Changes in Rib Cage Structure After Years of Bulimia?
I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'5” and weighing 96 pounds. The only medications I’m currently taking are 80mg omeprazole and Tri-Sprintec. Though my history includes a diagnosis of chronic anorexia with binge/purge behavior, I was diagnosed with the eating disorder when I was merely 10 years old. Throughout my life, I have struggled with severe bulimia, indulging in binge episodes that can occur 1 to 3 times each day. Just yesterday, however, I experienced a remarkable session of six binges; it feels increasingly uncontrollable. I am aware that I could be leading myself to a fatal outcome, and after multiple attempts at inpatient treatment that yielded no lasting change, I find myself resigned to this existence until it inevitably comes to an end. If I’m fortunate, the end might come sooner rather than later. Recently, I have observed a peculiar change in my body; the lower part of my left rib cage seems to be expanding outward, as it extends further compared to the right side. This phenomenon is accompanied by intermittent to moderate discomfort in that area throughout the day. The pain is sporadic, but when it intensifies, I can find slight relief by applying gentle pressure with my hand against that spot while I go about my day. This alteration in my rib cage has developed gradually over the past year, and while it is not severe, it has certainly caught my attention. Interestingly, I realized that this asymmetry might relate to my bingeing posture. While I eat, I tend to lean to my left, resting my elbow on that side and curling my left leg beneath me. Could it be that my rib cage has been reshaped due to my consistently overly full stomach and my habitual leaning to one side multiple times a day? Is there a chance that what I've encountered could be some type of hernia? At this moment, I do not have medical insurance, so seeking professional advice isn't feasible. I’m simply left wondering if this situation holds any validity. Yes, I’m frightened by what I might be facing, but I believe there’s no real remedy available for it. Should it indeed be a hernia, is there any way to mitigate potential consequences? I appreciate any insights you might have. Thank you.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 5:40:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling concerned about the changes in your body and the discomfort you are experiencing, particularly given your history with eating disorders. Let's break down the situation regarding your rib cage, the changes you've noticed, and what you might consider doing next.
Key Points
- Asymmetry in Rib Cage: The change you're observing in your left rib cage could be related to your posture and frequent leaning, potentially affecting your musculature or even leading to a misalignment.
- Pain Relief Strategies: If the discomfort is manageable with gentle pressure, it may be related to muscle strain or tension rather than a serious structural issue.
- Possible Hernia Concerns: While some symptoms may suggest a hernia (like discomfort in the abdominal area), your specific symptoms also closely relate to posture and muscle strain from your eating habits.
Explanation
The asymmetry you describe could stem from how you sit or lean when binge eating, combined with the physical effects of repeated overeating. The pressure from a full stomach can temporarily push against the rib cage, causing distortion. If it continues to be a problem or worsens, it could lead to muscular imbalances or postural issues.
In cases where discomfort is felt in the abdomen or rib area, it’s important to consider the following:
- Postural Strain: Leaning to one side may put more strain on the muscles and tissues on that side.
- Potential Hernia: While your symptoms require evaluation for a hernia (if there are bulging feelings or severe pain), they could also be linked to muscle tension.
Next Steps
-
Adjust Your Eating Posture: Aim to sit upright while eating and avoid leaning to one side. This may help reduce discomfort and prevent further postural imbalance.
-
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Gentle stretches for the back and side muscles can help alleviate tension. Strengthening your core muscles can improve overall stability.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of any changes in your discomfort, noting any patterns related to your eating habits or activities. This can help identify whether posture affects your symptoms.
-
Self-Care Measures: When discomfort occurs, you may find relief through heat pads or warm compresses, alongside gentle stretching.
-
Explore Support Options: If at any point you feel your situation worsens, consider reaching out for local support resources. Many communities have organizations that offer assistance for mental and physical health without the need for insurance.
Remember, prioritizing your health is important, and while it may feel daunting now, small steps can lead to significant improvements. You are not alone in this, and seeking improvements in your situation can start today. If you notice any severe symptoms, make efforts to seek further help, even through community health resources.
Related Questions
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.