after the doggies. You are undergoing so much stress. Costochondritis maybe? I do know the upper rib area under my breastbones is tender to the touch all the way across.

[Bella59]

Condolences on the loss of your son.You have a lot of stress to deal with.I hope you get help with your pain and diagnosed soon.x

[Merryfield in reply to Bella59]

Thank you, Bella.

[BuddyBearF]

I had the exact symptoms and it ended up being shingles. The rash came about 3 days after the pain. I'm so sorry for your heartache. Stress certainly can be a factor. But it's best to check it out. I was initially told it was gallbladder. But I didn't have fever and the pain wasn't over the top. It was sharp, stabbing though. There is a antiviral you can take and Calamine lotion for rash. Prayers for you!

[Merryfield in reply to BuddyBearF]

Buddy Bear. Oh no, shingles is horrible. Had the shots. Poor late father had it on his face😣 Pain not over the top. No nausea. Will see doc in a week. Betting on costochondritis since I also have it elsewhere. Let’s hang in there!