“I desperately need help?”
For the last few years, I've been having reccuring stomach problems. Mostly severe burning that goes through to my back between my shoulder blades. Ive been to the ER several times. Sometimes it goes away for a while but always returns. However, it has been constant these last few weeks. In the last 2 days, I noticed a hard lump directly under the center of my ribcage. Near the sternum, I guess, or xiphoid process. It kind of hurts when I push on it but not much. I have absolutely nothing left to pay doctors. Between my stomach and back/hip pain I havent been able to work for quite a while. I have an appointment at the health department but not for 3 weeks. I dont want to go to ED and waste their time if the lump is nothing. I have been told in the past that I may have a peptic ulcer or perhaps gastritis. This lump is very new though. Is there a lump that is supposed to be there? And if not what might this be? I am desperate for an answer. I'm a 37 year old male and I'm not ready to die yet. Please help if you can. Thank you so much!
Male | 37 years old
Complaint duration: 3 years off and on. Recently became steady
3 Answers
GastroenterologistGastroenterologist
The lump does sound like the xiphoid process. Any physician should be able to exam you to confirm that the xiphoid is causing pain. With regard to stomach pain, you need a proper work up by a gastro doctor.
I am sorry to hear about your difficulties. Odds are that “lump” is unrelated to your symptoms. It is likely a xyphoid, the process that is cartilage that calcifies as we get older and is slightly
tender to touch but not painful otherwise. Pain burning or not going straight through to the back is usually due to pancreatic or biliary disease. The pancreas makes enzymes to digest your
food and the liver makes bile which aids digestion as well. The pipes leading from the liver and pancreas join as they enter the intestine which is in the back of your abdomen. You need to see a gastroenterologist. Call around to find a clinic that serves indigent patients. For instance, I volunteer at a free clinic, and before I retired I worked at a University hospital that had financial support for indigent care. Good luck!
tender to touch but not painful otherwise. Pain burning or not going straight through to the back is usually due to pancreatic or biliary disease. The pancreas makes enzymes to digest your
food and the liver makes bile which aids digestion as well. The pipes leading from the liver and pancreas join as they enter the intestine which is in the back of your abdomen. You need to see a gastroenterologist. Call around to find a clinic that serves indigent patients. For instance, I volunteer at a free clinic, and before I retired I worked at a University hospital that had financial support for indigent care. Good luck!
Pain and tenderness are tight where you state most commonly comes from the pancreas and or stomach. A gall stone can plug the pancreas duct and make the pancreas swell and be inflamed. Ultrasound exams and blood testing are essential.
