Question:
PAIN UNDER LEFT BREAST AND RIB

I HAVE HAD A PAIN UNDER MY LEFT BREAST/LEFT RIB AND IT SHOOTS TO MY MID BACK AND UP TO MY LEFT SHOULDER AND CLOSE TO MY LEFT SIDE OF THE NECK AREA. IT REALLY HURTS. MY GALLBLADDER WAS REMOVED ON JUNE 7, 2002, BUT IT STILL HURTS THE SAME WAY. I HAD A LAP RNY ON NOV. 23, 2001. WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS? PLEASE HELP.    — Nora R. (posted on June 27, 2002)

June 26, 2002
When I went in to have my staples out, the PA told me that the pain I was having in the same place was coming from the old stomach protesting. However,mine was more of an ache- like a stitch in the side, with no shooting pain. She also talked to me about "referred pain"- which is pain you can feel kinda generalized over a part of your body because of a pain in a specific area. Call your Dr. and ask. You've paid them an awful lot of $ for their expertise- don't be reluctant to use it. Good Luck!!
   — Loretta E.

June 26, 2002
My similar pain turned out to be an ulcer. It could be a million things. I would see your doc, and have them start looking for a reason. When I told my surgeon about my pain, he pretty much blew me off. I had to have my PCP look into it. And afer several months of testing they found a GIANT ulcer in my small intestine.
   — RebeccaP

June 27, 2002
What is your risk factor for cardiac disease? Chest pain radiating to your back and neck are classic for cardiac problems. Are you sweaty and nauseous with this pain? Does the pain feel like it is constricting or tight? If so, this is a 911 call. I know your recent surgery could be a factor, but I would not focus on the surgery to the exclusion of anything else. I would evaluate your pain in light of your cardiac status and either call your surgeon or an ambulance, depending. Good luck.
   — Bobbi G.

June 27, 2002
I had GB pain, even after GB was removed 8/15/01- and the pain was identical (before and after). It happens less frequently these days- but I still get attacks. However the GB is on the right- not the left... Your pain could be anything, it may not even been associated with WLS. Perhaps a strained muscle or something. Sometimes I strain my chest muscle and it hurts so bad, it almost makes me ill.
   — Karen R.

June 29, 2002
Go to the Dr. Please. I just got home from a two week stay in the hospital due to blood clots in my lungs and I had the pain it was extreme. I also had shortness of breath.
   — Emile N.