Do you have any idea what could be wrong?

[dunnbv]

Have had sharp pain in upper right side with nausea after eating (used to be only after fatty foods I think) I have cut back my diet to chicken, turkey and a few vegetables.  No longer get sharp pain but nauseous when I eat and pain in right side but even lower just below the waist both in the frontside and in backside. This pain is associated with the nauseous feeling. Have had an ultrasound of gallbladder and also the functioning gall bladder test...both were negative (when I had the functioning test the pain was horrendous and it felt similare to the way I feel when I have a severe attack). Had a CAT scan of abdomen and pelvic area and only found a small kidney stone which doc does not think is a concern.Have had endoscopy of upper area...only found irritated stomach. Had upper GI and small bowel movement which are both negative. Have had many blood tests to check the liver functioning. Negative. Put on Aciphex which doesn't seem to change things much. Gynecologist just took a pap smear and blood test to rule out any ovary problems. The docs are going to do an MRI of the gall bladder this week. Family history is strong for gall bladder disease...my brother, sister and mother all had theirs out. Have been told by many that gall bladder tests may be inaccurate. I can go a couple of days and feel fine as long as I am extremely careful on what I eat.  Whenever I think I will try eating normally again, then I do and I have an attack. Did that with pasta and a meatball and I was in horrible pain. Usually lasts for anywhere from 1 to many hours and almost triggers an upset feeling for a day or so. The docs seem to be puzzled. Do you think this could be a gall bladder problem? The docs have not ruled out the idea of taking the gall bladder out but have said it may not help.  Do you have any other suggestions. I am worried they are missing something serious. I have lost about 20 pounds in the last 4 or 5 months that this has been going on ....not because I am not hungry but because I am afraid to eat anything other than only the safest things.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The fact that the pain is reproduced after the gall bladder function test (i.e. the CCK stimulation) suggests that the gall bladder may be responsible for the pain.  Unfortunately there is no way to know for sure.  I would agree with your doctor's opinion that taking the gall bladder out may help (as the symptoms were reproduced after the HIDA scan with CCK stimulation) - but there are no guarantees.  I would see what the MRI shows.  

Other tests to consider would be an upper endoscopy to ensure there are no structural problems causing the nausea, or a gastric emptying scan to evaluate for gastroparesis.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[dunnbv]

Forgot to mention that I am diabetic ....I take generic Glucophage....also have a cardiac stent and take Lipitor, Topril and Altace for those. FYI.

[Gastro_interest]

Sounds a lot like gastroparesis brought on by your diabetes.  You might want to ask for a GES (gastric emptying study) to determine that, especially before you consider having your gallbladder removed.  There are many options to treat gastroparesis, and a good motility specialist can help find the right treatment.
Take care!

[dunnbv]

Do you have any idea why this would be happening with some foods and not others. I can eat a bland diet (chicken, peas, turkey etc) without much problem but beyond that it gets dicey. Thanks