I had two major surgeries(coarctation of the aorta) back in June 1995 and September 1995. I was in my twenties and unknown to me, had a birth defect that grew worse as I got older. Throughout the years, I have suffered with severe pain in my left side torso. The first surgery I was cut through rib cage from front all to the back (about 30 staples). The second surgery was done at middle of chest. I still suffer with severe pain in my entire torso on left side as it is bothering me really bad as I type this. There might be long periods of time when there is no pain nor discomfort. But when it hits me, it hits me bad and can last for days or weeks. Sometimes it s a slight gnawing pain that annoys me, other times it s a sharp pain like I m being smacked with sledge hammer over and over again. Why do I suffer with this pain from surgery that was done over 20 years ago. When the pain is extreme, like it is now, I get very stressed out and depressed. I do not have a regular doctor at this time, but I m looking for one. Thank you.