chest /rib area pain

[Guest guest]

I have been reading a lot of post about chest and rib area pain. This has been

a significant problem for me and is complicated by some GI problems, and a

strong family history of heart disease. I am 62 years old. I have since March of

09 been trying to sort out the symptoms. During this time I did expereince

severe constipation, vomiting and pain that radiated around the back. GI studies

have ruled out any serious GI problem.

During this time I have had pressure in my sternum area just below and above as

well. While using the treadmill I expereinced increased pressure, just a slight

change but definitely related to exercise. A call to my PCP sent me to a

cardiologist and a cardiac work up. My use of the treadmill is normally limited

to a flat service and a controlled speed of not more then 2.5. Increased speed

or an incline results in headaches and increased pain.

In a moment of poor decsion making I decided I was currently healthy enough to

do a treadmill cardiac stress test. This was a VERY poor choice, considering

that I have cerebellar ptosis and a wide decopression. The test was 11/4 and to

this date the headache has not completley resolved. I am releived to have have

had a cornary stent placed before I had a serious event. However this is just

another indicator of how diffiuclt it is to sort out our symptoms. The chest

pressure definitely improved. The rights sided rib area pain is worse and

worsens with use of my arms in standing.