Upper Abdominal Pain

About a week ago, I woke up one morning with moderate to severe pain in the center of my upper abdomen, just below my sternum.  The pain also radiated to my back and continued like that for about 3-4 days.  During this time, I ate very little, but had normal bowel movements.  For the last 3-4 days, the pain has mostly went away during the day, but wakes me up at night, usually around 4 hours after I fall asleep.  The pain doesn't subside with a change of position, however, if I get up the pain will usually go away.  I have been diagnosed with GERD, but this pain seems different from any that I have ever felt from GERD.  I have also taken antacids and they have not touched it.  Any idea what could be causing the pain?

[chrissy1212]

gall bladder

[crambone]

yup yup,gallbladder or pancreas,,you a daily alcohol drinker?

[bobbob816]

No, I rarely drink alcohol (2-3 drinks a month tops).  I have had liver problems in the past though, which might lead to gallbladder or pancrease problems.  Should I have a fever with either problem, because I haven;t had a fever yet, just pain.

[crambone]

well,that helps.
if you have had liver problems in the past,and your haing pain there radiating into your back,,,YES,,,they can all be tied together.
the liver,pancreas and gallbladder all go hand in hand,and a problem with once can easily lead to a problem with the other!!
id get checked out,a simple few tests will tell.
ct scan with constrast
a ultrasound of the gallbladder and pancreas
and pancreas enzyme levels,,,AMILAYES/LIPASE
this can tell a lot.
just because you dont have stones or drink much,you can still have gallbladder or pancreas issues.

[chrissy1212]

yea i rarely drink and i don't have stones, I'm 27 and I've been dealing with "stomach" issues my whole life. I just found out it's my gallbladder, it is only ejecting 12% of my bile. which is why i've been having gas, pains. bloating, nauseua etc.. my whole life..get it checked out