I have a problem, it's starting to scare me:

First I had intense stomach pains for a week straight, to the point where all I could do to feel better is sleep.

Then I had what I thought could've been a pulled muscle in my left butt cheek.

Then I had a tense left calf muscle, which I attributed to limping from the pulled butt muscle.

NOW, I have a sharp pain under my rib cage on the left side, and it's spreading into my shoulder.

I can't sleep because of this. It hurts way worse when I lay down. It hurts really bad when I breathe in deep, or cough.

What is going on with me? This has been my health for the passed three weeks.

I don't have health insurance, so unless something really bad happens I'm not going to go to the doctor. I can't afford to be in debt for the rest of my life.

I understand you not being able to afford health care, but this is the only body you will ever have. Once it's gone, or your health is gone, so is your body.

This really should be addressed by a doctor, the left sided chest pain concerns me, and in no way can I make a diagnosis via the internet. I would have to have some labs ordered to either confirm or rule out certain ailments.

What are some possibilities? And why is left sided chest pain more concerning?

There can be many reasons for left sided chest pain. The most serious would be cardiac. But others such as pulmonary (lungs), gallstones and gallbladder disease, and musculoskeletal causes all need to be ruled out.

I was doing a little research last night, and it sounded like muscoskeletal. But that doesn't explain all the other pains that I've had over the course of this passed month.

That is why it is important for you to see a doctor.

If I still feel horrible tonight (which I'm sure I will), I'll go to the Emergency Clinic.

You can do that and set it up on a payment schedule.

But remember, this is the only body you will ever have, you need to take care of it.

You can do that and set it up on a payment schedule.

But remember, this is the only body you will ever have, you need to take care of it.

The Emergency Clinic is only $45. I can't do a payment schedule. I lost my job.

You should go to the emergency room. They will bill you later. Ask them to rule out cardiac problems. Cramping muscles can be caused by a number of things. Do you eat a balanced diet and exercise?

It sounds to me like you may need a chiropractic adjustment. I say that because I sometimes have the pain under my left bottom rib. I have trouble drawing a deep breath then. I stretch for a good 45 minutes, then my thoracic (middle of the back) vertebrae pop, and the pain goes away.

Stretch, walk and if possible, have a friend give you a massage. Do not allow anyone but a chiropractor to adjust your back. It's too dangerous.

I'm not going to the emergency room. I can't afford that. I might go to the 24 hr emergency clinic in an hour or so. I will try that massage though. My boyfriend is bringing me aspirin and blue emu crème. Hopefully they work. And yes, my diet and exercise are fine.