Rib Discomfort and Asymmetry Issues
I’m an 18-year-old female, 5 feet tall, weighing 110 pounds, and currently a smoker. I have been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, vasovagal syncope with orthostatic intolerance, and Raynaud’s phenomenon, and there is a possibility I have endometriosis. Earlier this year, I experienced a shoulder subluxation in April and have a history of long-standing costochondritis. My medication regimen includes ibuprofen, Midol, lidocaine, and vitamin D supplements. For more than a month, I’ve been dealing with discomfort on the left side of my ribs. This started after I maintained poor posture for an extended period. I experienced a sudden wave of intense pain that subsided within about 30 seconds. A few weeks later, I became aware that my ribs appeared uneven as well. I had an X-ray taken, which showed normal results. However, due to increasing pain over the last three days, I decided to visit urgent care to ensure everything was alright. On a pain scale from 1 to 10, I’d rate my discomfort at about 2 to 3. It’s not excruciating but is quite bothersome. My ribs make clicking sounds when I take deep breaths, twist my torso, bend, or sometimes even while sitting still. Engaging in any of these movements or applying pressure to my ribs intensifies the discomfort, which is an uneasy sensation that makes me feel restless. Additionally, I occasionally experience a peculiar glittery sensation beneath my ribs. The doctor noted that my ribs are asymmetrical, with the left side appearing swollen and elevated. He does not suspect dislocation, and he provided lidocaine to manage the discomfort, although I haven’t tried it yet. I’m currently relying on ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. The doctor mentioned that the issue could stem from several factors, including costochondritis. My past experiences with costochondritis felt different, affecting another area, but he believes this might be related to my hEDS condition. He expressed no concerns about my lung health and recommended I follow up with my primary care physician. I plan to reach out to my PCP tomorrow to see if I can schedule an earlier appointment for a follow-up. Apologies if this post strays from the standard guidelines or seems overly intricate for this platform. My health journey has been quite unpredictable.
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 3:30:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed health concerns. It's understandable to feel uneasy with the discomfort you're experiencing, especially given your complex medical history. It sounds like you're dealing with several intertwined issues related to your hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and past musculoskeletal challenges.
Main Points:
- Current discomfort near your ribs may be related to your EDS or costochondritis.
- Your rib asymmetry and clicking sounds are concerning but may not indicate serious problems.
- Managing your pain and discomfort should be prioritized.
Explanation:
Rib discomfort, especially in your case with a history of costochondritis and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), can stem from musculoskeletal issues. Your body might be prone to increased strain or injury in these areas due to the nature of your connective tissue disorder. The asymmetry and inflammation you describe could be due to muscle strain or inflammation in the cartilaginous areas around your ribs, which is common in costochondritis.
The clicking sounds and the “glittery” sensation could indicate some irritation or instability, which can occur with hEDS. Since your X-ray is normal, that’s reassuring, but it’s essential to manage your symptoms effectively.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Try the Lidocaine: Start using the lidocaine provided by your doctor to help manage your discomfort. Apply as directed and monitor how it affects your pain.
-
Manage Pain with Ibuprofen: Continue taking ibuprofen as needed for pain and inflammation, but ensure it’s within the recommended dosages. If you have specific side effects or concerns with long-term use, discuss these with your PCP.
-
Posture and Physical Care: Focus on maintaining good posture, especially when sitting or working. Consider gentle stretches or exercises that promote rib mobility and relaxation. Avoid positions that exacerbate your discomfort.
-
Document Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting any activities that worsen or relieve the pain. This information can be beneficial for your upcoming appointment with your primary care physician.
-
Follow-Up with Your PCP: It’s good to arrange for an earlier appointment with your primary care physician as planned. They can offer further evaluation and possibly refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in hypermobility and chronic pain management.
-
Avoid Straws and Tight Clothing: These can sometimes exacerbate rib discomfort due to unnecessary pressure on the ribcage.
While it’s natural to worry about your symptoms, try to focus on these actionable steps to help manage your discomfort. Remember, addressing your posture and how you support your body can significantly impact your overall well-being. Please keep me updated on your progress or if you need additional support!
Related Questions
Unexplained Joint Discomfort with Clear Medical Results
I am a 32-year-old female with a background of chronic migraines and Raynaud's phenomenon but no previous issues related to joint discomfort. In early May, I suddenly encountered severe joint pain that has remained persistent, only easing temporarily after a course of methylprednisolone. The most intense pain occurs in my shoulders and hands, although my wrists and knees also experience noticeable discomfort. I generally feel a sense of stiffness throughout my body, particularly in the mornings or following extended periods of inactivity. Sleep has become excruciatingly difficult, and I find that engaging in physical activity tends to alleviate rather than worsen my symptoms. Over-the-counter medications have proven ineffective. This pain strikes me as distinctly different from muscular pain, and until now, I can’t recall ever experiencing joint issues. Additionally, I have been grappling with severe fatigue during this period. I have consulted with two rheumatologists. My first appointment left me without any tests; I was simply advised to focus on lifestyle adjustments. My recent consultation involved a second specialist who conducted blood tests and X-rays, all of which came back normal. This physician has proposed the possibility of fibromyalgia. However, despite lacking medical training, I feel this diagnosis does not align with my symptoms at all. I will include my lab results in the comments along with some pertinent information below. My hormone tests and metabolic panel were completed 3-4 weeks after discontinuing birth control, and the rheumatological evaluations occurred within the last two weeks. 1. I have three blood relatives diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. 2. I stopped taking an estrogen/progestin combination pill two weeks before the onset of my symptoms. 3. Since early spring, I’ve been noticing unusual rashes on my skin. 4. My wedding ring, which used to fit comfortably, is now too tight. After almost a decade of marriage, I had considered resizing it, which makes me aware of my increased swelling. At this juncture, I am left questioning whether to accept the Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Does it truly correspond with my situation? Should I seek another rheumatologist for a second opinion? Or could this indicate an entirely different condition?
Persistent Coughing for Three Months
At 17 years old, I'm a male standing 173 cm tall and weighing 68 kg. For nearly three months, I have been experiencing a persistent cough. At times, this coughing fits result in vomiting, especially after I eat. I have been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency; could this be linked to my coughing issue? The nature of my cough varies—it can be dry at times and at others, it's not. However, I haven’t yet consulted a healthcare professional regarding this matter.
Navigating Bladder Control Challenges at Nearly 30
Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing great! I felt compelled to share my experience as I approach my 30th birthday this August. Lately, particularly since late last year and into this year, I've noticed some unsettling changes with my bladder control. It has reached a stage where I find myself packing at least one or two spare pairs of underwear and an extra pair of jeans in my work bag. It's quite embarrassing to admit, especially being a nearly 30-year-old woman, to feel like I am losing some control over my own body. As a married woman, my partner and I are happily focused on one another. We're currently not looking to start a family anytime soon, as we're focused on paying off our debts. Neither of us has children from previous relationships since we both embarked on this journey together as each other’s first. I'm quite satisfied with the life we’ve built, filled with our six cats and dog. However, the thought of possibly needing to rely on adult diapers really troubles me. To me, that's always seemed like a taboo associated with older adults in my community. I understand it’s 2025, and I hope there may be alternative solutions available. Additionally, I do live with ADHD and experience type 2 bipolar depression, which often leads me to overlook bodily signals, such as the need to relieve myself as I would sometimes dismiss the feeling altogether. I would genuinely appreciate any guidance or tips on how to manage this situation, as my goal is to regain control and avoid any further accidents.
Should I Be Concerned About My Thyroid Issues?
At 27 years old, I have been experiencing various unusual symptoms intermittently over the past five years. These include sudden swelling of my thyroid glands, which occurs even when I am not ill. Additionally, during my menstrual cycle or when I have a cold, I notice a pronounced lump on the right side of my collarbone, similar in size to a marble, which disappears almost overnight once my period concludes. Lately, I've also noticed swelling occurring between my left ear and jaw; when I massage this area, I can feel a fluid draining sensation. My thyroid seems to react quite noticeably during these illnesses; for instance, when I have a mild cold, it becomes prominently enlarged, accompanied by significant pain and throbbing. The most severe instance of this occurred last year when I developed pneumonia, which stemmed from a cold and lasted for three months. During this time, my tonsils became infected, and I noticed what appeared to be a goiter on the left side of my neck, slightly larger than a golf ball. An emergency room visit ensued, where IV steroids were administered, leading to a swift reduction in the swelling. Although the doctors were not particularly worried about the lump, they did inform me that my white blood cell count was notably elevated, though I confess I am uncertain about what that implies. Furthermore, I typically take a long time to recover from even common colds. My general practitioner is very attentive and ensures that I have thyroid blood tests conducted with every appointment, and these results consistently return normal. I maintain a very healthy diet, consume alcohol infrequently, and exercise moderately. Despite being slightly underweight according to health statistics, I am 5 feet tall and do not appear to be underweight. Given that my test results remain normal, I find myself questioning whether I should be more alarmed about these ongoing issues after five years of unpredictable symptoms.
Understanding Stye Development
Individual Details: - Age: 25 - Gender: Male - Duration of Symptoms: Noticed since Sunday evening - Current Medications: Bibrocathol, heat therapy - No significant medical history noted After experiencing some discomfort since Sunday night, I've found myself dealing with a bothersome growth on my eyelid. While the sensation is somewhat irritating, the pain level remains low. However, it has been causing some distortion in my eyesight. I've observed that this issue seems to have ruptured multiple times but has not fully resolved. Additionally, I'm feeling concerned about the increased redness appearing beneath my eye. Fortunately, I have not noticed any other symptoms, such as a fever.