mkp@sfmin.UUCP (M.K.Pesta) (03/12/86)
For the past year or so I have had something that moves over my last (or near to last) rib on my right side. It can usually only be felt by others while sitting or standing. *I* can feel it while sitting (all the time), standing, and some positions while laying down, notably on my side (either one), or on my stomach. It is exceedingly uncomfortable; when I'm sitting it feels like something is being squeezed; when I lay down, it feels like something is about to fall out. When I stand I can just move it back and forth over my rib, with the attendant discomfort. I am only really comfortable when laying on my back. I have been to both an internist and a surgeon--twice each. And also a gastroenterologist (sp?) a year ago. I've had a sonogram done of the area, a regular x-ray, and now a CAT scan. Absolutely nothing shows up, although the doctors can feel the movement when they probe the area. Possible explanations before the tests were a birth defect (entirely possible, I was a preemie), a growth on my nerve, or loose cartilege. They've ruled out a hernia, because it "pops" when it moves around. As I said, nothing showed up on the tests. Now they just want me to wait to see what happens. In the meantime, I have to sit in discomfort--and practically all I do all day long is sit at my desk. I have gotten to the point of not being able to wear slacks because of the high waist band, and am actually comfortable only when I wear very loose skirts. My question is this: Could I have a "floating" organ? My knowledge of anatomy is limited. But since all the tests are taken laying on my back and nothing shows up, it seems obvious to me that whatever it is is something that is supposed to be there, but somehow gets out of place when I'm up and about. I'm due to go back for a "check up" in a few months. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Michele Pesta ihnp4!sfmin!mkp