Right Side Pain- Tests Negative.

[n323]

I have had pain in my right side just under my rib for about 5 months now. The pain is usually felt in the front but at times seems to travel to my back. I have had urinalysis (because I had a severe kidney infection back in 2004), stool sample (which had worms and I took medication for 2 weeks ago),blood work, ct scan, and abdominal ultrasound but nothing has shown up. I continue to be given vicodin and told nothing is wrong. My latest blood work showed: WBC'S AUTO= 13.9 with a standard range of 4.0-11.0 THOU/CUMM but I was told by my doctor that nothing was wrong and all is perfect. Just this past weekend for about 3 hours I was in excruciating pain which made me start to think that something is being missed. I am concerned that my HMO just keeps giving my vicodin and sending me home as a bandaid but they have no idea what the problem is (some even suggesting I was making it up!). I am frustrated and don't know what to do if anything at this point. I am in pain almost always and there seems to be no connection to food or excercise etc just the fact that my pain is worse at night and when I wake up I feel like everything hurts. I am only a 21 year old female but I feel so tired and fatigued all the time it's like my body is much older. Should I continue waiting for it to go away? What should I do? What could it be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty comprehensive evaluation for your symptoms, ruling out many of the major disorders.

More specialized tests like a upper GI with small-bowel follow-through, upper endoscopy, or Sphincter of Oddi manometry can be considered to look at the small bowel as well as biliary ducts/Sphincter of Oddi respectively.  

Obtaining an ANA level can be done to rule out general rheumatologic disease, which can uncommonly cause similar symptoms.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI 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_

[pb27]

A related discussion, upper right quadrant pain where pain meds make it worse...?? was started.