It all began here

It all began in the middle of year 2022.

I started feeling mild pain around my ribs and upper back pain. I went to see my primary care doctor to address the pain. We decided it was muscle-related and stress, so I came home with anti-inflammatory medication and rested to see if the pain improved.

Over a period of time, my pain gradually worsened to the point where I had to make several ER trips. Doctors ran all kinds of blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans, including MRIs, but the results always came back to nothing was wrong - just normal results.

Since then, I have been on numerous medications, nerve block injections, physical therapy, acupuncture, and many specialist doctor visits, but nothing seemed to address it, and finding no answer to this constant, unbearable, sharp-stabbing pain.

This pain took over my life and prevented me from doing things I love to do. It prevented me from seeing my friends and family. It prevented me from freely going somewhere, wandering around with my camera just capturing things I see in beauty which brings me great joy. 

Instead, I found myself in my room lying flat in tears, wondering if I would ever find an answer. 

Working helps me to distract myself from thinking about the pain (I am lucky that I can work from home), but sometimes, it’s really hard to distract myself no matter how much I try.

During a discussion with my primary care doctor, she mentioned “slipped rib syndrome” that she is leaning toward but is uncertain about. Unfortunately, she said no doctors in Charlotte, where I currently reside, and all of North Carolina are familiar with this rare syndrome.

So in desperation, I began doing numerous nights of research and joined a few support groups online where I found people from all over the world sharing the struggles and experiences I am encountering.  I SUDDENLY REALIZED  I WAS NOT ALONE.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have received support from some truly amazing people who have helped me along my journey. 

Thanks to their guidance, I have wanted to share my experiences and findings about the rare and debilitating condition known as "Slipping Rib Syndrome." 

My goal is to raise awareness and provide valuable information to others who may be dealing with the same condition. I also hope to establish a nonprofit organization in the future.

And... simply want you to know you are not alone.

Yours, 

Gina Sparks

Founder of Slipping Rib Syndrome Organization®