Why Do I Have Flank Pain?

[n323]

I have had flank pain (pain just under the ribs on my right side) for about a month now. At times it is unbearable but not always. I have had a fever on and off but I am mainly concerned that the pain has not gone away. I'm not pregnant, do not smoke, doesn't feel like a muscle pain and have no found any other links between the pain and any habits (eating, sleeping, etc). The only thing that seems to help is a heating pad on that side and avoiding being touched in that area. :crying:

Any advice?:confused:

[Purple98Lady]

Hi n323 and welcome to the forum,

Here are a few previous question from Dr. Joshua's archives, re: right sided rib pain, just for research. It's probably a good idea to find out exactly just what is causing you this discomfort from your primary physician. Good Luck and let us here on the forum know.

Purple98Lady


http://askdoctorjoshua.com/search-results?domains=askdoctorjoshua.com&q=pain+under+rib+right+side&sitesearch=askdoctorjoshua.com&client=pub-0378921240456421&forid=1&channel=6978232794&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&flav=0002&sig=NCWTcNc5Hi6yvRB-&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3B VLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3 A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000% 3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A11&hl=en

[Dr. Sinuhe]

Hi n323,

Please understand that I am speaking in general terms, and I cannot specifically comment on your illness because I don't have all the necessary information. A thorough history and a physical examination is needed, since unrelieved pain in the side, together with recurrent fever may (or may not) relate to some serious ilness, including renal cancer. Since, for example, renal cancer can be effectively treated if found early enough, I agree with Purple98Lady - you need to see a doctor, rather sooner than later.

[n323]

I went to the doctor and did both blood and urine analysis. Both tests showed no signs of anything leading the doctor to believe its just muscle pain and he gave me an anti-inflammatory promising it would make the pain go away within 4 hours. Hasn't worked yet now going on 15 hours...

[Purple98Lady]

If your physician told you 4 hours and he was very sure enough to promise you this, at this point I would call his office and ask to speak to him, have him call you, ( leave a detailed message with the secretary explaining your still in pain) or make another appointment. Also you have the option of another opinion too.


Purple98Lady

[Dr. Joshua]

Agree with all the posters above. Given only your description, those symptoms could mean any number of things ranging from harmless to life threatening. The doctor examined you and suspected muscular origin, and started treatment for that. If the treatment does not help, contact the doctor again and ask to be seen again as soon as possible. If you are in severe pain, you need to go to the ER.

[n323]

I appreciate all the help. After vomiting a few times with some blood in it I got more concerned and went back to the dr. He did a ct scan and said that there was nothing wrong in kidney, etc. but said that the technician saw something that looks like fibroids and I should go to the ob/gyn. Obviously I'm concerned and feel awful but I appreciate all of the help!

[Purple98Lady]

Thanks for the update. Isn't it just amazing how you go in for one thing, come out with something eles to worry about. Keep us posted.

Purple98Lady:smile:

[n323]

:crying: It is amazing how I cant get a straight answer from any doctor. This is why I avoid them at all costs. After looking into the suspected fibroid it was actually just swollen lymphnodes and therefore my pain is still a mystery. I have given up trying to figure it out and on the medical profession....

frustrating...

[Purple98Lady]

So at first they thought it was fibroids, then found enlarged/swollen lympnodes in your cervix? Did you ask why they are swollen, how large, and if this in a normal happening. I would want to know. Don't give up and get another opinion if necessary. Keep us posted.

Purple98Lady:smile: