Pain Behind Right rib-(Not underneath Rib)

[DJG062569]

Hi,
I am hoping you can help me. For approximately 6 months I have been having pain behind my right rib. (not below or underneath the rib) The pain is also in my right side and back. The pain is aggervating/uncomfortable during the day but is worse at night. It keeps me awake. Pain relievers do not help nor does a heating pad. There are times my rib gets tender and feels like it is bruised. I have had no injury in the area.
I do have IBS and Gerd. I did have an abdominal X-ray, Ultrasound, Upper GI w/ small bowel follow through, and recently a colonoscopy and EDG. I have not had my follow-up appointment yet since having the Colonoscopy and EDG but was told after the test that everyhting looking fine. There was nothing significate.  The other testing came back normal. I do take 40mg of nexium 2x a day.
The pain is really getting to me and the above testing is not giving me any answers.  I desperatly want a solution to this pain.  Can you tell me what other disorders can cause this?

[mrs Peke]

Sounds as if quite a few people have the same problem with the under the rib pain.  I also have that problem and have had a test revealing slow emptying of the gall bladder, but I seem to have more problems when I drink.  I am a 54 year old woman who can not get any help from my doc's they all seem to think that it is complications relating to menopause.  When I have an attack of the pain under the rib cage my whole body seems to get a feeling of having a yeast infection.  My throat get sore, I have frequent trip to the bathroom and lately I have developed pain in my back above the waist line.  I have always been a healthy person, no surgerys no sickness. I am having one of the attacks now and I guess it is another trip to the doc.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There has been a pretty comprehensive GI evaluation.  You can consider a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation to evaluate the gallbladder function.  In those with a normal ultrasound (i.e. no gallstones), a low gallbladder ejection fraction can cause RUQ pain.  

If the testing remains non-revealing, you can consider looking outside of the GI system.  This can include chest imaging looking for pulmonary causes, or going to see a physiatrist (rehabilitation MD) looking for musculoskeletal causes.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[jar412]

I also have this pain, I am 28 a mom of three boys, My pain started while I was pregnent My right side looks swollen all the time, I'm in so much pain 70% of the time I can barely move! The pain is becoming more and more crippling, I have had hidascans, mri's, bloodwork,tests, tests, and more tests, It feels like it's under the skin, I wish ONE doctor would just realize, I don't want the pain meds, I want to go through ONE day without crying from the pain, one full night of sleep! It has been 9 years, I have also seen a shrink, tried cymbalta, and prozac, lexapro, and paxil, My life is good I don't need attention from dr's, I wish somebody would explore, think outside the box!!! And Now I'm Losing my insurance, so all the meds I am on for this pain and the 7 herniated discs, and osteoperosis I will be losing those! Maybe my family is bettter off if I just try to ignore it all and if it gets the best of me whatever! I'm exhausted!

[tiffaniTom]

A related discussion, help! was started.

[Triniguy75]

I have all these problems that every has mentioned EXCEPT I ALSO have a small but chronic clearing of the throat sometimes I have to cough and all the coughs usually produce a very small amount of phlegm. Anyone with all of the symptoms on this blog PLUS a phlegm producing cough?

[weezee7]

A related discussion, pain under right rib was started.