Pain In Upper Right, But NO Gall Bladder.

[Spazey]

Just a few quick questions. I had my gall bladder removed when I was 18, which is now 6 years ago, with no complications. Neither from the surgery or anytime SINCE the surgery. My concern is, I've been having these aching/stabbing pains in my upper right rib area which is mostly felt thru to the back. It alternates sometimes to both sides, but is usually (85%) felt on the right side. At first I thought it was kidney but I have had it for weeks, and it's never gotten worse. Then I thought it wcould be a strained muscle, but I can pinpoint the exact area, and the pain is always in the same place....no other symptoms really. No fever, occassional nausea (which could totally be mind over matter) I should tell you I was dianosed with GERD about a year ago. Any ideas ??  My doctor isn't much help, he blew off my Gall Bladder as "Gas" ..Hehehe. Thanks for the feedback.

[threeziggie]

I've had urq pain for almost a year, had my gall bladder removed, was supposed to take care of the dull ache, but did not. Doctors are still running test on my liver and digestive system. I also have GERD and am taking aciphex. Maybe there's a link. Let me know how you made out, and vice versa. Good Luck!

[dixiedarlin]

I had GERD diagnosed this summer.  I have a history of heartburn and a small hiatal hernia.  My symptoms were constant chest/esophagus pain and chest wall soreness on the left side.  I was put on Aciphex and Reglan for 2 months - one month wasn't long enough to heal the damage.  I have been off the regimin for 2 months and all the previous symptoms are gone - but I keep having a 'dull' ache under the right rib next to the stomach area.  It comes and goes and is felt the most when I am sitting...........standing or laying down seems to relieve the ache.  I started taking Tagamet (instead of Aciphex - due to expense and all GERD symptoms were gone) to see if it would help reduce the acid and help the healing of possible GERD complications.  Since taking the Tagamet the right rib pain is almost gone.  It seems very much relieved - so I wonder if this has been GERD related??  I have been trying to find out if some people with GERD experience this right rib pain.  Makes sense to me that it is related if the Tagamet relieves the ache.  If not GERD related than what could the medicine be relieving? I have wondered if I have gall bladder problems but I don't think Tagamet would relieve GB.  Anyway that is my story about the right rib pain.....maybe others wil share their story too..........DD

[iamamy]

How long did it take for your esophagus to feel like it was completely healed.  I have been taking Nexium 1 time a day for 2 weeks, and 2 times a day for 3 weeks.  Its not a pain now, just feels uncomfortable every now and then.  Sometimes when I breathe really deep, it will feel like a pulled muscle in my chest.  I also feel uncomfortable at the very bottom of my ribs.  I  guess where the esophagus meets the stomach.  I've had all the gall bladder stuff done, and everything was OK there.

[dixiedarlin]

Hello - It took nearly 2 whole months for all my symptoms to subside (heal).  My esophagus will still 'spasm' about once every 2 weeks but no pain and I barely feel anything now - I am quite sure it is my hiatal hernia attributing to the spasm.  It is interesting that we have all had the rib pain - makes me feel better - that it is probably GERD related.  I believe the Reglan that I was on relaxed my esophagus and helped as much or more than the Aciphex....you might consider taking a round of Reglan (4 pills /day) to see if it would help you more.  Before the medication I was having trouble swallowing now I have no trouble.......take care and good luck

[iamamy]

Thank you for  responding.  When you have never been sick, or had any problems, it just makes you feel better to talk with someone with the same symptoms.  Thanks again.

[sagie]

I just wanted to toss something in here and it's probably off the wall in my case, but wanted to bring it up.  I was diagnosed with GERD, gastritis, and ulcers in January of this year when I had my first scope.  In March, I had my gallbladder out as it was basically nonfunctioning.  I was on a steady dose of PPIs and had gone through about three different kinds by then.  In June, I saw a GI doc as the heartburn just wouldn't let up.  Another scope, and a diagnosis of stage 2 esophagitis.  Was told I would be on Nexium the rest of my life.  The Nexium after about two weeks, was like taking water, so basically quit the PPIs and took prescription Zantac when I felt the need.  I DON'T recommend this to anyone out there, but in my case, I felt much better.  Monday of this last week, I ended up in the local ER with pain in the upper right side under my ribs.  The first question I was asked was if I still had my gallbladder, to which the answer was no.  From there it went to kidney stone, which was quickly ruled out with a test.  I was then admitted as an inpatient by my doctor and my 3rd scope performed on Tuesday.  To his surprise and mine, my ulcers are healed, no esophagitis whatsoever and only a slight case of gastritis remained.  Evertyhing was perfectly normal and I was told I didn't need to take PPIs anymore.  He declared me GERD-free and just shook his head in wonder.  He decided maybe I had the catch-all IBS and decided to do a full-body CT scan which revealed of all things, a bacterial infection in my right lower lung and no digestive problems whatsoever.  So, maybe sometimes they are looking in the wrong direction as I had no other symptoms of lung problems, no cough, nothing and this really caught them by surprise.  I don't mean to be so longwinded, but there are other things that can be wrong besides in the digestive system, as I sure found out.