What Causes Stabbing Pain Between My Breasts?

Posted on Wed, 24 Aug 2016

Question: I HAVE BEEN PERIODDICALLY GETTING A VERY SHARP STABBING PAIN RIGHT BETWEEN MY BREASTS, IT FEELS LIKE A KNIFE IS BEING SHOVED UNDDER MY BREAST BONE. USUALLY IN THE MIDDDLE OF THE NIGHT. AT FIRST I THOIGHT IT WAS FOOD RELATED FROM NARROWING IT DOWN, BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE WHEN I HAVE EATEN SEVERAL HOURS LATER. BUT IT HAS HAPPEND NOW 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 5 WEEKS THIS TIME IT LASTED FROM 3AM TO 6:30 PM. I SWEAT, I CAN;T FIND A COMFORTABLE POSITION, AND THEN I VOMIT AND GET SWEATTY. I;M WONDERING ABOUT GALLBLADDER, MY MOM AND GRAND PARENTS ALL HAD THEIRS REMOVED, AND IT IS MORE SORE UNDER MY RIGHT BREAST. I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE. I'm 63. HEALTY, RECENTLY LOST 50LBS OVER THE LAST 11 MONTHS AND EAT LESS AND HEALTHIER THAN EVER.
PLEASE ADVISE XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need immediate clinical tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear XXXXXXX

I have gone through the medical history carefully and understood your concern.

You're reportinga stabbing pain between the breasts. If I was your caring doctor would advise to run further diagnostic tests to determine the right diagnosis:
- abdominal ultrasound and liver function test to exclude gallbladder problems like sludge or stones
- upper endoscopy to exclude stomach gastritis or ulcer
- cardiac tests (EKG, echocardiogram, stress test) to rule out cardiovascular events
- chest x-ray to rule out problems related to lungs and collar bone.

Until you get the tests done, I advise to:
- eat often and small portion
- have your dinner at least 4hours before going to bed
- avoid oily, spicy, processed foods
- continue taking antacids after meal

Hope it was of help
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (27 minutes later)

LFT test or liver function panel?? and gastrin test?? I am going to go to a local lab and have the tests done then maybe to a Dr. but not first I can get the results directly again I don't have insurance and the $$$

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Go to ER if you experience another pain episode

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Ok then, if you have another pain attack, I highly recommend to go to ER for immediate evaluation and treatment. I believe you won't need insurance if you go to ER.

All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

thank you. I don't know where you live, but an ER is even more expensive. and you didn't answer my questions about the tests I asked about getting????

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answers to your questions

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Yes, it's true that some countries have an expensive ER service. Generally, they are not that expensive, I mean governmental emergency.
Unfortunately, I was lacking information for your country, I beg pardon for that.

Some of the tests I advised were:
- liver function test or liver function panel(LFP)
- upper endoscopy

Gastrin test is recommended after consultation with gi specialist. For this time, I did recommend upper endoscopy to evaluate changes in gi mucosa.

Hope this answers your questions.
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar