Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group rib pain

Yes, you can have all normal tests and still have problems. Every test came back perfectly normal but my doc knew there were problems so he went ahead and dx me from my symptoms....

Angie

Welcome to KA Roni, glad you found us.
Yes, SI and rib pains are common for AS sufferers. In the majority of cases, our bloodwork show as normal. Also, in the early years of the affection, X-Rays will not show any problems, making AS quite difficult to diagnose early on.

Have you ever had any X-Rays taken of your SI joints? If so, how long ago was it? You might need to have new ones taken. For most of us, this is where the first X-Ray signs appear. You should also mention the rib pain to your doctor. Do you have morning/nightly stiffness? You should mention that to your doctor as well. You might want to try and get a referral to a rheumy.

To answer to your heart attack vs rib pain symptoms, its not too difficult to differentiate them. A heart attack will usually cause shortness of breath, cold sweats, and pain that irradiates into your left arm (the pain will remain even if you hold your breath). A heart attack will not cause any palpable pain (there is no tender area because the pain is coming from under the rib cage).
Rib pains on the other hand should improve if you hold your breath (while your lungs are empty) and increase when you fill the lungs, cause quite a bit of pain if you touch the affected ribs, and rarely irradiate to other parts of the body.

Good luck, and welcome to KA.




Carole

Thanks for your info Carole. When they did the facet injections it was done under xray and last one was about 2 1/2 years ago...wonder if they have it on file.

Well it is certainly nice to find all of you. This rib thing with intense pain started the end of May. We were at a Stevie Nicks concert and all of a sudden, I hurt. Couldn't sleep on that side either for a few days. I decided to just live with the SI pain 11 years ago using meds and treatments and now there is a new pain that is intermittent. At least the spasm stops eventually while the SI pain is always there. Thank God for osteopaths!

Thanks so much.

Hi Roni,
Just want to say Welcome and I hope your ribs also start to feel better soon. My last bout lasted 8 months, I hope this is not the start of another long bout. Today I can breath a little easier although the deep breaths are pretty much the same. I've managed to avoid sneezing, thank God. I can't imagine going through this without the support and knowledge of this group. Believe me there is more info here than you would get in any doctor office. Nothing teaches like real life experience. Hugs, Wanda

Hey Nonnie;
8 months! Woman, you're my hero. I about died when I had a Costo flare for 24 hours . . . that stuff's evil. The doc gave me Percoset, Flexeril (muscle relaxant) and Ativan (tranq like Valium) for my costo, and together they helped IMMENSELY. I hope you get good relief from your extra meds.

*hugs* (without squeezing *that* rib lol)
-Bridge

Thanks Loriann,

Thats good to know. So far I've been managing on the oxy. Have you been able to try any of the biologics? Wanda

Oh yes I remember that rib pain, and after that the between the shoulder blade pain.
You hate to feel a cough or sneeze coming.
It is all a part of the degeneration.
Would you believe during that time all I was taking was asprin. 500mg in the morning and 500mg at night worked for me.
I wish you the very best hopefully you will get some meds to take care of the pain
Take care
Doreen

Hello everyone, this is probably a good time to say "hello". I've been "lurking" for quite some time now...yes, I also experience rib pain during flairs. It feels like a knife is sticking in my back sometimes...right in the middle of my spine. Wanted to let you all know, Ive been following a NSD for about 6 weeks and I cant believe how much better I feel.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences....I am now a believer!!

Dawn

Hi Wanda,
I have been wanting to try the biologics for awhile, but presently they are not covered on the provincial drug plan, they only cover it if you have RA. So I am presently only able to treat the pain part of my a.s.
loriann

Thanks Wanda. I am an artist so if I do too many hours sitting it all hurts. LOL. I am switching down from 5 hours to 3 to see if it helps. So far, have not had the terrifying spasms while I am sleeping but the left rib was bothering me yesterday. I felt depressed because now I have to accept this other pain in addition to the SI stuff. Hey, but at least I am walking and talking and not underground right? I am glad to find you. I thought I was going crazy with the rib thing.