Worsening pain each day?

For several days, I've been experiencing an intense cramping pain, that feels almost like a butterfly feeling, but a lot worse and painful. The pain is consistent, however, it is A LOT worse during the night. 2 days ago, it was the worst it had ever been. It was moderate until 10pm, where it started gradually worsening. I was sat up until 4am, rocking back and forth in absolute agony, grasping at my abdomen, in tears. The pain was a sharp/cramping pain, very painful and it was in the central of my upper abdomen, and below my right ribcage. Alongside this, I was experiencing upper back pain, hot flashes, a headache and terribly bad nausea. The nausea had me running to the bathroom a few times, feeling as if my stomach was ready to empty. I tried all positions, laying down on my side/back, sitting up, sitting on the floor, NOTHING worked. The pain was still bad. I evenetually fell asleep to wake up many of times during the night with the same pain, still intense too. The morning the pain was still there.

Yesterday, I was out riding and the pain got worse again, and the nausea back again too. Walking seemed to bring on the pain a little worse also. The night wasn't as bad as the previous night, but I started experiencing pain in my right shoulder, upper back, just below my shoulderblades.

Today is no better. I feel sick to my stomach, and the pain is fdefinitely noticeable under my right ribcage. Right shoulder is aching, and pain in my upper back is still there, alongside a headache to go with.

Also forgot to mention, previosuly on Saturday, I was in work. The pain had started back up, and was worsening, and got to the point where my head felt really strange, and I started shaking, and had to hold myself up. I starting becoming unsteady and felt close to passing out.

I have no idea what to think, my parents seem uninterested in helping. So I'm practically on my own for this. What could it be?
(I'm a 17 year old female, if that is any help).

Thank you.

[geminigirl1963]

You really need to be seen by your doctor - your symptoms sound a lot like gall bladder issues.  The pain from a gall bladder attack can be horrible!  Some people even end up in the ER thinking they are having a heart attack!

Your primary care doctor may refer you to either a gastroenterologist, or a surgeon, but he/she is the best place to start.  Be sure to let them know how long this has been going on and that it's been interrupting your sleep and activities.

Have you been running any fever?  Any diarrhea?

Meanwhile, until you can be seen by your doctor, I know you said your appetite is not the greatest, but DEFINITELY stay away from any type of fatty foods - eat NOTHING fried.  If it is gall bladder, eating fatty or fried foods can trigger an attack.

I hope you feel better soon!

[NicoleLouu]

Forgot to mention, appetite is beginning to deteriorate.

[geminigirl1963]

You really need to be seen by your doctor - your symptoms sound a lot like gall bladder issues.  The pain from a gall bladder attack can be horrible!  Some people even end up in the ER thinking they are having a heart attack!

Your primary care doctor may refer you to either a gastroenterologist, or a surgeon, but he/she is the best place to start.  Be sure to let them know how long this has been going on and that it's been interrupting your sleep and activities.

Have you been running any fever?  Any diarrhea?

Meanwhile, until you can be seen by your doctor, I know you said your appetite is not the greatest, but DEFINITELY stay away from any type of fatty foods - eat NOTHING fried.  If it is gall bladder, eating fatty or fried foods can trigger an attack.

I hope you feel better soon!

[NicoleLouu]

I've been thinking about going, but just don't want to end up going, and everything be fine, and waste anyones time. My boyfriend was here the night it was the worst it had ever been. He was mesmerized how bad it was, even though I told him, he never thought anything of it until then.

Urm, I'm not too sure about fever. I don't have a thermometer available. However, cheeks have been flushed, and forehead is definitely warm to touch. I have woken up to find myself quite 'sweaty' or extremely warm at times. Oh, and my hands are quite clammy. If that's any help.  No diarrehea however.

I think I made that mistake yesterday. Stupidly, I went to McDonald's, struggled through 6 nuggets, and within minutes, the pain hit, I was sat rocking back and forth like an idiot once again. Worst mistake all week.

Thank you!

[geminigirl1963]

Sounding more and more like gallbladder - especially when you said very shortly after eating the chicken nuggets the pain was intense.

Don't worry at all about "wasting anyone's time"!!  You're obviously in distress and need to be seen.  Even if you're not having symptoms at the time you see your doctor, you can certainly explain what's been going on and what you've found can bring on the pain (the nuggets).  You may even want to have your boyfriend with you to the appointment so he can also explain to the doc how bad it gets.

If/when you do go to the doctor, if they want to run any tests, ask that they do a HIDA scan.  It's one of the best ways to not only determine if you have gall stones, but also determine how well your gall bladder is functioning.  You can have gall bladder troubles even without having stones (I didn't have stones, but my gall bladder was basically non-functioning at the time I had it removed).  They may want to do other tests also, especially bloodwork, but the HIDA scan would definitely be better than a regular xray, CT or possibly even MRI.

Please, seriously consider making that appointment!  I hope you feel better!

[NicoleLouu]

Hmmm, thinking of going. I can't keep up with it, driving me insane. All under my right ribcage has decided to go pretty tender, and even a gentle push, and it's agony. Something doesn't feel 100% right though, and the pain is still there under my rib cage, and in my back.

I just fear that the symptoms or pain will go away and then left with little hope of finding out. Definitely, but they are getting to the point where I'm either holding my stomach, or bending over with the pain.

When I go, I'll definitely suggest that to my doctor, I just want an answer to this. It's getting worse and worse as the day goes by.

I'll definitely consider going tomorrow. I have too much to risk to let it get any worse, whatever means it is. And thank you! I sincerely appreciate your help!

[geminigirl1963]

You're more than welcome!  And please do keep me posted on how you're doing!