Swollen ribs on left side, perhaps from meth use?

[Phat Gatmasta]

I could use some decent input on this one...
My friend has been on a three day binge and started
to notice that the left side of his ribs stick out a bit
further then the right. as if maybe they are extended or swollen
He says there isnt really pain. Its just a strange feeling in general.
I honestly wish I could give more information and I am sorry I can't
but has anyone ever heard of the whole swollen ribs thing?
Google actually isnt any help this time.
Please and thank you.

-Phat Gatmasta

 

[Swimmingdancer]

Do you mean the left front side or back side? And how high up?
There is definitely no pain or tenderness at all, even a dull ache or anything?

Ribs can't be swollen, they are bones. Protruding ribs can be due to internal pressure, inflammation somewhere (muscles, organs etc), even things like constipation. Certain hormonal disorders or congenital deformities can cause an appearance of a protruding ribcage, but I'm assuming your friend is sure he only developed this recently.

One possible cause would inflammation of the underlying organs. I would definitely STOP using meth, drink LOTS of water and take some vitamins. Meth can be damaging to the liver or kidneys, for example, which can be worsened by not drinking enough water while on it. If your friend is worried or this gets worse he should go to a doctor of course.

 

[stardust.hero]

Perhaps she lost a bit of weight and her tummy is empty so it's showing an indent under her rips making them appear as if they're swollen or sticking out.

 

[Swimmingdancer]

^That's a good point too. Meth can cause weight loss, even rapidly just due to dehydration etc, and I remember a friend of mine would always notice her ribs stuck out more after a few days of meth use. But that doesn't really explain the asymmetry (unless it's just not normally noticeable). It's hard to tell what's going on from the vagueness of the post.

 

[blight12]

Also, being very familiar with the sneaky trickster that is meth, firstly make sure its not some sort of weird perception or paranoia.
I can just imagine what would go through my brain if i saw that shit. My heart is exploding? A nest of meth bugs? Eek.

If it is real, based on my experience, there might be pain but its dulled on meth, i can completely not notice serious stomach pain, full bursting bladder and other kinds of bodily indicators of something being wrong. I literally loose all contact with my body basically, i cant even feel my heart, even using my hand, its weird. (No heartbeat didnt exactly work well with meth brain at the time but eventually i realized i wasnt a zombie or a vampire or dead)

Lastly, if a sober person can tell you its really real, then protruding ribs is something i would be running to a doctor about jeez, dont let that meth euphoria stop you from proper concern, it does that.