Do I have gallbladder problems?

[Dina E]

I was just recently in the hospital with severe stomach pain that radiated to my back and left shoulder. They did all of the tests including: ct of abd and pelvis, us, pippided ? test and today they were going to do a small bowel f/u, but could not because after a full week the contrast from the ct has not passed. Doesn't that say that there is something wrong. I am terribly miserable and cannot get anyone to do anything about this. Everytime I eat or drink the pain gets alot worse and it is debilating. Noone will let me speak with a surgeon. Please give your opinion on what is going on the my stomach because I cannot stand another day of pain.

[ozzy983]

Appendix too possiblely...difficult to diagnose.

[hollyd28]

Janet,
Sounds like it could be gallbladder.  I have constant nausea and had an utlrasound done that was normal.  Then I had a HIDA scan done and my gallbladder was only working at 20%.  Try to have and ultrasound and if that is normal, have a CCK HIDA scan.  This will tell you for sure if there is anything wrong with your gallbladder.  Pain in the shoulder and nausea are pretty classic gallbladder symptoms.  Good luck.
Holly

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Possible causes would be the various causes of dyspepsia - ulcers, inflammation or GERD.  If you haven't had an upper endoscopy, this would be the most comprehensive test for evaluation.  

If the ultrasound is normal, it is less likely that there are gallbladder problems.  If there is continued concern about the gallbladder, a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation can be considered.  

I would discuss this option with a GI physician.  If the CT scan is negative, it is unlikely that there is a surgical issue present.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[jlynn1044]

Hello,

I have been trying to find out what is going on with me, I keep having this pain in the middle to left upper quadrant of my stomach right under my rib cage it burns and stings and cramps. I sometimes get this severe pain in my back that goes through to my chest and I always feel nausiated and at times I get this nasty taste in my mouth. I have had ekg to make sure it wasn't my heart and everything was ok there. Could this be the gallbladder? Please respond.
Thank you, Janet