What causes recurrent pain on the left side of the hips and ribcage?
Patient: Left side pain that comes and goes every few minutes. Started this morning at work I was noticing it maybe every 30 minutes approx but now that I’m home resting every few minutes. It goes from very little to no pain to a stabbing pain that is pretty sharp. Then it goes away and comes back. It’s more on my left side between where my hip starts and my rib cage starts. Any ideas? Is it worth going to the hospital or should I schedule an appointment with my regular doctor later in the week? Or I can wait and see if it goes away on its own or gets worse. Thanks Doctor: Hello,  The pain you are feeling on left side that comes and goes every few minutes, could be due to colitis or Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) especially you are also having bloating or other changes in bowel movements (bm).  I advise to take over the counter Mephenamic acid and antacid mixture. Start probiotics and Simethicone for the bloating. If it won't ease the pain you feel, then go to ER as might need immediate diagnostic tests and treatment. Try my suggestions and come back to me for further assistance.   Hope I have answered your query.  Let me know if I can assist you further.