Do you have left side pain below you ribs? Don't let them remove you gallbladder yet!

[Ruthie1952]

I, too, have had left side pain for 10 months, with symptoms like those of redhs.  Along the way, I've seen many doctors and had every test imaginable.  The tests were negative for gallbladder disease, BUT, after a HIDA scan showed 4% ejection rate, my GI doctor sent me to a surgeon for gallbladder removal.  The surgeon (unlike other doctors) listened to my symptoms and refused to operate until he was absolutely sure it was my gallbladder. So he sent me to get a Barium enema.  It showed that I have a torturous transverse colon and "splenic flexure syndrome" !!  Check it out online. before you agree to surgery.   I'm takig Metamucil twice a day and increasing my fiber, and all pain has disappeared and I feel great.  By the way, the gallbladder ejection rate varies according to what you have eaten.

[Tuckamore]

I have no idea why I said it was on the left. I know better!  I did not fail A and P, indeed I passed it with an A.  ;o)  Guess I didn't know my left from my right!!  I feel pretty dumb and didn't represent my profession very well. I must have had some brain fog that day as I do know exactly where the gallbladder is located. Sorry!

And thank you for correcting this for the record. The gallbladder IS located on the right side just below the liver.

Your input and correction is appreciated.

Regards,
~Tuck

[Youhavethegall]

This post of yours was some time ago, but just to say for others reading your comment: the gallbladder is, from the owner's point of view, on the RIGHT side. A quick google image search will show you that. If someone feels pain on the right side under the rib cage, then this is consistent with gallbladder dysfunction.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Ruthie,

Welcome to the Pain Managemenyt Forum. I appreciate your comments. I think what you really mean to say... is to be certain of the diagnosis before you jump into gallbladder surgery. Yes, that's true of any surgery.

I also assume you mis-spoke when you said right side and not left where the gallbladder is located. However you can experience referred pain to the right side when you have gallbladder dysfunction.

Splenic Flexure Syndrome is a term sometimes used to describe bloating, muscle spasms of the colon accompanied by upper abdominal discomfort. This pain is thought to be caused by trapped gas at the splenic flexure in the colon. The pain can be excruciating and debilitating and can be misdiagnosed.  I am sorry that you have this condition. I have a family member that has the same.... very painful. My heart goes out to you!

I think Femmy misunderstood or does not know the term Barium Enema and made a comment on enemas. It is part of diagnostic testing and is useful in diagnoses.

The surgeon you consulted was right on the ball.  That's the way it's suppose to work when referral is made however it often doesn't. I am not happy you have Splenic Flexure Syndrome  but I am glad to hear you didn't have to go through an un-nesesarry surgical procedure. Again thanks for sharing your experience.

I hope you'll keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. (And please forgive any mispellings.. my spell check is on the blink.)

Take Care,
~Tuck

[femmy29]

Hi Ruthie,

I had my gallbladder removed last month and I am very happy with my results from the surgery.  Gallstones form due to inactivity of the gallbladder as the fluid begins to calcify and form stones.  These stones can cause a variety of serious complications including gall bladder infection, pancreatitis, diabetes, and even pancreatic cancer.  

I think the decision on whether or not one should have gallbladder surgery should be left up to the each individual patient and their physician.  Many have stones that have blocked the biliary duct or cystic artery and gallbladder surgery becomes a medical emergency as not removing the blockage could lead to death.  So there is much more to consider than just an underactive gallbladder.  Many (including myself) have had severe gallbladder attacks with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe bloating, severe abdominal pain on the RIGHT side that radiates to the shoulder blades, fevers, chills, jaundice, and intense vomiting from nausea.  However most people that have gallstones don't have symptoms, and hence, most of them don't even know they have stones.  These are called silent stones and don't typically require gallbladder surgery.  However surgical removal of the gallbladder is recommended for those who start having severe gallbladder attacks as it can lead to more serious complications as stated in the first paragraph.

Enemas are not good for your digestive system when conducted frequently over the long term.  

Lastly, I want to people to know that the pain originates on the RIGHT side under the ribs NOT the left side.  The gallbladder is on the right side located under the upper abdomen and underneath the liver.  So, if your doctor has recommended gallbladder surgery for pain on your LEFT side, I would RUN not WALK as that doctor obviously needs to retake a human anatomy class to show him that the gallbladder is located on the RIGHT side.

femmy