Under Left Ribs

[woodelf]

I've had this "thing" under my left ribs for ages. It's not painful, as such, just uncomfortable, like there's summat there. I've had an x-ray, which was clear. This feeling is not always there. When I "break wind", I sometimes get a twinge in this left ribs area. So, is it just a bad case of trapped wind or summat else? Ta Muchly.

[Buenchico]

Hi Woodelf

If the X-ray was clear I doubt that you've got anything to worry about.

However I bruised my spleen in a fall nearly a decade ago and I still get discomfort under my left ribs, so perhaps there's a connection? (i.e. perhaps you've got a slightly enlarged spleen for some reason?).

That's no more than a wild guess (which Sqad will probably ridicule anyway) but it is, at least, based upon personal experience.

[Sqad]

\\\ So, is it just a bad case of trapped wind or summat else? \\\

Summat else!

Is there a swelling or is there no swelling present?

If there is a swelling then it is Tietze Syndrome (Tietze was a German Surgeon)

If there is NO swelling then it is costochondritis

Both conditions are no big deal and both are self limiting ( will go away without treatment)

Tietze is quite rare, so my money goes on costochondritis.

[douglas9401]

Is there nothing that Costco don't sell?

[woodelf]

Many Thanks, but there's no swelling Sqad, but whatever it is, it's not near the join between sternum and conc... - it's further over than that, more to the left.

[Sqad]

woodelf...the costo-chondral junction of the lower ribs is well out the left . It certainly sounds like costochondritis........it will settle.

[woodelf]

Okay Sqad, but even though I've had it for years?

[Sqad]

I agree it sounds a long time, but i cannot think of a better diagnosis.

If you have had it for years, it is extremely unlikely to be serious or life threatening.

[jno]

//Tietze Syndrome (Tietze was a German Surgeon). If there is NO swelling then it is costochondritis//

And Costa Chondritis was a Greek cafe owner?

(Sorry, woodelf... just trying to establish the facts.)

[woodelf]

Right. And the twinges when I break wind...just that?

[Sqad]

woodelf...yes......can't think of anything sinister.

[Sqad]

woodelf........you thread has caused me a lot of self searching.

I think that I have been on the wrong track from the start and your suggestion of "trapped wind" eclipses my comments.

I feel at ease now..;-)

[woodelf]

Sqad, your last comment - is there a joke in there somewhere or is my uncomfortable thing just down to trapped wind after all?

[Sqad]

yepp! woodelf......no joke, i think that it may be due to trapped wind after all.

[woodelf]

What?...after all this time and in the same place?...any help for permanent relief?

[Sqad]

Sorry woodelf, can't think of anything that you probably haven't already tried, no fizzy drinks, eat more slowly and cut down on your alcohol.

[woodelf]

Okay, Many Thanks anyway Sqad.

[tinkerbell23]

Peppermint water xx