Pain under left ribcage-is it urgent to tell doc?

[shencer]

So I just switched from remicade to humira about 2 weeks ago and I've been experiencing pain under the bottom my left rib cage(under as being not lower on my abdomen but lying beneath the very bottom of my rib cage). I'm not sure the timing of the pain beginning coincided with the switch from remicade to humira. The pain is not very severe and it comes and goes. I've never had this pain from crohns before. I have an appointment with the doctor on March 9th so I'll bring it up there but I was wondering if there is any reason to call earlier than that.

I am/have been on for a while azathioprine for 4 years(3 with remicade). Since I'm a bit of hypochondriac I'm worried that I might have pancreatitus from the azathioprine or, even worse, an enlarged spleen from remicade induced lymphoma.I know both of these are very unlikely since the pain is mild and have no other symptoms associated with either but still the thought is always there in the back of my mind. I guess I'm victim of looking into my symptoms too much on google.

Anyway, did anybody that had pancreatitus from azathioprine only have mild off and on pain?

 

[UnXmas]

Anyway, did anybody that had pancreatitus from azathioprine only have mild off and on pain?

Do you think that there is any answer people could give you in response to this question that would stop you worrying?

You've already acknowledged that the pancreas and spleen problems are unlikely, but as you're still concerned about them, I don't think it would do any harm to call your doctor to give you peace of mind. A doctor should be able to give you more reassurance than people here online (or google).

Try not worry. The pain may very well not be anything serious at all.

 

[FrozenGirl]

Honestly if it isn't at the point where it is disrupting lifeactivities then it is likely nothing. My doctor told me if I had pancreatitis I would know because it hurts a lot, and continues to hurt until you do something about it.

This said, I would call your doc if only for peace of mind.

 

[2thFairy]

I had mild pancreatitis and vomiting was my main complaint. I had pain, but not a lot, though that typically is the number one complaint. My symptoms were worse directly related to meals, as this is when the pancreas is most active.

Do you have a fever?

I wouldn't be too concerned at this point, but if you can't stop thinking about it, get it checked out. Anxiety about health is just as bad.

 

[PatrickL]

I don't understand going onto a forum to ask questions that (1) should obviously be directed to your doctor, and (2) the participants can't possibly answer for you. Symptom search and relying on forum diagnosis is one sure way to convince yourself you're definitely dying.

Think of it this way - if you're car is making a weird noise and won't go forward, do you ask a bunch of people who happen to drive cars what they think is wrong, or do you take it to a mechanic? You're talking to a bunch of people with C&C and asking them to play doctor. If you need a doctor... go to a doctor.

 

[2thFairy]

I don't understand going onto a forum to ask questions that (1) should obviously be directed to your doctor, and (2) the participants can't possibly answer for you. Symptom search and relying on forum diagnosis is one sure way to convince yourself you're definitely dying.

Think of it this way - if you're car is making a weird noise and won't go forward, do you ask a bunch of people who happen to drive cars what they think is wrong, or do you take it to a mechanic? You're talking to a bunch of people with C&C and asking them to play doctor. If you need a doctor... go to a doctor.

Well, Patrick... why be on a forum at all, then?

If my car doesn't work, YES I DO ASK PEOPLE before I take it in to get a better idea of what MAY be the problem and that leads me to a better direction of research on my own.

 

[PatrickL]

2th, because there's a real big difference between using a forum for support, or using it as a doctor substitute.

 

[2thFairy]

You've asked a question here before that should have gone to your doctor.

 

[PatrickL]

Yep, twice in fact! I posed questions that I probably should have bothered to, then I realized at some point that I was an idiot for having done so.

Good research btw.

 

[2thFairy]

That doesn't make you an idiot. Every one of us has questions and sometimes we think we are bothering our health professionals too much. Even when we know that we should call the doctor, it helps to bounce our fears off of others that may have been through it already and possibly gain some clarity before making that phone call.

 

[shencer]

Thanks for the replies.I needed a little extra-evidence to convince myself that I'm being irrational. Maybe I should have posted this on some anxiety forum, sorry if I used this forum wrong (If I really felt awful I would immediately consult the doctor).

Anyways you guys have helped put that anxiety to rest.

 

[FrozenGirl]

This forumn is for support and sharing info. No need to be sorry, just try not to let the anxiety overwhelm you. Glad we could help