I have a lump on my left rib (right below my breast). When I first noticed it (8-9 yrs. ago), my doctor at the time said it was a lipoma and didn’t need to be removed unless it “really” started bothering me. Nonetheless, it’s bothered me more each year. Not only do I have pain in this area, but also in my back (in the exact location as the front). My skin is even tender to the touch! It hurts when I yawn, cough, move the wrong way, lay on my stomach and excercise. I’m fatigued, irritable, depressed and can’t lose a pound regardless of how well I am eating. I had a Dr. appt today and was told it’s a Lipoma. He ordered a chest xray, blood work and a sleep disorder study (to be done at home). Any input would be helpful. Thanks in advance and take care. 
Robin
hi robin, its great your dr is doing tests, these tests will rule out sleep apneia and other problems. Problem with DD you cant diagnose it with blood tests as such, I have never been offered a blood test or x-ray. I was just recently diagnosed. Fingers crossed you dont have DD. Your Dr may refer you to a Dermatologist if your other results come back with negative results. Hope that helps!
Hi geordielass,
Thanks for your response! 
My Dr. ordered the chest xray because of the lump he felt on my rib and blood work to rule out additional problems (thyroid and diabetes) which both run in my family. After I came home yesterday I found information on DD while researching “lump on rib.” I’ll have to mention this to my Dr. when I go back for my xray/blood results. What type of tests should I have done to rule out or diagnose DD? I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed I dont have it, and my heart definitely goes out to you and others that do. Have a great weekend and thanks again for your help!
Hi Robin,
I don’t know where you are from but if you think you might have DD you need to find a doctor near you who knows about it or go to Dr. Karen Herbst in San Diego. She diagnosed me the first day I saw her just by looking at the tissue she biopsied. You can find her online. It was well worth the trip out there. I am from Missouri and none of my local doctors knew about it so I went round and round trying to figure out what was wrong with me and feeling like no one believed I was in pain. You’ll see that in all of the stories on this site. Good luck!
Hi Lisa,
I live in Oregon. If I can’t locate a good doctor here, I will definitely take your advice and go to San Diego (besides I have a niece there too).
I feel like I’m getting more and more depressed as the hours go by (literally) and the pain is increasing as well. It is quite sad to read the stories on this site (hearing how no one believes about the pain, etc.), but I’m so happy to have found it because I can’t imagine going through this without a support system of people who understand. Thank you so much for your response/input and take care. Robin
By the way, my parents were raised in Missouri and Kansas - I was just there with my mom in October (and the weather was unusually warm for fall, but beautiful!).
Hi Robin, I went to my doc’s as the lumps i have had for several years had become painful…God I was thinking Cancer. In 2001 I had a lump (I have several) ultrasound scanned and they said it was Lipoma. -My doc i seen couldnt find my results of the utra sound she sent me home, she rang me the following day and said because of my other symptoms…ie…depression, fatigue, impaired fasting glycemia, (stress incontinence…i never said that)…etc she thought of Dercum’s disease…well straight away i researched this on the internet and was totally shocked…i was pleased i got a quick diagnosis as some on this site has waited months if not years…I am glad i got a quick diagnosis…although not pleased at the diagnoses…just hope and prey you dont…as there is not cure,and its for life…it at the moment is affecting me pschologically…sorry about spelling. keep in touch…and welcome to the site, all we can is share experience…your diagnosis is down to your doctor or specialist… but we are here if you want to vent…shout, laugh or cry…
Hi Geordielass,
I have many of the other symptoms as well and feel like I probably have DD. I was so excited the first night I found this site. When reading the stories and learning all of you have the same symptoms as me, I didn’t feel so “alone.” But now, two days later…I’m going through “denial” emotions (even though I haven’t been officially diagnosed). Denial as in - I’m hoping my lump is a lipoma that does cause pain (because it’s big and pressing on something). I know if I do have it, it’s for life and not curable, which makes it more depressing. Being incurable doesn’t bother me as much as hearing how painful all of your lives are. I already live with an incurable disease (which is in remission). I haven’t read where DD has remission periods.
I’m so sorry you’re in pain and being affected psychologically. I will keep you (and everyone on this site) in my prayers. Thank you for your response - I really appreciate your support and overall caring. Take Care and God Bless