Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Chest pain on the left side

April 1, 2014 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

Hello! I have been experiencing pain in my left chest for about 3 months, including pain in the middle and in my abdomen! The first time I went to my primary care physician, after listening to my heart and measuring my blood pressure, he suggested that it could be because I always work unilaterally (I am a nurse and currently working night shifts) and prescribed me Ibuprofen. However, the pain did not improve even when I worked alternately from left to right during the night shifts. I went back to my doctor and he suggested that it could also be due to constipation causing pressure on the diaphragm and causing the pain. He advised me to eat more fiber-rich foods and avoid gas-producing foods. I then made an appointment with a gastroenterologist and my doctor wrote on the referral V.a Roemheld syndrome! The specialist performed an ultrasound and found all organs to be normal, but recommended a gastroscopy appointment in May. The next day, I went back to my primary care physician, who prescribed me Novalgin and Pantoprazole. I thought it would get better, but I experienced severe pain again on Wednesday night, so I went to the hospital on Thursday morning. They sent me back home, suggesting I see my primary care physician first. I went to my previous doctor, who took blood tests which came back normal. She suggested the pain may be coming from my back and gave me injections in my back and chest, which provided relief for half a day before the pain returned. I went back the next day for a second injection. Despite the pain, I waited until yesterday for a spine x-ray, which also showed no abnormalities. I have to see my doctor again tomorrow and I don't know what to do anymore. She also mentioned it could possibly be psychosomatic, but I don't know the reason for it. I feel like I have been waiting too long for appointments with specialists, and I understand that it is normal, but I am in pain and unable to work. I cannot be on sick leave until the end of May. What could be causing this and how can I get it investigated quickly?

Christian Welsch

Dear questioner, the most likely cause is at the spine, you should get examined by an orthopedist. A normal X-ray of the spine does not rule this out. You should get an MRI done. I would recommend taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regularly, for example, 3 x 50 mg Diclofenac, if you have a sensitive stomach, take it with a gastric protector. You should get an appointment with the orthopedist for pain faster than in May. If no findings are found here, the colon and pancreas should be examined. Do you have any questions? Regards, Welsch