Left sided pains in stomach just beneath ribs

[flatterycat]

If anyone can help calm me down I would really appreciate it.

8 weeks ago I posted on here because I was worried about upper gastric pains I was getting. I saw a doctor and had the usual set of bloods done which all came back normal. The pains went away and would pop up occasionally but I was ok. Then last weekend I started to get really sharp stabbing pains in the front of my upper stomach on the left side just below my rib. I have worked hard to not react to it, but the last couple of days my anxiety has soared and I’m so frightened as to what’s causing it. I have an appointment with my GP which was already booked a while back for my meds review so I am trying to wait until then, but I’m spiralling. If I knew the pains weren’t anything to worry about I could accept them even though they hurt when they come.

I suppose my biggest worry is that it’s pancreatic cancer, which was what I was worrying about 8 weeks ago. The pains have been coming and going since the weekend, so nearly a week and throughout the day they come and go and are feel almost stitch-like. I’ve managed to hold it together at work today, but now I’m home the thoughts keep coming. I keep thinking that there really is something very wrong and can’t believe these pains can be anything other than something awful. I can’t blame it on gas or acid because I don’t have any issues with them. The fact that it’s on the left scares me, having read about the pancreas causing pain there and also the fact that it’s been going on for nearly a week.

I hope someone can help reassure me. I know no one on here is a doctor and cannot diagnose, but to know that others have had such pains with nothing nasty, would help a bit. Apart from the pains I have no other symptoms and have a normal appetite.
Can anyone relate?

X

[lofwyr]

I have had those pains off an on for years. They are usually accompanied with great wind on my part, and groans of despair from my wife. Point being, gas and gastric ailments are strong bedfellows with anxiety.

[AbyssalStars]

Hey, I've been there with worries about Pancreas issues. I recently had blood work come back with elevated lipase, which points toward pancreatitis. Luckily, I had a abdominal CT scan and my pancreas looked fine, so it's probably not Cancer in my case. In fact, I am fairly certain my issues are either caused by Gallbladder issues or Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Gallstones are the most common cause of pancreatitis aside from alcohol, which I don't drink. I am hoping it's gallbladder related, as that is the easiest to fix.

Just wanted to let you know that it is possible to have gallbladder pain be referred to the left side, even if the right is the most common location. So it's not guaranteed that your issues are related to your pancreas. If the pain continues or recurs like mine does (I have had upper abdomen pain for at least a year or two already) I would recommend talking to your doctor.

My pain was usually on my right side and into my back below my shoulder blade or between my shoulder blades. After eating, the pain would burn, sort of like heartburn but worse. Otherwise, the pain would be more of a dull ache that would sometimes get worse or throb if I bent down or moved. Sometimes, I get electric pains that shoot from one side of my abdomen to the other. With my pain, I would also have a lot of burping, bloating, a feeling a fullness or lack of appetite, and sometimes nausea. (this might be tmi, but I just thought that I would include the following in case you are having similar symptoms) After really bad pain attacks, I would sometimes have burning diarrhea. In general, my stools became all sorts of funky colors, from orange and fluffy to dark dark brown and oily. Also had a lot of undigested food bits.

[Anxiouscow]

I get pains like that all the time. You'll be surprised what trapped wind can do to you.

May I ask how old you are?

[flatterycat]

Thanks for the replies - it does help.


I get pains like that all the time. You'll be surprised what trapped wind can do to you.

May I ask how old you are?

I’m 52, which only adds to my fear as I feel I’m more at risk since hitting 50.

[Anxiouscow]

I know for a fact that half of all pancreatic cancer cases in the UK occur in people aged 75 and over. That's a FACT, that I could verify through Cancer Research UK (don't Google it, you'll only add fuel to the fire if you click on symptoms etc).

Pancreatic cancer is a deadly cancer, sure. But that also works in your favour as a HA sufferer. Let me explain. If those pains your stomach were caused by pancreatic cancer, the tumour would be very large. The reason pancreatic cancer is so deadly is because it is usually only diagnosed in an advanced stage, and only causes significant symptoms when it is in this stage. So, if your pains were caused by pancreatic cancer, you would be very sick by now. You'd be losing weight rapidly, you'd feel very tired and weak, and you would almost certainly be showing signs of jaundice.

The pains you describe, I get very often. And I don't have pancreatic cancer. I'm not a doctor and I can't diagnose you, but if you had stomach pains 8 weeks ago that were caused by pancreatic cancer, by now you would be very very ill, I can assure you. I think it is safe to move on from this and trust your doctor :)

[flatterycat]

Thank you anxiouscow for taking the time to reply in such detail.
X

[erincassells]

Individuals with severe anxiety tend to have digestive and bowel issues...IBS can cause hepatic and splenic flexure syndrome. Simply might mean you have gas and spasms of your colon causing pain. It can happen on right side (hepatic) or left (splenic). Learned this through my own severe bowel and digestive issues when under a lot of stress; digestion is immediately impacted and that stress transfers to bowel mobility as well.

[flatterycat]

Thank you Erin

I’m really spiralling today. I didn’t have any pain yesterday and was feeling more relaxed. Then when I went to bed I had awful pain in the very centre of by upper stomach and this morning I have acid feeling and quick sharp pains in the left again. I’m so scared I have pancreatic cancer.

I lost my mum in March and I’m devastated but I know people think it’s all stress related. I know stress or anxiety doesn’t cause sharp pains in stomach and when I looked up left sided stomach pain it keeps coming up with pancreas. I don’t think it’s acid reflux as I’m not getting a burning pain. I’ve not lost weight and my appetite is fine but I’m a mess and can’t believe it’s not what I fear.

If it’s not the sharp stand under my rib near upper gastric area then it’s the pain in the centre of this area. I had blood tests 8 weeks ago but they were fbc, kidney/liver function and the inflammation marker ones. Not pancreas. All normal.

I’m also panicking that I have diabetes after reading that it can be a symptom of pc. I know my bloods wouldn’t have shown blood sugar issues so can’t rely on them. I have an appointment booked with my doctor on the 1st July so will tell her my worries but I just need somewhere to write them down.

I know I probably sound mental but I’m 52, and developed these pains two months ago if I was 32 I’d not be as worried.

Sorry to go on I’m just so scared.

X

[erincassells]

It can be hard to accept that stress can cause the digestive system to be affected in such a way, but it absolutely can.

My symptoms started at the start of perimenopause to include severe depression and my bowels and abdominal pains were the first significant symptoms I experienced. Scared me to death and I still struggle.

If your bloodwork was normal, I would estimate you are okay. You've went through a very stressful time and still are....it takes quite a toll on the body.

I can understand your fear of the symptoms, I have been there myself.

[flatterycat]

It can be hard to accept that stress can cause the digestive system to be affected in such a way, but it absolutely can.

My symptoms started at the start of perimenopause to include severe depression and my bowels and abdominal pains were the first significant symptoms I experienced. Scared me to death and I still struggle.

If your bloodwork was normal, I would estimate you are okay. You've went through a very stressful time and still are....it takes quite a toll on the body.

I can understand your fear of the symptoms, I have been there myself.

Hi Erin

Thanks for your support.
I think I could be peri menopausal but have put my symptoms down to anxiety as I have always suffered with it.

I havenÂ’t had a period since Feb and before that they were getting further apart and lighter. I have awful forgetfulness and brain fog, and feel tearful, more anxious and low.

IÂ’m having hot moments but these only really happen in the evenings. (Which is another thing I equate to my fear about pc after reading that pc can cause diabetes and diabetes can cause hot sweats after eating!) I can be sat there and all of sudden I get really really hot but only really happens in the evenings into the night. When I sleep IÂ’m hot but not hot sweats.

You sound like you are handling things well. I always say that if I knew 100% that the pains were nothing bad I would relax and be happy.
Thanks again for your support.

X

[erincassells]

It may be hormonal/perimenopausal, but only your doctor can confirm. Cycle changes in our age group are a big sign.

I definitely don't think I handle things well, however...I started to look for different likely answers to my symptoms. I have been desperately depressed due to scary symptoms for a while. I just have accepted in some areas that I can only do.my best to live healthy and take care of myself. I have more bad days than good unfortunately, but I have to get out of bed and face the day. It does very much affect my outlook and quality of life despite my best efforts.

I have had similar pains and a colonoscopy and other scans with nothing found except mild esophagitis last year.

Hormone fluctuations can cause slight blood sugar imbalances, body temperature changes, and also changes to digestion and bowel motility. Hormones send signals to not only to our brain, but our entire metabolic and endocrine system. My mom had an easy go and transition into menopause, not so much for me.

As we age, our stomach acids decrease and sometimes digestion slows with aging and stress. You wouldn't think it could cause the pain it does, but it certainly can. I never had any problems with my gut until 41.5 years old...then it ramped up with strange symptoms significantly.

I am sure you will stay in contact with your doctor to ask questions, but I wanted to offer a little help if I could based on my experiences.

I'm sorry you're going through it and I do relate to the fears. I share the above to let you know that you are not alone in your fears.

Maybe a womens health practitioner would be helpful to get a better look at your hormone levels.

Wishing you well.

[flatterycat]

Hi Erin

Yes I am hoping to speak to someone about my hormones. Sorry you are having a tough time too. It’s just horrible isn’t it. I really hate the whole menopause thing - it just reminds me that I’m getting older and with that my HA increases.
X

[erincassells]

Yes...I've been through rough patches in my life but the hormone related depression/anxiety is different and really creates a different level of gloom, doom, fear and low mood. It's not easy to explain to someone who isn't experiencing it themselves. I was not prepared for it.

Hope you find a small way to enjoy the day.

[Anxiouscow]

Thank you Erin

I’m really spiralling today. I didn’t have any pain yesterday and was feeling more relaxed. Then when I went to bed I had awful pain in the very centre of by upper stomach and this morning I have acid feeling and quick sharp pains in the left again. I’m so scared I have pancreatic cancer.

I lost my mum in March and I’m devastated but I know people think it’s all stress related. I know stress or anxiety doesn’t cause sharp pains in stomach and when I looked up left sided stomach pain it keeps coming up with pancreas. I don’t think it’s acid reflux as I’m not getting a burning pain. I’ve not lost weight and my appetite is fine but I’m a mess and can’t believe it’s not what I fear.

If it’s not the sharp stand under my rib near upper gastric area then it’s the pain in the centre of this area. I had blood tests 8 weeks ago but they were fbc, kidney/liver function and the inflammation marker ones. Not pancreas. All normal.

I’m also panicking that I have diabetes after reading that it can be a symptom of pc. I know my bloods wouldn’t have shown blood sugar issues so can’t rely on them. I have an appointment booked with my doctor on the 1st July so will tell her my worries but I just need somewhere to write them down.

I know I probably sound mental but I’m 52, and developed these pains two months ago if I was 32 I’d not be as worried.

Sorry to go on I’m just so scared.

X

The very fact you are juggling worries about different illnesses shows me that you are having a difficult period against the beast.

Being 52 is not a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Let me just clarify, that an age related risk factor for that particular cancer begin at 75. You've got another 23 years before your age qualifies you for a higher risk.

Stomach pains, along with headaches and tiredness are the three most common ailments that people visit their doctor for in the UK. I can promise you that less than 1% of these people, maybe even less than 0.1% of these people with stomach pains, will have PC.

I suggest that you speak to your GP, and be vocal of your PC concerns. If they dismiss your worries for PC, ask them why they think you do not have it, and that should reassure you.

I can't diagnose you, but as people get older you can be more susceptible to food intolerances, which can cause the symptoms you describe. IBS, which goes hand in hand with anxiety, presents itself very similarly to the symptoms you have, and food intolerances and IBS are ten times more common than PC. But your brain doesn't focus on them because they can't kill you ;)

[flatterycat]

Thanks Anxiouscow

You’re so very right with your last line. I can see the symptoms for a scary illness and, even if I only have one or two of them, I become convinced it is what I have. However when I read the symptoms of a disease that isn’t life threatening I dismiss it because I only have one or two them!!

x

QUOTE=Anxiouscow;2007577]The very fact you are juggling worries about different illnesses shows me that you are having a difficult period against the beast.

Being 52 is not a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Let me just clarify, that an age related risk factor for that particular cancer begin at 75. You've got another 23 years before your age qualifies you for a higher risk.

Stomach pains, along with headaches and tiredness are the three most common ailments that people visit their doctor for in the UK. I can promise you that less than 1% of these people, maybe even less than 0.1% of these people with stomach pains, will have PC.

I suggest that you speak to your GP, and be vocal of your PC concerns. If they dismiss your worries for PC, ask them why they think you do not have it, and that should reassure you.

I can't diagnose you, but as people get older you can be more susceptible to food intolerances, which can cause the symptoms you describe. IBS, which goes hand in hand with anxiety, presents itself very similarly to the symptoms you have, and food intolerances and IBS are ten times more common than PC. But your brain doesn't focus on them because they can't kill you ;)[/QUOTE]

[Me180]

Hi flatterycat,

omg i could absolutely have written your post. I’m 41 female and have similar and am also spiralling and people keep saying get paid reassurance.... but I just am to scared to go the drs because I’m thinking that or stomach or bowel😔
I hope you get some positive news and I will be keeping my fingers and toes for you 🥰
im sure you wille absolutely fine x

[flatterycat]

Hi Me180

Sorry you are in this pit of fear too. I saw my doctor 8 weeks ago (well a locum) who felt my tummy and said it was probably just acid, however I don’t get any burning chest pain at. I had blood tests - just the normal fbc and liver/kidney function which were all normal so I calmed down. I do have a constant sweet taste in my mouth which scares me is diabetes, but then I have had it since the end of 2017 and since then had blood tests for other reasons which were all normal so I just accepted it.

Sometimes my pains are very upper centre, sometimes more to the left. Mainly quick sharp stabbing pain. I can go hours or even days without it then it comes back. Like you I am terrified that it’s pc and keep crying. My husband thinks it’s stress related, having lost my mum in March, but for me this anxiety started after the pains began.

x

[Me180]

It’s hard for people to understand the pains caused the anxiety and not the other way around.

im sorry about your mum. It must be hard time for you and to have this on top. Maybe just let your go know their back and they may be able to give you that reassurance again.

i to worry about diabetes as I have a TERRIBLE sweet tooth but otherwise ok,but my optometrist mentioned it last time I had my glasses redone. But I am literally sick when I have the glucose test done, so have been putting it off.

Let me me know how you go, and I’ll let u know if I’m coreagous as you and get to the drs xx

[ccake79]

I've had pains on my left side just below my ribs. I went to my GP as I was worried it was something serious after my Dad had just died of cancer (thymoma). She was very good. I was pretty sure it was anxiety but she offered an ultrasound scan and blood tests for reassurance. Everything was OK. The pain subsided and I only get it rarely now.

I think it's always worth seeing a doctor to get checked out and have that reassurance.

[flatterycat]

Thanks Cake

I have an appointment booked to speak to GP in a couple of weeks. I also had blood tests 8 weeks ago when I became scared of the pains then too. They were all normal. If I could guarantee that the pains were nothing to worry about then I wouldn’t be concerned.

The last couple of days the pains have felt more like quick little stabs in the area. I go from thinking it’s fine to pc throughout the day.



I've had pains on my left side just below my ribs. I went to my GP as I was worried it was something serious after my Dad had just died of cancer (thymoma). She was very good. I was pretty sure it was anxiety but she offered an ultrasound scan and blood tests for reassurance. Everything was OK. The pain subsided and I only get it rarely now.

I think it's always worth seeing a doctor to get checked out and have that reassurance.

[Anxiouscow]

Thanks Cake

I have an appointment booked to speak to GP in a couple of weeks. I also had blood tests 8 weeks ago when I became scared of the pains then too. They were all normal. If I could guarantee that the pains were nothing to worry about then I wouldn’t be concerned.

The last couple of days the pains have felt more like quick little stabs in the area. I go from thinking it’s fine to pc throughout the day.

I would try and hold on for that GP appointment. For what it's worth, I would bet my house on it not being PC. Cancer just doesn't present itself the way you are describing.

[flatterycat]

Hi Anxiouscow

Hope you are well. Thanks your reply again, I really hope you’re right.
Trying to keep busy at work as the distraction helps and for a while I feel fine, then I feel it again and the panic rises.
x

[Fishmanpa]

Your previous thread started in April on the same subject proved to be no issues based on tests. I don't doubt you're still experiencing symptoms as you anxiety has been ramped up for months. I have a feeling all will be well again as far as medical tests go. Let us know what the doctor says :)

FMP

[flatterycat]

Your previous thread started in April on the same subject proved to be no issues based on tests. I don't doubt you're still experiencing symptoms as you anxiety has been ramped up for months. I have a feeling all will be well again as far as medical tests go. Let us know what the doctor says :)

FMP

Thanks Fish.

When I saw the doctor last time he just did basic bloods. Then the pains stopped and have come back occasionally which had t bothered me. This week when they started again I panicked. Sometimes is sharp stabbing centre left under rib, other times it’s right in the centre of upper stomach. I think people around me think it’s just anxiety after losing my Mum in March but I worry that they are dismissing me. I’m just so worried that it’s pc.
Anyway, thanks for replying- I always love your no nonsense approach 😊

[Anxiouscow]

No matter what we say, I think you are fixated on pancreatic cancer. Nothing that you've said has described symptoms of pancreatic cancer, apart from vague pain, which is something that is very common. I think you need that GP appointment and to ask them why you DON'T have PC, otherwise this fixation is going to become an obsession.

Like I've said, nothing that you have said suggests to me you've got anything terminally wrong with you. It's just a fear that you can't snap out of. I know in your heart of hearts you know that it is probably nothing. Try not to spiral, and remember that it is highly unlikely you have anything wrong with you, because these pains have been around for a while and haven't progressed, which is something that is synonymous with cancer. It is progressive, and gets worse over time. Nor does it come and go.

[flatterycat]

No matter what we say, I think you are fixated on pancreatic cancer. Nothing that you've said has described symptoms of pancreatic cancer, apart from vague pain, which is something that is very common. I think you need that GP appointment and to ask them why you DON'T have PC, otherwise this fixation is going to become an obsession.

Like I've said, nothing that you have said suggests to me you've got anything terminally wrong with you. It's just a fear that you can't snap out of. I know in your heart of hearts you know that it is probably nothing. Try not to spiral, and remember that it is highly unlikely you have anything wrong with you, because these pains have been around for a while and haven't progressed, which is something that is synonymous with cancer. It is progressive, and gets worse over time. Nor does it come and go.

You are so right I know Anxiouscow.

My GP ended up calling me earlier for my telephone appointment (prebooked) so I got to speak to her.

I explained my symptoms and she said she wasn’t concerned given my previous blood tests and the fact that the pain comes and goes. (AlthoughI have read so much stuff in the past where people say that the pain came and went for a while to begin with). Anyway she said she thinks it’s probably acid and that the anxiety and recent events won’t be helping.
She advised I take some Gaviscon.

I feel calmer and am trying hard to not spiral every time I feel a stab of pain.

X

[Anxiouscow]

Listen to your doctor. As I've said and others have said, your symptoms do not give red flags for pancreatic cancer. You are fixated on it being PC and you can't see the facts.

Listen to your dr, they did a medical degree for a reason! Try and focus on the condition you do have, which is HA.

Best wishes

[Me180]

I’ve bern thinking about you flattercat, I’m glad you got to speak to your dr and they are reassured. I’m making my appointment on the holidays, which is next week, I’m just scared that I won’t be back to tell people the same. Everywhere I turn there’s cancer everywhere, and I think we’ll why not me?

Thanks for for updating us as so many don’t and I always wonder if there’s another reason we don’t want to know xx much love x

[Fishmanpa]

My GP ended up calling me earlier for my telephone appointment (prebooked) so I got to speak to her.

I explained my symptoms and she said she wasn’t concerned given my previous blood tests and the fact that the pain comes and goes. (AlthoughI have read so much stuff in the past where people say that the pain came and went for a while to begin with). Anyway she said she thinks it’s probably acid and that the anxiety and recent events won’t be helping.
She advised I take some Gaviscon.

I feel calmer and am trying hard to not spiral every time I feel a stab of pain.

X

There's a 'Told Ya So' in there somewhere ;)

FMP

[flatterycat]

There's a 'Told Ya So' in there somewhere ;)

FMP


Yes Fishmanpa! Although my anxiety brain hears that and gets stuck on ‘tempting fate’ so I can’t ever completely settle. I’ve noticed that this type of thinking is a huge component of my anxiety.

Me180, I know exactly what you mean when you say ‘why not me’! How are you feeling now? How are your pains?
xxx

[Fishmanpa]

Yes Fishmanpa! Although my anxiety brain hears that and gets stuck on ‘tempting fate’ so I can’t ever completely settle. I’ve noticed that this type of thinking is a huge component of my anxiety.

That alone is a positive step forward :)

Positive thoughts

[Me180]

Hi flatterycat,.... still there��so I bit the bullet and booked in next Tuesday.

im so bloody nervous and scared, because it just feels like more, u know.? I’m going to get him to check for diabetes, and hopefully if I can get myself worked up to a FBC and gosh fingers crossed nothing shows up.

ive never thought I’d hope it would be diabetes ... that’s how scared I am.

Thanks for checking in on me, I really appreciate it x much love x