Is this anxiety, or am I having physical abdominal issues?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello all,
About a month ago, I started noticing brief moments of minor pain on my right side, just below my ribs. They went quickly and barely hurt so I didn't think much of it, but they slowly started becoming more frequent. About 2 weeks ago, my area had a couple of snowfalls, and I noticed that, when cleaning off my car, reaching to roof caused more significant pain in the area (about a 4 or 5 out of 10 that lingered for a few moments). A few days later, I started having constant pressure in the area that is almost exclusively present while sitting down (1 or 2 on the pain scale but nearly constantly present while sitting.) When I stand, I very occaisionally feel it depending on how I'm standing (Or the previously mentioned random shoots of minor pain), but it feels a couple inches lower on my side. I also started having pretty nasty indigestion around the same time as the pressure started, which still comes and goes (though taking nexium daily has helped a lot on this part). My stools have been a normal color for the most part, though occaisionally are green and have some food remains still in them). I went to urgent care, who said that it could likely be a liver or gallbladder issue, and that if it gets worse to go to the ER. I was already pretty freaked out but that statement made things way worse in my mind. Two days later I panicked and went to the ER.
The ER ran blood tests and, aside from an elevated ALT from previously known about early NAFLD (Test was at 77), all blood levels were normal. On a physical examination the dr could not find any issues, and after referring to an abdominal CT scan I had done 9 months ago that showed no signs of gallbladder, liver, or pancreas issues (Outside of the aforementioned NAFLD), said that doing an abdominal ultrasound would be "Overkill", as nothing is really pointing to it being needed. My family and friends I have mentioned this to also think I'm overthinking things and stress/anxiety/overthinking is causing the issues. I just don't understand this though as, to me, something is clearly wrong.
I have an appointment with a GP on Thursday of this week, but am still freaked out, and can't tell if the issues are real or in my head. The pressure seems to slowly be spreading, and I can feel it now part way up my ribs, with the random shoots of pain spreading as well. I have really bad health anxiety, but could it really make things this bad? Or am I correct to have concerns and worries of gallbladder or liver problems?
0 likes, 6 replies
Guest SylvWind
Posted
Your state of anxiety is well-demonstrated. I'd ask whether the region directly adjacent to, and under the lower rib of the right quadrant is sore or painful. In other words, using the fingers of your right hand, insert them upward in the attempt to touch the back of the lower rib. Make certain to breathe out when doing so because the diaphragm will otherwise force your fingers outward. Another way to express the discomfort is to lay face down on the floor and rotate slightly to your right such that the lower rib is in direct contact with the hard surface of the floor.
I suspect that in the absence of any clinical findings that you have injured the intercostal muscle near the base of the ribcage and it can remain quite inflamed because breathing does not allow sufficient time for the healing process. Any activities that involve repetitive motion, excessive stretching or excessive twisting of the torso can result in an intercostal muscle injury. Further such activity only serves to aggravate the circumstance.
My suggestion here is to maintain your appointment with your primary doctor. Anti-inflammatory medications and rest will usually afford the timeframe necessary for the condition to abate. I do, however, suggest that you primarily follow the explicit instructions by your doctor. While the internet is a good resource for mere reassurance, it is the poorest conduit for medical advice.
Best regards
SylvWind Guest
Posted
The rib does feel somewhat tender to the touch, when doing what you described (not sure how much pressure I should be applying, but in pressing on the bottom of the rib there is some amount of soreness on the bone?/Muscle? in the area). I do also notice that when i draw my right arm back behind me (almost as if pulling a bow and arrow) there is more noticeable soreness and pulling in the area. Would that be a presentation that fits with the intercostal issue you are describing? Thank you so much for your answer
Guest SylvWind
Posted
That would be consistent with intercostal muscle injury.
You're going to be fine. It is going to take some time to heal.
Again, keep your appointment and work through your doctor while taking care to refrain from exertion or exercise in a manner that causes discomfort or pain to the area in question.
Best regards
SylvWind Guest
Posted
OK, awesome, thank you for the advice. I thought maybe it could be, but wasn't sure as the pressure felt lower when standing compared to when sitting, and when standing it didn't feel connected to my rubs at all, but it could make sense
emma74461 SylvWind
Posted
see your gp and explain about the health anxiety and hopefully they can explain and educate on the health anxiety rather than just give no explanation. yes anxiety can do it. i have had stomach issues before similar to you but mine were more central and i ended up physically getting heartburn/indigestion constantly because i was convinced it was stomach cancer/ issues with my reflux. the symptoms were very much real and i didnt feel anxious. it took a doctor explaining to me how health anxiety worked and magically the next day it didnt come back. id had it continuously for 4months and all it took was a proper explanation from a doctor. ive also had a recent similar experience with headaches. unfortunately its what health anxiety does best! its draining but the good news is you never have the illness you fear and it does go the second your brain stops trying to convince you.
SylvWind emma74461
Posted
Thank you so much for the answer. I've had other issues somewhat similar with health anxiety (headaches that I thought meant a tumor, etc.) but never something this clear and noticeable. The indigestion was a nightmare when it first hit, and this pressure has been constantly there for a week plus now. In my mind there was no way it could just be nothing but it does sound like it's totally possible at least that it is just nothing. Hopefully after my appt this week things will clear up some