I'm on StrongLifts 5x5 program about 4 months now. I'm not a novice to strenght training. I used to do kalisthenics (I've completed convict conditioning program), gymnastics, kettlebell RKC, marathon and half marathon running and some bodybuilding. Now I really enjoy doing SL5x5. My plan is to focus only on strenght traing (4life). My body weight is 78kg (172lbs).
Here is my problem. 2 weeks ago I got squeezed by the 142.5kg (314lbs) barbell while doing squats. Nothing really bad happened because I have squat rack, but I felt a little needle pinch in my left upper belly (just under my ribs). I ignored it. But it made me think "Maybe It's time to buy a powerlift belt". So I bought it. Two next trainings went pretty easy due to the belt, but the pain appeared. My last left rib was hurting really bad and worsens. I couldn't complete next training 147.5kg (325lbs) due to excessive pain and breathing problems. I should stop then, but I thought it would heal itself faster since I will be training. It was big mistake. I decided to keep going on training.
Three days ago (17 february 2014) I was mentally prepeared for pain and psyched up to heavy lifts. I managed to complete that day - Squat 5x5 147.5kg (325lbs), Overhead Press 5x5 70kg (154lbs), Deadlift 1x5 175kg (386lbs) and it all felt surprisingly light, like I could lift more. One minute after the training the pain was unbearable. I couldn't take deep breath, I couldn't move my left arm, I couldn't change clothes, change shoes, bend, reach, turn. When I pressed my lower left chest with my right hand, it felt like knife stab, when I've released pressure the pain was a lot worse.
Few hours later, at home, I took Paracetamol. It didn't help. Massaging and doing warm compresses helped a little. I couldn't sleep that night due to excessive pain. Today (20 february 2014) it's a little better. I still have problems with dressing up, changing shoes, lifting bag with my left arm, reaching with my left arm and I can breathe only shallow I can't take a big deep breath.
I went to the doctor (a fat one of course) and he said I should quit lifting weight and rest (of course).
My plan is to take a 1 week break and after that 20% deload on all lifts (whether it will hurt or not). But I'm afraid the whole story will happen again. I don't want the situation to repeat. What should I do. I do not think the long rest (for month for example) is good. I train to be strong and healthy not to be cripple and StrongLifts 5x5 is really good.
I think my form is good (I had previous experience). I do not use any steroids, I don't use even any supplements. Only normal simple food. I don't have any heart issues, I do not party, I don't drink any alcohol, I do not smoke. I have low body fat. I'm 173cm (5 foot 8), 72kg (172lbs) and 34 years old. I can't imagine myself not training. I train to be strong and healthy not to be cripple. What should I do. Please help me.