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Hi everyone. I have Lupus SLE with inflammatory arthritis. I’ve been having this pain between my shoulder blades or in between the ribs

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Albuquerque, NM

Under my beasts. Is this normal?

September 6
 · 
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Definitely rule out a bad gallbladder and a hiatal hernia. My gabladder didn't have stones, so three doctors refused to take it out. Finally, I found a surgeon who would, and it was badly diseased. Fifteen years later I had a hiatal hernia, and not only did the same doctor do that surgery and esophagus surgery to boot, he said my esophagus and stomach showed signs of Sclerosis. I didn't know that few people had issues swallowing like I do. It has always been normal to drink as I eat, because I had to.

September 7
MyLupusTeam

Pain between the shoulder blades and under the ribs is something many people with lupus SLE experience — so while it's not unusual, it's definitely worth paying attention to.

With lupus SLE and inflammatory arthritis, there are a few possible reasons this could be happening:

- Costochondritis — inflammation of the joints Show Full Answer

Pain between the shoulder blades and under the ribs is something many people with lupus SLE experience — so while it's not unusual, it's definitely worth paying attention to.

With lupus SLE and inflammatory arthritis, there are a few possible reasons this could be happening:

- Costochondritis — inflammation of the joints connecting your ribs to your breastbone, which is more common in people with lupus
- Organ inflammation — lupus can cause the spleen or other organs to swell, leading to pain under the ribs
- Lung-related conditions — such as pleurisy (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the lungs), which can cause pain when breathing deeply
- Heart-related conditions — including pericarditis or myocarditis, which can cause chest and rib pain It's really important to let your rheumatologist know about this pain. They may want to do a physical exam, blood tests, or imaging like a chest X-ray or CT scan to figure out what's going on.

If the pain is severe, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest tightness, seek emergency care right away — especially since people with lupus have a higher risk of cardiovascular issues.

Don't tough it out in silence — getting it checked is always the right move! 💙

September 6

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