Pain (right rib cage area) helped by antibiotics...

I had my sick gallbladder removed two years ago.  The pain persisted and in February 2001 my gastro did a Debray Procedure test that tested positive for Biliary Dyskinesia (bile duct spasming).  He then did a spinchterotomy.  I am still in pain but have noticed that each time I go on antibiotics (Zithromax, Septra DS) for sinus problems the right rib cage pain goes away.  My gastro has done thoracic, abdomenal (abdominal) cat scans, an MRCP, CA-19 screening for pancreatic cancer, various blood tests - all tests came back negative.  The external biliary vessels were dialated but he said that is normal after gallbladder removal.  I currently take Gabbatril, Robinul, Elavil and Estradiol.  The pain feels like a charlie horse or a hot knife going through me.  The next step is to go to University of Alabama for further testing (ERCP, pressure checks, etc.) Any advice would be appreciated. Why do the antibiotics help temporarily?

[pgrey]

You  might want to get to a Lyme literate MD and check for Lyme disease.  I have Lyme and have experienced severe rib cage and chest pain (along with other symptoms).  ABX is the treatment for Lyme and the earlier one catches it, the better off one is.

You might want to check out http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/resources.html

I'm sure there are other possibilites but I thought it worth mentioning.

Peter

[keystone531]

just read your posting, my son has the same problem and is on the same antibiotics that you mention. He has lyme disease.
He gets the same pain with vomiting and his liver enzymes are elevated also.
Lyme does respond to the antibiotcs that you are on. This may be masking your dianosis. I suggest you seem a Lyme specialist and R/O Lyme disease.
Lyme is very dibilatating and needs to be stop and  treated with aggressive therapy.

Good luck

[rainrush]

A related discussion, right rib and back side pain that gets better with antibiotics was started.