Seemingly unrelated symptoms

I have recently been diagnosed with gall stones - I had an ultra sound done and there were loads of them.

I had the ultra sound done due to cramping pains in my stomach which travelled through to my chest. I had my heart check out and everything was normal. I also had a brarium test? (swallowed chalky liquid and x-rays taken) this showed nothing was out of place with my stomach.

I should have asked the consultant but it seems that questions always come in hind sight. My pains that I get in my stomach are constant felling like a cramp (stitch). I have had Proton pumps to limit the amount of stomach acid but they did not help, Now I have been put on anti-spasm pills don

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is possible that your discomfort is stemming from the presence of gallstones.  If this is suspected, removing the gallbladder is indicated.  

Other possibilities can be inflammation of the upper digestive tract, or an ulcer.

The upper GI series is a reasonable approach, but you may want to consider an upper endoscopy, which can give a more comprehensive evaluation of these possibilities.  

More specialized testing with a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scans can be considered as well if the initial workup is non-revealing.

I would discuss these options with your personal physician, and consider a referral with a gastroenterologist.  

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.
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