Liver Disorders vs. Gall Bladder Problems

[JAnet__0__0]

  I am a 30 yr old female who has had abdominal pain occurring in the ULQ, for the past two years, directly behind the lowest rib bone. Originally I thought I just had indigestion, and would take Tums, Zantac, etc. with no real relief. This pain always occurs after eating and is debilitating if I eat greasy foods. In May/98, I ended up in the emerg. room after eating french fries. Doctors did blood tests, and the next morning an ultrasound. The untrasound showed nothing, and the blood tests revealed elevated liver enzymes. AST 143, ALP 176, and positive Anti-mitochondrial antibody. Now seeing a Gastro. specialist, who has been continuing these liver blood tests since May, and they are decreasing. Pain still continues, however. Doc has also had Lower GI, endoscopy, and barium enema done in an attempt to locate cause for pain. All have returned normal. I wonder if Doctor should be concentrating on gall bladder instead of stomach, and colon area. Recently, I am having pain located in my right shoulder that has not occurred before. I am very frustrated as this pain has been occurring on a daily basis since May, and is affecting my work and life. I have tried to eliminate all fats from diet, which has helped a little, but I have lost over 30 lbs since May, and need some resolution to this. Any comments would be welcome so that I can suggest other avenues for to my Doc to take. Thanks
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Dear JAnet,
Amanda is correct that the gall bladder is on the right side and does not usually cause left abdominal pain.  Moreover, you had an ultrasound stusy that I assume showed that the gall bladder was normal.  The issue for your  doctors is to define the cause for the elevated liver tests.  A 30 lb weight loss is quite substantial.  If you were overwieght previously, then this weight loss is good.  If however, you were previously average weight, then this is another problem requiring evaluation.
I would suggest that you discuss with your physicians the possibility of focusing on the liver problem.  Anelevated anti mitochondrial antibody (if appropriate titer) can indicate the future development of primary biliary cirrhosis.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: abdominal pain, primary biliary cirrhosis
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