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What Causes Pain In Rib Cage And Stiffness Below Belly Button?

Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015

Question: Hello My name is XXXXXXX I am 30 years old 5'3 163 LBS. < for Background info > For the past 2 months I have been having some Mild pain in my right side about midway just to the left of my right rib cage the pain site is about the size of a small pancake. there is also a narrow longer area just above my belly button that is stiff feeling as well. The pain again is mild and is able to be tolerated. I am worried at this point because it has not yet gone away on its own. I also should tell you that the pain comes and goes all during the day. It sometimes hurts worse after I eat. Do I need to go to the hospital. Should I be worried.

Answered by Dr. Rishi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please let me know in detail as I have asked in detailed answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
This pain that you describe - Is it the same pain that comes and goes in both locations?
It is probably something to do with your upper GI tract or gall bladder possibly.
1. Do you have burning stomach, nausea or vomiting?
2. Do you consume alcohol frequently or smoke?
3. Has the nature of your stools changed in the past few days or weeks? Any constipation or diarrhea?
4. Any excessive weight loss or weight gain?
5. Does the pain have any relation to the meals or breathing?
Answers to these questions will help us know what it is that you are having.

I would also advice you to see your GP who would be able to examine you and possibly get an Ultrasound of your abdomen done. Without examining it is very difficult to know what it is.
At present, I would not like to start any medication until we know what it is.
It does not seem like an emergency but it is definitely better to get to checked out.
Do not worry and please let me know the answers so I can comment in detail.

Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Rishi (2 hours later)

Hello again , to answer your questions. I do Drink about 3 units a per day. sometimes on weekends a little more with friends. And yes the pain seems to be more after eating and after several hours the pain gets better. And each day the pain comes and goes. The belly button area has little to no pain just stiffness its the lower right side of the abdomen that seems to be more mild with pain. Almost a dull but tolerated pain. I have no other symptoms. Otherwise Nothing else has changed and everything else appears to be normal

Answered by Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could be Gastritis. Start medications and get Ultrasound done

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for your reply.
It seems that you are suffering from Gastritis.
But you should still get an Ultrasound of the abdomen done.
I usually advice my patients to take Tab Pantoprazole 40mg or Cap Omeprazole 20mg before breakfast and dinner. This usually relieves the pain in most cases.
Ultrasound would be able to tell us whether there is any other problem.
If the medicines do not relieve the pain then an Upper GI endoscopy might be required to see your food pipe and stomach from inside.
But for now Ultrasound and medicines should be enough.
Do let me know if I can give you any further advice.
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj