OpenHealth Q&A

Am I Overreacting About My Rib Pain or Is There a Genuine Issue?

For as long as I can remember, I have been grappling with discomfort in my ribs, and lately, it seems to be worsening. Externally, they appear normal; however, I occasionally feel that my ribcage seems slightly inadequate for my body size, particularly when I’m at a lower weight. Internally, though, the sensations are quite distressing. It often feels as though my lower ribs are positioned too low or are unusually flexible, particularly when I muster the courage to press on them. In recent years, the pain has intensified, and now, lying on my side or stomach leads to excruciating discomfort that triggers anxiety within minutes. During episodes of severe back pain, I also experience significant rib pain; the back of my ribs isn’t as troublesome, but the front causes considerable discomfort, and the sides are practically unbearable. Due to my high hip stance, when I lean to the side, it feels as if my hips are pushing against my ribs, which heightens the discomfort. Any form of contact—or even proximity—of anything against the sides of my ribs causes a strong, involuntary flinch, and my core muscles tense up immediately. I sometimes explain my reactions by referencing an incident from my childhood when I was kicked hard in the ribs by my stepdad, but the truth is, I had rib issues even before that event. Throughout my life, I have harbored a fear of being hugged around my ribcage, even softly, and many of my most terrifying dreams involve someone applying pressure to my ribs or sides and refusing to release their grip. In an attempt to feel protected, I tried wearing a rigid corset designed for support, but the experience only exacerbated my anxiety. I dread the thought of medical professionals examining my ribs or performing any kind of imaging that might require applying pressure. I find it difficult to articulate my feelings without sounding unreasonable. I am not exaggerating when I report having extreme back pain, rated at a solid 10 out of 10, without medication. I have endured significant pain in the past—such as stretching my nostril piercings to 8mm, undergoing tongue splitting, and receiving multiple tattoos—yet the thought of my partner lightly resting their arm over my side while we spoon is unbearable; hugging me below my arms is out of the question. The increasing severity of these sensations occupies my thoughts day and night, leading to distressing dreams. At 25 years old and identifying as intersex (46xy), I have an unspecified connective tissue disorder, which has been suggested to be Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) by a geneticist. However, local healthcare providers lack the necessary expertise to confirm this, so I hesitate to label it entirely. Additionally, I experience symptoms consistent with mast cell activation, IBS, and other complications. I also have L3 incomplete paraplegia due to spinal arachnoiditis, but the rib discomfort has been a lifelong struggle. Though I carry excess weight (standing around 6'1" to 6'2" and weighing about 260 lbs), I have experienced significant fluctuations during my teenage and adult years. I have undergone extensive medical procedures, including a double mastectomy, hysterectomy for endometriosis, and stage 1 abdominal phalloplasty, resulting in complications such as abdominal muscle damage and persistent healing issues, among others. My current medication regimen includes oxycodone, cyclobenzaprine, pregabalin, diclofenac for pain, and lamotrigine for mental health concerns. Additionally, I was diagnosed with level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 4 and complex PTSD by age 13. Thank you for reading this lengthy account; I understand it’s a lot to digest, but I aim to provide as much context as possible to clarify my situation.

Answers (1)

3/30/2025, 6:50:39 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing significant discomfort and distress related to your rib pain, which has been compounded by various health conditions. It is understandable to feel worried, especially with such a complex medical history. Your experiences of pain, anxiety, and past trauma all contribute to your current situation, and it's commendable that you're seeking clarity.

Explanation

Rib pain can come from various sources, including musculoskeletal issues, connective tissue disorders, or even referred pain from your spine or other internal structures. Given that you have a suspected connective tissue disorder (like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), your rib pain might be related to joint instability or increased flexibility of the connective tissues in that area, which can lead to discomfort. The psychological aspects, such as trauma and anxiety, may exacerbate your perception of pain.

It's important to note that while your pain is valid, addressing it holistically—looking at both physical and mental health—can be very beneficial for you. Here’s how you can begin to tackle this pain in a structured way:

Next Steps

1. Symptom Diary: Start by keeping a diary of your pain episodes. Note when they occur, their intensity on a scale from 1 to 10, and any potential triggers (like specific movements or pressures). This will help identify patterns and can be valuable if you eventually seek care.

2. Physical Support: Since pressure on your ribs is uncomfortable, consider gentle support during the day without constraining your movement. Instead of a rigid corset, a soft, adjustable brace could provide comfort while allowing for movement.

3. Gentle Movement: Although it might feel counterintuitive, engaging in gentle stretching or physical therapy can potentially help improve your rib and back discomfort. Activities like swimming or yoga, focusing on relaxation, can alleviate stiffness and improve blood flow.

4. Pain Management Techniques: Explore non-pharmaceutical approaches to manage pain, such as mindfulness meditation or cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help with anxiety and pain perception. These methods can help change how your brain interprets pain signals, as well as reduce anxiety surrounding pressure on your ribs.

5. Consulting a Specialist: While I understand your hesitation, consider speaking with a pain specialist or a physical therapist familiar with connective tissue disorders. They may have insights specific to Ehlers-Danlos that can be beneficial.

6. Managing Anxiety: Given the significant psychological components intertwined with your physical pain, working with a mental health professional proficient in trauma-informed care could provide relief and coping strategies.

Remember, your concerns and how you experience pain are important. Take this process one step at a time, and consider which strategies feel most manageable for you to start with. You deserve relief and support through this journey.