Sharp pains

Posted by jayrob624 @jayrob624, Nov 3, 2022

I am pre-diabetic and have neuropathy. I often get sharp pains in my feet and toes, but lately I have been getting sharp pains on the right side of my stomach near my rib cage. It just comes out of no where. What ca it be?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Nov 3, 2022

Hi @jayrob624 Members on Connect aren’t medical professionals so we can’t diagnose or treat medical conditions. That’s something only your doctor can do for you.
However, we can use our life experiences to help offer some ideas that might be helpful. I did notice you had another posting a few days ago regarding pain in your shoulder after you eat. And now you have this new pain in your stomach near your rib cage. With your being diagnosed as pre-diabetic that can have a link with your pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar (glucose).

I’m bringing this up because there can be a correlation between left shoulder pain and pancreatitis. https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/pain-in-left-shoulder-after-eating.html#:~:text=Pancreatitis%20is%20one%20of%20the%20more%20serious%20causes,control%20your%20blood%20sugar%20and%20releases%20digestive%20juices.

There are specific tests used in diagnosing pancreatitis:
Blood tests to look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, along with white blood cells, kidney function and liver enzymes
Abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones and pancreas inflammation
Computerized tomography (CT) scan to look for gallstones and assess the extent of pancreas inflammation
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for abnormalities in the gallbladder, pancreas and ducts
Endoscopic ultrasound to look for inflammation and blockages in the pancreatic duct or bile duct
Stool tests in chronic pancreatitis to measure levels of fat that could suggest your digestive system isn't absorbing nutrients adequately

I think for your peace of mind it would be worth a trip to your doctor. Have a list of symptoms ready and maybe keep a journal of when you’re experiencing the shoulder pain and stomach pain, along with what you’ve eaten or what the activity was at the time. Does that make sense?

Larry | @larryh123 | Nov 4, 2022

I agree with you on the point of keeping a journal or log of your experiences / symptoms and triggers.
You might think there is not any pattern. Try journaling for at least 2 weeks. You might be suprised at what you might see as pieces to the puzzle.
Your docs arent with you 24x7. They see you when they see you and interpret test results.
But their biggest and best source of info isnt any test. It is from you.
The more info you can give the better.
You are your best advocate.