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Back pain

Posted , 8 users are following.

kristin3351
kristin3351

i was recently diagnosed with RA because of severe pain and swelling in my hands but also have had a pain around my lower ribs on the right side. I have had ultra sound thinking it was gallbladder but nothing showed. Can you get arthritis pain in ribs?  The pain I get is so intense. I have been using salon pas which gives some relief. I didn't even mention it to rheumy but now I'm wondering if it's possible that it is the RA. If anyone knows anything about this I would appreciate hearing from you. Thank you!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • ruth03300
    ruth03300 kristin3351

    Posted

    Me too as I also have this. Ultrasound showed nothing.
    • tami413
      tami413 ruth03300

      Posted

      Hmmmm...how odd, me too. I've tried miralax thinking it was constipation; antibiotics thinking kidney infection/UTI (which I had); but have just chalked it up to strained muscle. Anyone else? Weird. Maybe it's something side effect related.

    • kristin3351
      kristin3351 tami413

      Posted

      I had pain before RA diagnosis, before meds. It is so strange and sometimes so intense I can't function. Pain makes me sick to my stomach. Can you get arthritis of ribs?  That sounds weird I know but don't know what else it could be. I will ask at my next appointment and let you know what she says. 

  • erica17753
    erica17753 kristin3351

    Posted

    Me also. I had ultrasound with no results. My upper arm/hand/fingers are mostly the problem.
  • natasa24657
    natasa24657 kristin3351

    Posted

    Hi Kristin

    I had that problem on my right hand side but they couldn't find anything

  • LayneTX
    LayneTX kristin3351

    Posted

    Check gall bladder, gallstones, hernia, osteoporosis, acid reflux,  ... Many other possibilities,  but I really hope it's nothing and goes away for you. wink 

    • kristin3351
      kristin3351 LayneTX

      Posted

      They checked for most of those things already, all negative.
  • deborah67573
    deborah67573 kristin3351

    Posted

    Hi Kristin. I've had RA 18 yrs and have had costochrondritis in my left ribcage several times. My rheumy says cartilage inflammation in ribs can just be part of general RA inflammation in body. I was given couple of steroid shots between ribs and next day felt fabulous. Maybe this might help?Hope you're well soon.

    Deborah

    • kristin3351
      kristin3351 deborah67573

      Posted

      Thanks Deborah. I will check to see if they will do that for me. I am miserable and would love fast relief like that. I love this site because people are so helpful and quick to respond. Hope you are doing well. 18 years is a very long time. Have you been on meds for all those years?  If so what meds do you take?  Thanks again for your help. Kristin
    • deborah67573
      deborah67573 kristin3351

      Posted

      Hi Kristin. My treatment has changed a lot over the years. I started out in 1998 on prednisolon steroids and gold injections. Oh and anri inflammatories.They then added sulphasalazine. In 2008 I started with methotrexate which I still struggle with...causing nausea, tiredness and fogginess for a day or two. Then added hydroxychloroquine. In 2013 I started enbrel jabs. They've made the most difference to my life quality. However, they came to late for my knees which I have just had replaced last Christmas. All a success though. I'm 48 with two lovely teenagers and hubby. I teach full time still and am determined not to be defined by RA. It's scary at times but I'm in charge!!!???? push for the right treatment for you. Research and ask lots of questions. Hope you're feeling stronger soon. Remember the disease waxes and wanes. It wont always be awful. Live for the remissions. Deborah.

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