right side abdominal and flank pain

[blue_angel3469]

I apologize for length of this but I want to be sure to cover all the bases as far as my medical / surgical history. I am a 36-year-old female. I have pain on my right side right under my ribcage radiating to my back. I’ve had it for approximately 5 years now.  It’s pretty much constant and ranges from dull and bearable to sharp and to intense to ignore. I have had numerous CT scans in the past 5 years. The most recent showed an umbilical hernia, which I was told, needed repaired.  After the surgery they told me the hernia was not as bad as they first thought and wasn’t the reason for my pain. All my blood work has been normal. I had a HYDA scan 4 years ago, which showed my gallbladder was functioning well. And was told it was most likely a duodenal ulcer. I’ve also been told that a duodinal(sp?) ulcer should not be causing the level of pain I am feeling. Last year I was having problems with heavy bleeding with my period and severe cramps they found fibroid uterine tumors. I realize those cramps and pains from that were lower, however I had a partial abdominal hysterectomy (I kept both my ovaries) last June in which they found old tissue from endometriosis. The Dr. said my uterus was “fused” together with my bladder and part of my intestines.  I have recently had lower pelvic pain but assume since I still have my ovaries it is due to ovulation. That pain seems to be in addition to the other pain and not related. It is my understanding that endo. tissue can attach it’s self to organs other than just reproductive organs. It is also my understanding that it doesn’t normally show up on CT scans.  I also had a kidney stone when I was pregnant in 1999/2000, which was so large it couldn’t be passed and caused my kidney to hydro. They put in a stent, which had to be replaced due to blockages 5 times before I gave birth. After giving birth the stent and stone were removed. I have continued to be plagued with stones off and on but have been able to pass them but the pain is still there and constant. The pain on my right side I continue to experience feels like it is the same as a stone. Is it possible eudiometrical tissue or adhesions from the stent replacements from my kidney surgeries could be causing my pain? I am getting so frustrated. I know something isn’t right. My pain is not slight and something must be causing it. It gets so bad sometimes it interferes with daily activities and I’m unable to push the pain aside and “grin and bear it” The pain is real and it’s there all of the time, sometimes more severe than others but constant. Could you please give me some advice on how to interact with my Dr. and what tests to ask about that could be run to diagnose this problem. I do plan on giving a copy of this to the general surgeon that did my hernia repair other than that I have no clue what to do.

Thank you,

Becky

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say without examination.  Pain in the right upper quadrant can be caused by the liver or gallbladder.  You have had a HIDA scan already.  Ensure it was done with CCK stimulation to evaluate for the gallbladder ejection fraction.  In those with lower ejection fractions, removal can be considered to relieve the symptoms.



Needless to say, an ultrasound should also be done as an initial evaluation of the liver and gallbladder.  



Once these diseases have been ruled out, you can consider an upper GI series or upper endoscopy to evaluate for upper GI tract abnormalities (i.e. inflammation or an ulcer).  



These options can be discussed with your personal physician or in conjunction with a GI consult.



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.

Medical Weblog:

kevinmd_b

[blue_angel3469]

So it is most likely a digestive tract type problem? Since the pain is so close to a kidney stone pain could it be related to all the stent replacements as far as adhesions or would that show up on the CT? Is it possible it could be left over endometrial tissue that was not seen during the hysterectomy due to the fact that it was not in the pelvic region? Sorry about the misspelling of endometrial in my first post. My spell check changed it automaticly and I didn't catch it before I posted my question. Thank you so much for your thoughts in this matter.

[doc holiday]

I have suffered from this pain for over 4 years it is under my right rib. I have had all the tests they took my galbladder, have had the pancrease ercp and spinctor of odie clipped,I dont want to depress you but I have even been to mayo clinic. I still cant find anyone who can tell me what this is. On this web site in other areas  like epigastric pain and others they are full of people with these same complaints. Everbody acts like its the first they have heard of this. I can not tell you what it is or I would be well. I can tell you that I have figured out that it is heat related, the Dr has now found that when I am exposed to heat I have a histamine reaction which causes the gas and pain to get worse. this temp. threashold for me is only about 68 deg. with 70 deg. being tops. I stay in side and monitor the room temp.not the thermostat setting. It took me about a week for the pain to get better.

[P.A.]

I have had the same pain on my right side on  and off for about 3 years now. I just recently had a CT scan done and a cyst was discovered in my left kidney. The doctor says my organs on the right side are fine. It is a constant dull pain which at times can be a very strong pain and then all of a sudden its gone for a few hours and then returns. I am so frustrated with my Dr. I don't know who else to turn to. My Dr. is an internist. Any suggestions of what type of Dr. is should seek?



Thanks,

P.A.

[shawni]

Intersting Stories.  I am a 33 year old male experience pain on the right side radiating to my back and shoulder.  I have had CT Scan, Hyda Scan w/injection, Ultrasound, blood work and endosocpy.  The Dr's came back Diagnosing as Erosive Gastritis and IBS.  What can I do now to alleviate this pain?  Prescriptions don't work and