Reflux, exteme right side pain: chest, shoulder, arm and upper back , plus occasional lightheadedness

[eddie3shoe]

I'm a 34 year old male (5'10", 168lbs). 2 weeks ago I went to my GP (a physician's assistant) because I was experiencing what felt like a golf ball lodged in my throat. I suffer from seasonal allergies and originally thought it could be asthma. After a few days it became clear to me that it was a GI problem because I soon experienced severe painful heartburn and burping.

This has gotten progressively worse. A couple of times in the last week the pain has become pretty intense,  a complete tighness in the chest. Most of the symptoms are pretty isolated to the right-side of my body. Chest pain and/or burning usually followed by intense pain in my right shoulder, back and arm. What's particularly scary, is that every once and a while I experience a lightheadedness and what I'd describe as a second or two of disorientation.

The thing is, this is round two for me with this mystery. I experienced similar right-sided abdominal pain about 2 years ago. Things were pretty bad at that time and my PA ordered a chest xray... something was spotted on my liver, so the x-ray was followed by a ct scan, and then ultimately an ultrasound. It turned out to be a "focal fat deposit" and my PA said not to worry about it. Anyway, we never figured out what all the pain was about. I felt terrible, was miserable for about a month, and eventually the symptoms were gone... That is, until recently.

The pain has been bad enough that one evening recently I sat outside a hospital emergency room for 30 minutes debating whether to go in. I feel terrible all day long. Even when I'm not experiencing the GI symptoms, I feel lethargic and my upper back feels like it's made of cement.

Could this be gallbladder related? Any other ideas?

Thanks so much for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

GERD or other upper GI disease is possible.  This can include an ulcer or inflammation of the upper digestive tract.  

You can consider an upper GI series or upper endoscopy to further evaluate these possibilities.  More specialized tests can include a 24-hr pH study to gastric emptying scan to definitively rule out GERD or gastroparesis.

Liver and gallbladder disease is also possible, and can be evaluated with a repeat ultrasound.  

If the tests remain negative, looking outside the GI system can be considered.  This can involve a stress test and echocardiogram to evaluate the heart, or imaging the lungs to evaluate for lung disease.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
kevinmd_

[missydoris]

i have hep c and will be having the gall bladder surgery need to know where i can post questions

[Kalio1]

They have a board here at MedHelp that specifically deals with Hep C. It is in the list on the home page.

Gallbladder issues are not uncommon in people with Hep C.

[warriornow]

I have the same exact problem now, the golfball in the throat the burning, the chect pains, the back everything ! I even sat outside the emergency room the other nite debating wether to go in or not, that is crazy, I just left cooper Hospital I figured I'll just have to deal with this. It must be some kind of flu related illness that the doctors have no idea what it is, I seen some other guy has the same problems , I feel like **** and lethargic all day. I can't stand it I usually work out and feel pretty good most of the time, this is pissing me off.!!!!!!!!! Why do does the medical society claim they are so great???? , when they really suck ???? This is a serious problem and it's not fun, I researched this for 10 minutes and already found two people, not including myself with the same exact symptoms ,this is ridiculous. WHy isn't there an answer when you go to the Hospital ??? I'm extremely aggrevated about this , I realized everytime I eat something thats too heavy this happens, so Im just not going to eat anymore, Im planning on fasting for 40 days and 40 nites like jesus did, cleanse the body internally it seems like the only way, THe only natural cure, meds are worthless in this case, its some kind of bacteria in there causing this or possible a damn parasite, or a bunch of them or even they could be microscopic who knows, all I know Is I have the same problems you do, and Im just going to fast from now on.. Im not taking anymore medicine, especially when it doesn't work., whats the point.

[gingercat111]

A related discussion, thinking now gallbladder was started.