Seeking Answers: Chronic Pain and Unanswered Questions
Hello everyone, I'm a 22-year-old female weighing 182 pounds, and I don't engage in drinking or smoking. Currently, I'm taking 15mg of zepound for my health. I suffer from chronic pain due to Lyme disease, but I've recently been experiencing a different type of discomfort. Starting in June of last year, I noticed persistent pain on my left side, specifically around my ribs and below. It feels as if someone's fist is pressing into that area, leaving me with a severe ache that intensifies as the day progresses, especially while I'm active. Despite my efforts, nothing has provided relief. I visited my doctor, but she dismissed my concerns and prescribed muscle relaxants, which were ineffective. Fast forward to January 2026, and the pain persists. I've discovered two lumps: one beneath my ribs on the left side and another slightly above, near the area where my bra strap sits. My doctor casually labeled them as lipomas without even examining them properly. These lumps are solid and immobile; she simply advised me to monitor them for six months before consulting a surgeon. Recently, more lumps have appeared. There's another one under my left breast, accompanied by heaviness in that breast compared to the other. I also experience sporadic nipple pain on the left side, along with a hardened spot in the breast. Additionally, I feel a deep ache and pressure beneath my collarbone and in my breast. Moving my left arm brings about a pulling sensation, adding to my discomfort. I scheduled an appointment with my OB for Thursday, but I was informed that this issue should be dealt with by a dermatologist instead. These lumps are painful and lie beneath the skin, yet I desperately need someone to take my concerns seriously. The unrelenting pain is severely disrupting my daily activities, complicating my job as a cashier where I rely on both arms. I've endured this ordeal for months, and it feels like I'm not being heard. Please, I just want someone to acknowledge my pain and help me find a solution!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 3:21:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you've been dealing with such persistent pain and discomfort. It's completely understandable to feel frustrated when your concerns seem overlooked, especially when they are affecting your daily life. Let's focus on understanding your symptoms better and identifying some actionable steps you can take to seek relief and ensure your concerns are addressed.
Main Points:
- Persistent Pain and Discomfort: You are experiencing ongoing pain on your left side, with new lumps causing additional concern.
- Concerns with Lumps: The lumps you’ve noticed, along with other symptoms like breast heaviness and nipple pain, warrant careful evaluation.
- Need for Recognition: It's important that your pain is taken seriously and that you find someone who can help you properly assess and address these issues.
Explanation:
Chronic pain, especially when combined with new symptoms like lumps, can arise from several underlying issues, including muscle strain, Lyme disease complications, and possibly benign or more serious conditions. Your experience of feeling dismissed can be disheartening, particularly when your symptoms are severe and impacting your quality of life.
Given that lump formation, breast discomfort, and significant pain on one side can sometimes relate to hormonal changes, benign conditions, or rarely, malignancies, it’s crucial to ensure the right tests are conducted. It sounds like you have a genuine concern that needs thorough investigation.
Next Steps:
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Revisit a Healthcare Provider: Since you've scheduled an appointment with your OB, consider using that time to explicitly explain all your symptoms. It may also be beneficial to discuss the following:
- The severity and specific characteristics of the lumps.
- The exact nature and location of the pain that gets worse during activity.
- The impact these symptoms have on your daily life.
- Request an imaging study (like an ultrasound or mammogram) if your OB doesn't take your concerns seriously.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including:
- Pain levels on a scale of 1-10 throughout the day.
- Descriptions of the lumps (size, appearance, any changes).
- Any other physical symptoms you notice (like changes in appetite, fatigue, etc.). This documentation can be persuasive in showing how serious your concerns are.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If your OB or any provider does not address your issues satisfactorily, consider reaching out to another medical professional—an internist or a specialist in pain management. Sometimes fresh perspectives can lead to more effective solutions.
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Consider Support Resources: Look into support groups for individuals with chronic pain or those dealing with Lyme disease. Other people may have experienced similar challenges and can share coping strategies.
Conclusion:
Advocating for your health can be challenging, but it's important to continue seeking answers and support. Your pain is real and deserves attention. Please stay proactive about your health, and do not hesitate to push for the evaluations and examinations you believe you need. You deserve to be heard and to find relief from your symptoms.
Feel free to reach out if you need more specific information or guidance as your situation progresses.
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