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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Pain In The Rib Cage On The Left Side Indicate?

I have this pain in my left ribs since July. Gotta more constant especially when I sleep. Had an xray. Know I have arthritis of the spine but said ribs are fine. Breast cancer surgery Nov18,2016. Cells too small to test. 1/3 inch, 3 lymph nodes taken,margins clear. No radiation or chemo. Changed to vegan diet. Free n clear on July18,2017. Pain is when I sleep. Disipates throughout day. Had chiropractic manipulation, I swim 1600 to 4800 yards a week, doing or now. Also have Lyme disease that has settled in my left ribs. Know this due to switches there. Then pain started. No problem breathing yet can feel rib pain with breath. Dry cough, can feel rib pain with gas. Stressful life as husband is very debilitated from Lyme, passing of my Dad a month after my surgery and family disputes, Mom has dementia and going away to live. Please help. No one here does
posted on Sat, 28 Oct 2017
Twitter Sun, 15 Jul 2018 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 18 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Your detailed history about pain in rib cage on left side, cancer breast surgery that you are free from, stress and anxiety of all sorts indicate the probable reasons to be as follows:
Most probable cause is costochondritis.
Secondary of cancer breast in rib is possible and a PET scan can help.
If other investigations are normal then this can be treated in the following ways:
Rubefacient liniment locally.
Strapping over affected part to control movement of the ribs and pain.
Anti-inflammatory medication with painkiller properties.
Local steroid injections or oral dosages may help.
Consult and discuss with your Doctor about the probable disease and management as discussed above.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Does Pain In The Rib Cage On The Left Side Indicate?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Your detailed history about pain in rib cage on left side, cancer breast surgery that you are free from, stress and anxiety of all sorts indicate the probable reasons to be as follows: Most probable cause is costochondritis. Secondary of cancer breast in rib is possible and a PET scan can help. If other investigations are normal then this can be treated in the following ways: Rubefacient liniment locally. Strapping over affected part to control movement of the ribs and pain. Anti-inflammatory medication with painkiller properties. Local steroid injections or oral dosages may help. Consult and discuss with your Doctor about the probable disease and management as discussed above. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.