A friend had two episodes like the following last year. She said that tonight she almost called me to take her to the hospital because she had it once again. She said it comes on in minutes, is crushing rib pain that emanates to her back. It causes her to break out in a profuse sweat and drops her on her hands and knees. On the floor she tries to get into a non-moving posture that will lessen the pain. When she called the episode was over, having lasted less than a half hour. Her clothes were soaked and hair wet with sweat. She said she was also panting to get through the pain. She said has had a hard abdomen for about a week. Had just taken a hot bath. Had not had problems like this for a year. When checked last year after two episodes, best guess was related to muscles. This doesn't sound like normal muscle pain to me. Encouraged her to see doctor again. I looked up rib pain but choices are huge and symptom for many things. She is very tough re: pain, but said this is some of the worst she has experienced. What do you recommend be checked out???