Pain in left side under ribs.: I have suffered... - IBS Network

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Pain in left side under ribs.

JulieB5200 profile image
17 Replies

I have suffered with ibs for over 20 years but the pain in my left side has become quite severe even waking me in the night.Has anyone else suffered with this? I have googled to try diagnose the cause but there are so many answers!It feels quite sharp and really painful. It came on after eating but like I said it can come on spasmodically.My stomach sounds and feels rumbly a lot of the time and I am wondering if this is trapped gas pain.However it is very painful and uncomfortable. I find myself reaching for rennies every few hours of the day to try and eradicate the pain.Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated please.Had endoscopy last month n that was clear so can’t be a stomach issue, I don’t think.My bowel is currently alternating from constipation to diarrhoea this past week. I take 3 buscopan a day to help with cramps.

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JulieB5200
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17 Replies

I take it you must have been tested for h pylori

JulieB5200 profile image
JulieB5200 in reply to

Yes and it’s negative

Andann profile image
Andann

It might be a food allergy that's developed , dont take my non medical word for it but I had some sharp pains like that and it seemed to be a caffeine and tea allergy. I dont drink either now and although I get some 2 second sharp pains there's no more big surprises.

Bea66 profile image
Bea66

Have you tried taking something like omeprazole? I get a similar pain, and it's definitely related to my stomach as opposed to intestinal. It's worse if I've been taking antiinflammatories or had a high fat couple of days. You can get omeprazole, esomeprasol over the counter now. Maybe worth trying for a few days and see if it helps?

JulieB5200 profile image
JulieB5200 in reply toBea66

Well here’s the thing.... I have been on omeprazole for years but almost 2 weeks ago I stopped taking them.My endoscopy showed fundic polyps which apparently are caused by omeprazole. I was advised to stop taking them n I’m wondering if my gut is now reacting to this.x

Bea66 profile image
Bea66 in reply toJulieB5200

How strange. Maybe? Have you tried something like Gaviscon? There are several varieties, but maybe worth a shot? If it's the polyps causing pain, maybe something like aloe Vera might help?

JulieB5200 profile image
JulieB5200 in reply toBea66

I googled withdrawal symptoms coming off omeprazole this morning.They are quite shocking n I’m convinced that’s what is causing all this pain and cramping atm.I have been on them for years but I don’t like the list of ailments they can cause. I have iron deficiency anaemia and apparently these can cause that! I might have been wiser reducing my dose gradually but I’ve gone cold turkey!So yeah I’m currently living on antacid tablets ie rennies.Never tried aloe Vera but daren’t throw anything else into the equation right now!x

Blueboy1946 profile image
Blueboy1946

For the pain take a medication containing the active ingredient simetone.This will control and ease the stomach cramps and smash up the trapped wind and gas bubbles.

Works for me every time...

Good luck...

JulieB5200 profile image
JulieB5200 in reply toBlueboy1946

Thanks,yeah I’m taking rennie deflatine which contains that.

DRDarnell profile image
DRDarnell

I've come to the conclusion that if you need to take Buscapan every day then your diet is causing the bloating. We all no that pain after eating something we shouldn't have. Mine has been Dairy. I've since learnt almost everyone I now has benefitted from excluding it from their diet. Whether they suffered as much as I did or not. Most people are lactose intolerant to some degree. I'd get tested. But you will no within 3 days if you are. Yesy it can be that quick.

JulieB5200 profile image
JulieB5200 in reply toDRDarnell

How do you get tested?A blood test?

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5

Yes. I have IBS-C and have the pain under my left rib. I take Senna for severe and chronic IBS-C. I also have pain under right rib cage but not as strong as left side. I have always thought it came from constipation.. because after I empty on Sundays the pain goes away. I think it also may be trapped gas? I also have pain on my upper left abdomen. This usually comes on Sunday nights, and I attribute it to straining on toilet. Squattie potties don't work for me. Sometimes I feel a lump there as well and think it even may be a hernia from chronic constipation and straining. Do you feel better after a bowel movement? Sometimes I do. At least under my left rib. I think the lump may be a hernia but I don't want "mesh surgery" if that is what it is. Have you tried a "squatty potty" or a footstool you can put your feet on to align your colon? Have you had an MRI or ultrasound done? Yours seems much more intense and more painful than mine. Have you tried Gas-X or anything like that? I would definitely see a gastro and see about an ultrasound. I hope you feel better soon..

JulieB5200 profile image
JulieB5200 in reply toEliana5

Hi,yes I have had every test in the book!They all show nothing which is very strange when suffering so much discomfort and pain. I think most of my pain is trapped gas as in those two sides is where your gut bends.This is where gas can get stuck which makes sense.Currently under a gastroenterologist and he puts the pain down to constipation.Yes the pain usually eases after a bowel movement but the pain can come n go through out the day.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply toJulieB5200

I know..it's very frustrating. I'm done going but for some reason still having pain in my left lower back..

JulieB5200 profile image
JulieB5200 in reply toEliana5

I woke up with lower back pain this morning which felt gas related.Thankfully it wore off within a few hours.

Eliana5 profile image
Eliana5 in reply toJulieB5200

I have been having sciatica recently. Like a dull ache behind my left leg. I do suffer with back problems. (Ruptured disks, etc). It also usually signals that I am constipated. I then have to take a Flexeril muscle relaxer. I had a significant movement this morning, but pain still there. 😞

happygirl71 profile image
happygirl71

Hi Julie, Me too I've been suffering with IBS for 15 years, and sometimes when things are so out of whack in my life it triggers and that is one are I get pain from too! I finally figured it out years ago that it was due to my IBS. I got my first dose of Moderna vaccine on Friday? And my body and IBS is so messed up right now? Everything is bothering me. Hang in there.😘

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