Chest pain...

ajlisowski

So, starting saturday morning/afternoon Ive been experiencing pretty hefty pain in my right chest/side. It always is sore, and spikes up with breating or movement. Expecially twsting/turning or switching from sitting/laying.

Honestly, sometimes "pain" locations confuse me and I sometimes think the pain is extending to my arm, but im not really sure that is happening.

Im a relatively healthy 26 year old male, so I am not too worried about heart issues or anything. Ive looked into the symptoms and it seems like I may have a bruised/fractured rib. Anyone know what the best way to test for this?

I have a lot on my plate, getting married next friday and have a ton to do, so, I dont really want to go to the doctor if it can be avoided.

From what my friends tell me, Friday night I slid down my stairs face first (i was drunk...bachelor party nonsense). I dont remember that, but if I did, it seems like my chest may have taken a bunch of blows with each step, so maybe I hurt myself then...

Basically, how worried should I be about sharp pains in my chest/side and how do I test for a broken/fractured/bruised rib?

Chanus

Go to a doctor. Get an X-Ray done to make sure it's not serious.

There's not much you can do for it except wrap your torso and try and not stress it much, but you need to get it checked out to make sure it's not serious.

bowen

Go to a doctor. That said, there's a condition where sharp shooting pains on the right side of the body is common but the name of it escapes me.

altmann

I had something like this happen to me after a skiing accident. It turns out I had sort of... dislocated? (not really, but my spine was tweaked causing my rib to be causing sharp pains) it. I went to a chiropracter and he punched me in the back (not literally but you get my drift) and that fixed it.

If it feels like a BONE causing it, it may be that a rib is out or your back was tweaked. If it's not, and it feels like something else (sharp pain in your organs or whatever) then i'd get to a doctor.

That's me though.

Zeon

This happens to me when i sleep on my side funny. So it could also be nothing other than a sore muscle. But if youre worried, only a doctor is going to be able to tell you whats wrong.

ajlisowski

Yeah, I thought maybe i slept weird, but its been a few days and it seems to be getting a bit worse. Ill try to see if theres any health stop type places that accept my insurance and go there. Unfortunately I only get a few days off from work each year and they are going to the wedding.

So Ill try to find one of those 24/7 places.

Chanus

Just keep in mind Urgent Care places tend to charge more if you go after "business hours"... which usually means 8:00a-5:00p.

ajlisowski

Hmm, I didnt know that. Ill have to check my insurance details to see what they cover for a place like that. Medical bills are so silly, its why Im afraid to go to the doctor. Chances are its absolutely nothing (I slept funny, or bruised a rib) and all I need is some advil and a nap. But ill have to pay 3000 to find out because if it WAS something, id be screwed.

Is there a way to be all "hey dont run any lab work that isnt covered by my insurance, you dont have permission."

bowen

ajlisowski wrote: »

Hmm, I didnt know that. Ill have to check my insurance details to see what they cover for a place like that. Medical bills are so silly, its why Im afraid to go to the doctor. Chances are its absolutely nothing (I slept funny, or bruised a rib) and all I need is some advil and a nap. But ill have to pay 3000 to find out because if it WAS something, id be screwed.

Is there a way to be all "hey dont run any lab work that isnt covered by my insurance, you dont have permission."

Yeah, "Can you let me know if any lab work isn't covered by my insurance, I can't afford to foot the bill."