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What Causes Intermittent Left-sided Pain Under Ribs?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: I have a number of symptoms and my doctor keeps telling me I have anxiety, here are the symptoms that are present weather I am feeling anxious or not.
Intermittent pain under my left ribs, feels like a stich in my stomach spleen area.
Pain in my rib cage sternum area, had an xray and they said some inflammation was noticeable, go home your fine.
At night when lying I get this awful feeling in my chest area like my heart is going to stop or I cant breath and sometimes a violent flutter, if I prop myself sitting at an angle I don’t get these symptoms.
I had an MRI privately that came back inconclusive but showed a cluster of nodes under the left clavicle and was said they clinical significance was unknown.
I have pain in my shoulders that I shrug of an possible arthritides
I am worried I may have pancreatic cancer or some form of cancer I also know this is unlikely, I know I have anxiety and I am a worrier but these symptoms are real and present when I am not anxious. Please advise. I am most concerned abotu the recurring pain under the left ribs and the feeling I get at night.
I am on medication for anxiety I take vensir xl and in the past I have had a cyst removed form my neck, I also have a cyst on my thyroid glad, just incase these things help you understand my health a bit better.
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Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Anxiety / Acid reflux.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Intermittent pain in rib cages and chest area are always worth assessment and ruling out of cardiac issues with an ekg and echo. I am sure they have done that as age of 36 is not that big a risk for cardiac problems.

Other causes of the chest pain may be acid reflux like GERD or musculoskeletal origin like fatigued muscle. Cough or recent chest infections also give such pain.

Last but not the least is anxiety which may mimic these symptoms and look like an organic pathology when all a person need to do is take some anxiolytics and get some psychotherapy sessions.

Your Worries about pancreatic cancer are not wise and unnecessary. I would humbly suggest to stop overwhelming yourself with something you don't have.

Modify diet and lifestyle, lose weight, follow a proper routine and sleep patterns and i ams ure these issues will resolve. I am afraid i have to agree with your doctor here as such presentation is very classic for anxiety.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Intermittent Left-sided Pain Under Ribs?

Brief Answer: Anxiety / Acid reflux. Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Intermittent pain in rib cages and chest area are always worth assessment and ruling out of cardiac issues with an ekg and echo. I am sure they have done that as age of 36 is not that big a risk for cardiac problems. Other causes of the chest pain may be acid reflux like GERD or musculoskeletal origin like fatigued muscle. Cough or recent chest infections also give such pain. Last but not the least is anxiety which may mimic these symptoms and look like an organic pathology when all a person need to do is take some anxiolytics and get some psychotherapy sessions. Your Worries about pancreatic cancer are not wise and unnecessary. I would humbly suggest to stop overwhelming yourself with something you don't have. Modify diet and lifestyle, lose weight, follow a proper routine and sleep patterns and i ams ure these issues will resolve. I am afraid i have to agree with your doctor here as such presentation is very classic for anxiety. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan