Once in awhile I get annoying pains on my left side, lower mid rib cage. It flares up from time to time, help

Question

Once in awhile, I get these annoying, sometimes dull, sometimes painful pains located on my left side of my ribcage area, in the middle & lower, sometimes it hurts my back too in that area. I dont have a hernia or any problems like that, I think its a digestive problem of some sort. I also have problems digesting pizza, it seems like whenever I eat it, the dough just sits in my stomach & it feels like my intestines are bloated. I dont go to the bathroom regulalry, I have IBS like symtoms & feel better when I take colon cleansing pills. I know I need to go to the dr, but Im not working & dr's are expensive.

Anyone have a clue what this problem could be? What body parts are located on the left, lower side of the body? Could this be digestive problems of some sort? Advice appreciated!!!!

Answer 1

It sounds like one of 2 things...

it's probably to do with your spleen... and if it is, you need to get to a doctor, as an enlarged spleen is a symptom of something else: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec14/ch179/ch...

But.... it also *sounds* like a gallbladder problem (been there not pleasant): http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/gallbla...

Especially the parts about the not being able to digest pizza and the pains and bloating and IBS symptoms. The gallbladder store and release bile and digestive enzymes. If there is a blockage or if there isn't enough bile there... you can start to experience some serious pains and serious digestive problems. Especially when eating doughs and greasy foods.

The only challenge with this is that on average, the gallbladder is located on the right. I say on average, but it is not exclusively so. My mother had her gallbladder on the left side:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33238... (left-sided gall bladder)

I don't think it's Crohn's - you haven't mentioned passing blood in you stool, or any weight loss:

http://chronsdiseaselivingwith.blogspot....

Answer 2

you may have IBS or even Crohns disease:you would need a Dr to do some tests.Do you have diarrhoea a lot?does the stool have blood or mucus in it?

If the pains are getting worse and you got no health ins. go to a hospital emergency:they will at least look at you:either do an ultrasound or MRI.These are tests that can show your colon, pancreas, and even your spleen(that's on the left also)

Answer 3

It can be an ulcer or even GERd,  but try seeing a general health practioner or try the health unit where you only pay like 20 dollars or less. look up the one for your town online.  

Answer 4

Spleen is over there. You sound like you do not drink enough fluids. You should be intaking a minimum of 8 - 8 oz. glasses a day of water per day, + fruit juice & milk. More if you're out in the heat, sweating, ot athletic.

If you're  not going regularly, this could also be the reason. Bananas also help you be "regular"..