Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Left Ribcage Problems

alevoy18

By alevoy18
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

alevoy18 Explorer
alevoy18
Posted

Hi,

For the last few weeks I've been having strange feelings in my left rib cage. When I walked, I would get a stabbing pain. I went to my doctor because it was really bugging me, but the chest X-Ray was normal. Since then the walking discomfort is gone, but my ribcage still looks strange. My fiance pointed out when I was lying down yesterday that my top couple ribs on my left side and really sticking out compared to my left side and that she never has noticed that before. I doubt it is possible for your ribs to move, but I have never noticed it either and I'm a fairly small guy, so I its not the first time I've looked at my ribs in the mirror. The bulge is where the 2nd/3rd ribs from the top connect in the middle of my chest. It is not tender, but just weird looking. I had an ultrasound done a few weeks ago for an unrelated cause and my spleen, liver, etc. were all of normal size. I just don't know why I had that pain for a few weeks and now notice a change in my ribs. Anyways, anybody with any related info is appreciated!!

FYI - I do have Celiac Disease and according to my GI doc, I had it likely most of my life undiagnosed. (24 years old) It still is not in control as I have antibody levels, but it is getting there. I just had a chest X-ray which was good, but I've never had a bone density scan. Didn't know if this could have anything to do with it. Thanks!

Thanks.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cassP Contributor
cassP
Posted

you're doing the right thing by having your doc check everything (your chest, your organs inc. spleen)..... im not your doc, nor do i have answers- HOWEVER, i can relate to pain the ribs and abdomen, etc.... im a massage therapist (for the time being)-> and not only do i have a ton of pain (muscular & fascia) thruough my trunk from work & postural tension- but i also know that all the ab muscles, and diaphragm & intercostal muscles & fascia- including migrating to the back can cause A TON of pain & discomfort... when i lay down and stretch my back- i TOO think my top ribs are sticking out abnormally- i dont know if i have a rib head out- or if its all the intercostal muscles all jacked up- but yes- i can relate to rib pain

im not sure how much celiac or digestion is linked to these issues- tho, it could be. a lot of people on here including me have had Shortness of Breath, and tightness in the chest related to gluten & other food intolerances- and that may have an effect on the tightness of the diaphragm and other muscles.

as long as everything checks out with your doc, then you probably only have muscular or chiropractic issues left-

quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

you're doing the right thing by having your doc check everything (your chest, your organs inc. spleen)..... im not your doc, nor do i have answers- HOWEVER, i can relate to pain the ribs and abdomen, etc.... im a massage therapist (for the time being)-> and not only do i have a ton of pain (muscular & fascia) thruough my trunk from work & postural tension- but i also know that all the ab muscles, and diaphragm & intercostal muscles & fascia- including migrating to the back can cause A TON of pain & discomfort... when i lay down and stretch my back- i TOO think my top ribs are sticking out abnormally- i dont know if i have a rib head out- or if its all the intercostal muscles all jacked up- but yes- i can relate to rib pain

im not sure how much celiac or digestion is linked to these issues- tho, it could be. a lot of people on here including me have had Shortness of Breath, and tightness in the chest related to gluten & other food intolerances- and that may have an effect on the tightness of the diaphragm and other muscles.

as long as everything checks out with your doc, then you probably only have muscular or chiropractic issues left-

This is odd to read this post because I have had rib cage soreness leading up to and after my dx in April. It turns out that I have osteopenia and I kept wondering why the tips of my ribs (lower right side in the back) were tender and sore. Then I find out I had osteopenia. All of my lumbar area was out of whack and sore probably due to the weakness that emerged from the bone loss.

anyway, I am going to my celiac doctor at Columbia today and am going to ask what the deal is with the sore ribs...

cassP Contributor
cassP
Posted

why is it odd??? is my "thinking outloud" not coherent???

quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

why is it odd??? is my "thinking outloud" not coherent???

not odd at all, just poor choice of words on my part. By odd I meant coincidence. I was just having pain in rib cage and was going to post and saw your post. sorry for the confusion... don't think you are incoherent at all!

MelindaLee Contributor
MelindaLee
Posted

Hi,

For the last few weeks I've been having strange feelings in my left rib cage. When I walked, I would get a stabbing pain. I went to my doctor because it was really bugging me, but the chest X-Ray was normal. Since then the walking discomfort is gone, but my ribcage still looks strange. My fiance pointed out when I was lying down yesterday that my top couple ribs on my left side and really sticking out compared to my left side and that she never has noticed that before. I doubt it is possible for your ribs to move, but I have never noticed it either and I'm a fairly small guy, so I its not the first time I've looked at my ribs in the mirror. The bulge is where the 2nd/3rd ribs from the top connect in the middle of my chest. It is not tender, but just weird looking. I had an ultrasound done a few weeks ago for an unrelated cause and my spleen, liver, etc. were all of normal size. I just don't know why I had that pain for a few weeks and now notice a change in my ribs. Anyways, anybody with any related info is appreciated!!

FYI - I do have Celiac Disease and according to my GI doc, I had it likely most of my life undiagnosed. (24 years old) It still is not in control as I have antibody levels, but it is getting there. I just had a chest X-ray which was good, but I've never had a bone density scan. Didn't know if this could have anything to do with it. Thanks!

Thanks.

I haven't read through the rest of the post, only you comment, so this might have been covered, but I am wondering you have ever condidered seeing a chiropractor. Ribs can get out of alignment, because they are attached to your vertebrae. Just a thought. I know people have very differing thoughts about chirpractors. I couldn't like without mine.

cassP Contributor
cassP
Posted

not odd at all, just poor choice of words on my part. By odd I meant coincidence. I was just having pain in rib cage and was going to post and saw your post. sorry for the confusion... don't think you are incoherent at all!

ahhhhh ok :D sorry, i can be oversensitive/paranoid sometimes... maybe too much brain damage from gluten :huh:

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Rogol72
      - Rogol72 replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      3

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough...
    2. ShariW
      - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

      In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, I had gastroesophageal reflux that was becoming intolerable despite treatment with PPIs and antacids. When I went gluten-free, the GERD lessened tremendously (as did the other symptoms).
    3. klmgarland
      - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      3

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      Thank you so very much Scott. Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful. If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      3

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to ...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,909
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Hmart
    Newest Member
    Hmart
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough of all the vitamins and minerals ... especially Zinc and Magnesium. I went from 70kg to 82kg in a year. Protein with each meal 3 times daily, especially eggs at breakfast made the difference. I'm not sure whether iodine was a problem for me, but I can tolerate iodine no problem now. I'm off Dapsone and feel great. Not a sign of an itch. So there is hope. I'm not advocating for the use of Dapsone, but it can bring a huge amount of relief despite it's effect on red blood cells. The itch is so distracting and debilitating. I tried many times to get off it, it wasn't until I implemented the changes above and was consistent that I got off it. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.