Seeking Help for Unexplained Pain: What Are My Options?
I’m a 22-year-old woman, weighing 180 lbs, who neither smokes nor drinks, and currently taking 15 mg of Zepbound. My Lyme disease diagnosis came around 2015-2016, but despite undergoing antibiotic treatment, my condition did not improve, leaving me to cope with persistent chronic pain. Additionally, I have been using the depo shot for several years, and I’m confident it isn’t the source of my discomfort. In June of 2025, I began to experience pain on my left side, below my ribcage. After visiting the doctor, a series of tests were conducted to rule out any heart issues; everything returned normal, and I was prescribed muscle relaxants, which proved ineffective. The pain, a constant dull ache, would escalate after work, becoming so intense that it hindered my breathing. An X-ray confirmed there were no broken or dislocated ribs. By January of the following year, I returned to the clinic after discovering a lump beneath my left ribcage. During the examination, the doctor identified another lump along my ribs on the same side. These lumps are hard, immovable, and sensitive to touch. I also discovered an additional painful area beneath my breast. The doctor hastily diagnosed them as lipomas without fully assessing them. Upon examination, she described them as hard and immovable, yet she suggested waiting for six months before consulting a surgeon and refused to provide a referral. Recently, I noticed pain in my left nipple, accompanied by discomfort in the surrounding lumpy breast area. The ache radiates from near my collarbone down to my nipple, intensifying to the point where wearing a bra exacerbates the pain. This discomfort escalates at night when I lie down and sometimes transitions into a stabbing sensation under my armpit. I've also noticed intermittent heat in my breast area, which comes and goes. Today, I visited an OBGYN who examined the lump. Although I expressed that it hurt, she indicated it only felt like fibrous tissue but still ordered an ultrasound. However, she didn’t address the lumps on my ribs since it wasn’t part of her examination scope. After the ultrasound, the radiologist affirmed it was simply dense tissue related to my age, leaving the ultrasound results clear. Yet, the source of my pain remains unexplained! I feel unheard and powerless. Who should I turn to for help now? The clear ultrasound means I’m unlikely to receive a biopsy or a CT scan for the other lumps. This constant pain severely interferes with my daily activities, making arm movement difficult and disrupting my job due to the strain on my body. It also affects my sleep, worsening at night. I’ve attempted various home remedies, including Tylenol and heat treatments, but nothing alleviates the pain. Where do I go from here? Who can I reach out to for assistance? I need answers and relief!
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 11:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing significant and persistent pain, coupled with frustrations regarding your healthcare and diagnostic journey. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when symptoms persist without clear explanations or relief. Let's break down some key points and outline what you can do next to better address your situation.
Main Points:
- Ongoing Pain and Concerns: You have chronic pain with complications from a past Lyme disease diagnosis, including new and unexplained lumps and discomfort that have not been resolved.
- Incomplete Diagnostic Process: Despite imaging and examinations, no definitive source of your pain has been identified. You deserve clearer communication and further evaluation.
- Need for Comprehensive Care: Since your current treatments have not been effective, it's essential to explore additional care options that address your full spectrum of symptoms.
Explanation:
Chronic pain can arise from various underlying factors, and your history with Lyme disease may complicate your situation. Given that your ultrasound did not identify malignant conditions, it’s crucial to address the ongoing discomfort and any potential muscle or nerve-related issues, especially with the sensitivity and pain you've described around your ribs and breast area.
It’s also important to recognize that feelings of frustration can impact your mental health; thus, acknowledging the emotional toll is vital for your overall well-being.
Next Steps:
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Consider a Pain Specialist: Look for a healthcare professional specializing in pain management. They can provide a multidisciplinary approach to assess and treat your pain with the appropriate therapies, which may include physical therapy, medication modifications, or other interventions.
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Consult a Rheumatologist: Given your history of Lyme disease and the nature of your lingering symptoms, a rheumatologist may be able to evaluate for autoimmune conditions or other muscular issues contributing to your pain.
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Advocate for Imaging and Follow-ups: When speaking with your healthcare providers, be clear about the impact of your symptoms on your daily life. If possible, request referral for additional imaging (like a CT scan) for your lumps. You have the right to seek second opinions or advocate for further examinations.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your pain levels, any activities that worsen or relieve your pain, and other associated symptoms. This information can help health professionals correlate your experiences with potential underlying issues.
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Explore Mental Health Support: Considering you've expressed feelings of anxiety and feeling unheard, talking to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, may help you cope with the emotional aspects of chronic pain.
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Self-Care Measures: Continue utilizing heat treatments for localized comfort and consider gentle exercises or stretches recommended by a physical therapist to improve mobility and alleviate tension.
Final Thoughts:
You are not alone in this, and advocating for your health is essential. By pursuing specialized care and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers, you can work toward alleviating your discomfort and improving your quality of life. Let me know if you need more details about any of these options.
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