Upper right quadrant pain

[lupie1982]

I am a 29 year old female. In the past 3-4 years I have lost 80 lbs after following a healthier lifestyle (watching my diet and exercising more).

I was diagnosed with mild Lupus in February after having symptoms for 1+ years, but with only significant symptoms the previous 9-10 months.

With all the blood work I've had done in the past year, my liver enzymes were slightly elevated, but as of June were at the high end of the normal range.  I had really started watching my diet, didn't take any Tylenol and cut out all alcohol (though I never drank much, maybe once a week and always in moderation). My doctor wasn't sure what was causing it, and just thought we'd keep an eye on it.

I had started running in the spring of 2010. I didn't run quite as much during the winter, but when I started running more frequently again in the spring, I started getting a sharp pain in my right side directly under my lower ribs. Thinking it was just a side stitch, I tried changing up my running every way possible (run/walk intervals, changing my breathing, eating differently, not eating, running slower, running faster, shorter runs, shortening my gait etc). Nothing seems to help and I start getting the same pain around mile 1, sometimes even if I'm just walking!

Then about a month ago, I was at work and had a very sharp pain in the same area.  It lasted for maybe 30-40 minutes.  I had pain in my right shoulder at the same time.  Since then I've had it twice and I feel like I can hardly do anything else once it hits.  I take a few ibuprofen, maybe eat a little snack, drink some water and it seems to go away.

My bowl movements have been horrible. I can't seem to digest any greens, and otherwise they're kind of mustard colored and loose.  I eat pretty healthily, lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats.

When I do eat a heavier, higher fat meal I feel HORRIBLE and am running to the bathroom within the hour.

Could this be my gallbladder? Could my liver be causing this? My mother had her gallbladder removed when she was in her 40's.  Though her lifestyle has not been as healthy as mine has been the last few years.

I see my gp at the end of November, but am not sure if I should try to get in to see her before then, any ideas would be appreciated!

[lupie1982]

Just to update...
I saw my doctor yesterday for a check up and my bloodwork came back even worse than it did this previous summer. :( My liver enzymes were higher than ever, and after hearing the symptoms I discussed here, she sent me this morning for an ultrasound of my liver and gallbladder.  
I have SEVERAL gallstones and have an appointment with a surgeon tomorrow to set up a time for surgery to have my gallbladder removed.

[antibodyninjagirl]

Interesting coincidence.  I am 28 years old diagnosed with lupus about 2 1/2 yrs ago.  I am a runner- lifeling, long distance.  I love it.  I too have had digestion problems for many years and recently had a hida scan as well as an ultrasound.  I do not have the reports as of yet, it was just this week, but the US tech told me there were "calcifications" in my gallbladder and the doctor may decide to remove it.  I have been searching high and low for similar cases, just for insight.  Although, neither of us have more information, at least we know we are not the only 20 somethings with such hard things to deal with.  I cannot find a correlation for lupus and gallbladder problems, but your symptoms are freakishly similar to my own.  I have a blog antibodyninja.com, maybe we have more in common.

[Cdngal]

Hi there, you should try and get in sooner for sure, your symptoms sound bang onto gallbladder problems, and with liver levels elevated I dont think you should wait another month... gallbladder attacks can come and go, so you might think you feel better and then bang you get another one... just to be safe i would make an appt to rule it out.  Good Luck let us know how you do.