Stupid Pain...

zelda · #1 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 09:44 AM

I'm generally a pretty healthy person, so when something is off I get kind of anxious.

A few days ago I had this pain in my abdomen, up near my ribs. I actually laughed at myself, thinking that since I've lost weight and have been working out, my ribs must be a little more exposed and got sore that way.

Unfortunately, that pain has not gone away. It's quite sharp, actually. When I turn, or lift, or strain, or cough, or laugh (lots of things I hope to be doing in Mexico in 3 days). I'm thinking I need to go to the doctor.

But here's the crazy part... I don't want go to the doctor in case they tell me something serious that makes me stay home from Mexico! One of my friends said that unless they think I'm going to die within 2 weeks, they won't make me stay home.

So, yesterday I called to make an appointment. The first appointment available was Friday at 2:50... 12 hours before I have to be at the airport!

This is really distracting me from my anticipatory excitement.

PlayaWithMe2 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelda

I'm generally a pretty healthy person, so when something is off I get kind of anxious.

A few days ago I had this pain in my abdomen, up near my ribs. I actually laughed at myself, thinking that since I've lost weight and have been working out, my ribs must be a little more exposed and got sore that way.

Unfortunately, that pain has not gone away. It's quite sharp, actually. When I turn, or lift, or strain, or cough, or laugh (lots of things I hope to be doing in Mexico in 3 days). I'm thinking I need to go to the doctor.

But here's the crazy part... I don't want go to the doctor in case they tell me something serious that makes me stay home from Mexico! One of my friends said that unless they think I'm going to die within 2 weeks, they won't make me stay home.

So, yesterday I called to make an appointment. The first appointment available was Friday at 2:50... 12 hours before I have to be at the airport!

This is really distracting me from my anticipatory excitement.

Could it be a muscle tear? This has happened to me before. I have also been seen by a doctor for this and they send you out the door with a presrip for pain relief. You said it only hurts when you move a certain way, right? Or do you have constant pain?

PlayaWithMe2 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 09:51 AM

One more thing. Your vacation just might be the thing for you! You can kick back and relax......and heal.

zelda · #4 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe2

Could it be a muscle tear? This has happened to me before. I have also been seen by a doctor for this and they send you out the door with a presrip for pain relief. You said it only hurts when you move a certain way, right? Or do you have constant pain?

Yeah, I'm thinking it's either a muscle tear or a hernia. I haven't had either in my abdomen before. I've had lots of sore muscles before, and this is much sharper pain. And yes, twisting is more painful, especially twist with a cough or some kind of strain. Or leaning forward and cough. (This is totally making me think of men's experiences at the doctor's office with "turn your head and cough!")

Margaritas should be sufficient pain relief medication, right?

I'm sure my doctor will understand how much I need Mexico. We happened to be on the same plane last year!

Ginger · #5 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 10:51 AM

I had a similar pain when I was pregnant with Kelsey. I carried her very high up, and very out front. My upper abdomen muscle actually ripped and seperated. It was very painful, and after the initial pain I actually lost some sensation there that took months and months to return. It was quite a recovery period for that rip for sure.

Here's what I looked like!

zelda · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 11:08 AM

If you can survive that, I'm sure I will survive!!

zelda · #7 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 07:51 AM

Update!

I was at my chiropractor yesterday getting my neck worked on (another long saga) and mentioned my tummy trouble. He dropped my head, lifted my gown, and started poking, prodding and making me scream in pain. A few questions later to rule out gastrointestinal indicators, he said, "It's the edge of your rib or your muscle wall. We'll treat it with laser therapy today instead of your neck. Hot and cold packs as much as you can until Mexico."

He's a god. I'm already feeling better. Should be in good shape for Saturday!

PlayaWithMe2 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelda

Update!

I was at my chiropractor yesterday getting my neck worked on (another long saga) and mentioned my tummy trouble. He dropped my head, lifted my gown, and started poking, prodding and making me scream in pain. A few questions later to rule out gastrointestinal indicators, he said, "It's the edge of your rib or your muscle wall. We'll treat it with laser therapy today instead of your neck. Hot and cold packs as much as you can until Mexico."

He's a god. I'm already feeling better. Should be in good shape for Saturday!

I'm glad you got a professional opinion on this. I just went through recovery from a couple of fractured ribs and, yowza, hurt like hell. There isn't much you can do for either fractured ribs or muscle strain.....just rest, ice and heat. Luckily you are going to a perfect place to kick back, put your feet up and bob in the healing waters of the ocean.

Have a great vacation.

DavidB · #9 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 08:07 AM

Great news Zelda. I use to have some chiropractor issues years ago. It's amazing what a good D.O. can do. One time I almost crawled into his office with hip pain. 20 minutes later I walked out with just a little muscle soreness. Another time my ribcage was out of line.

I have no idea how that happened.

queencityfan · #10 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelda

Update!

I was at my chiropractor yesterday getting my neck worked on (another long saga) and mentioned my tummy trouble. He dropped my head, lifted my gown, and started poking, prodding and making me scream in pain. A few questions later to rule out gastrointestinal indicators, he said, "It's the edge of your rib or your muscle wall. We'll treat it with laser therapy today instead of your neck. Hot and cold packs as much as you can until Mexico."

He's a god. I'm already feeling better. Should be in good shape for Saturday!

Great news, I know you were concerned about pain on vacation!

Looking forward to meeting up.

Sharon · #11 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 11:24 AM

Have you been doing any jumping or trampoline exercise when working out? Years ago, my daughter bruised her pancreas jumping on a trampoline. It was quite painful and in the area you described in your post.

Ginger · #12 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 11:37 AM

that's great news! Hopefully it will be much better before you leave.

zelda · #13 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 11:38 AM

Thanks everyone!

Nope, no trampolining! Either I lifted something and didn't notice at the time. Or, the way I sleep, I tuck my arm under my ribcage... maybe I slept too hard and too long in that position and bruised my rib. Regardless, I'm doing so much better now.

And yes, I love my chiro. I hurt my neck last year (fell asleep on the way to Mexico, in fact) and have had pain everyday since. Saw 2 physio's, acupuncture, naturopath, sports physician, had an MRI... and nothing really helped. After a 10 min lecture from him a month ago, and seeing him 3 times a week for the last month, I am 85% better. I'm quite a skeptic and such voodoo-like things, but I can't deny that this has helped when nothing else has!

PlayaLove · #14 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 11:44 AM

Glad you are feeling better ,hope you have a great vacation.

1hotmama · #15 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger

I had a similar pain when I was pregnant with Kelsey. I carried her very high up, and very out front. My upper abdomen muscle actually ripped and seperated. It was very painful, and after the initial pain I actually lost some sensation there that took months and months to return. It was quite a recovery period for that rip for sure.

Here's what I looked like!

ugh i hate you your one of those women that looked beautiful through pregnancy

Must have been very painful but look at the wonderful reward you have from it.

1hotmama · #16 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 01:07 PM

Glad to hear its nothing too serious. My husband has been having pain in about the same area...but he says it feels like his skin is sunburned and its a constant pain. Now he is having pain along his back in the same area...says that feels like someone hit him with a bat. Hes been to UC and to the Dr.
He has an highly elevated white blood count so they have him on antibiotics.
He went in for blood work yesterday because he has problems with his pancreas...but the enzyme levels there are normal. Today he went in for a CT scan so they can hopefully locate where the problem is coming from. Right now things just seem to be a waiting game. its been over a week now that hes been having this pain. Hopefully its just turns out to be something that gets cleared up from the antibiotics.

Have a great time in Mexico...drink a margarita for me I need one right about now

bufante · #17 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 05:27 PM

I had the very same pain just last year. I could barely get out of bed, turned out, I had pulled my stomach muscles playing softball. Some Ibuprohen and I was back to normal in a day or two.

Glad to hear you are good to go!