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Looking for some input re gall type attacks
My wife has been suffering from attacks of intense piercing right side/flank pain just below her ribs but not really well located. This has been 2 months of this and 3 emergency room visits with basically constant varying dull to medium pain between "attacks". The last attack March 5 was severe and she basically collapsed, she described the pain as the worst she has ever felt.
She is 26, no kids, healthy weight (5'6" 130lb) excercises every day even with the pain, vegatarian and has eaten a low fat diet for about 3 years or more. Eats 6 small meals a day, drinks about 2L of water daily. She finds since first getting the pains she can't eat any nuts or peanuts nor anything with any significant amount of fat. Her stools are lighter coloured tan but has assumed this has been due to veg diet. Recently she has noticed the area around her mouth takes on an orange hue most days the last 2 weeks, eyes are white. We have not travelled outside of North America.
The pain begins shortly after rising in the morning and continues through the day, usaully worst around 8-9 in the evening continuing into sleep. Heating pad is constantly with her in bed trying to help the pain. Eating and drinking doesn't seem to affect it as she has tryed every combo of foods thinking it was an alergy. When the first attacks happened we had a terrible time getting her to eat because she thought that caused the pain.
Her white cell count is normal, her urine analysis came back clean. The first and only RUQ ultrasound didn't show anything. She is not pregnant (actually impossible due to some complications of long term depo-provera use) No fever, bp normal.
The latest attack the ER doc prescribed strong acid suppressant to try to rule out the collection of ulcer related issues but she has no gas, burping, dirarea heartburn etc.
Her family doc sent her for blood tests but we don't have any results yet. The previous two ER visits resulted in docs thinking she was pregnant despite not having sex in the last 6 mo due to the depo problems, once the neg results on the urine sample came in they just sent her home and told her to try and solve it with her family doc. She is begining to resist going to the hospital when an attack comes on because she feels they don't believe her and aren't going to help her.
Since the most recent attack the following day the whole area that was in pain was sore and ached, she described as "tired sore" turning into pain again in the evening after bending over to do some stretches after we excercised. The next morning (today) she took her vitamens and drank a glass of cold water which started the pain.
Any ideas? Everything I read points to gall related problems but as soon as we mention it the doc's say US was fine and they steer the conversation elsewhere.
She is 26, no kids, healthy weight (5'6" 130lb) excercises every day even with the pain, vegatarian and has eaten a low fat diet for about 3 years or more. Eats 6 small meals a day, drinks about 2L of water daily. She finds since first getting the pains she can't eat any nuts or peanuts nor anything with any significant amount of fat. Her stools are lighter coloured tan but has assumed this has been due to veg diet. Recently she has noticed the area around her mouth takes on an orange hue most days the last 2 weeks, eyes are white. We have not travelled outside of North America.
The pain begins shortly after rising in the morning and continues through the day, usaully worst around 8-9 in the evening continuing into sleep. Heating pad is constantly with her in bed trying to help the pain. Eating and drinking doesn't seem to affect it as she has tryed every combo of foods thinking it was an alergy. When the first attacks happened we had a terrible time getting her to eat because she thought that caused the pain.
Her white cell count is normal, her urine analysis came back clean. The first and only RUQ ultrasound didn't show anything. She is not pregnant (actually impossible due to some complications of long term depo-provera use) No fever, bp normal.
The latest attack the ER doc prescribed strong acid suppressant to try to rule out the collection of ulcer related issues but she has no gas, burping, dirarea heartburn etc.
Her family doc sent her for blood tests but we don't have any results yet. The previous two ER visits resulted in docs thinking she was pregnant despite not having sex in the last 6 mo due to the depo problems, once the neg results on the urine sample came in they just sent her home and told her to try and solve it with her family doc. She is begining to resist going to the hospital when an attack comes on because she feels they don't believe her and aren't going to help her.
Since the most recent attack the following day the whole area that was in pain was sore and ached, she described as "tired sore" turning into pain again in the evening after bending over to do some stretches after we excercised. The next morning (today) she took her vitamens and drank a glass of cold water which started the pain.
Any ideas? Everything I read points to gall related problems but as soon as we mention it the doc's say US was fine and they steer the conversation elsewhere.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
A normal ultrasound does not completely rule out gallbladder disease.
You can consider a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation to evaluate the gallbladder ejection fraction. If low, there are some small studies that suggest that removing the gallbladder can help with the symptoms.
If that test is negative, you can consider evaluating the upper GI tract with an upper GI series or upper endoscopy. Conditions like ulcers, inflammation of the upper digestive tract or GERD can also lead to the symptoms.
These options can be discussed with your personal 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_b
You can consider a HIDA scan with CCK stimulation to evaluate the gallbladder ejection fraction. If low, there are some small studies that suggest that removing the gallbladder can help with the symptoms.
If that test is negative, you can consider evaluating the upper GI tract with an upper GI series or upper endoscopy. Conditions like ulcers, inflammation of the upper digestive tract or GERD can also lead to the symptoms.
These options can be discussed with your personal 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_b
Her PCP needs to order a hida scan of her gall bladder..This will show her ejection fraction. It sounds exactly like gallbladder problems. Her URQ ultra sound does not rule out a non-functioning GB. It will usually show stones if there are any.
A further note, she drinks no caffine, when the pain is bad it hurts to inhale and lastly when the pain is bad, it hurts when the doctor sticks his fingers below her rib cage on the right side (is this called a murphy sign or something?)
We were able to get her an appointment today with her GP's partner, unfortunately she said, "well the US is fine so its obviously not serious". Upon finding out my wife exercises she decided it was muscular-skeletal (We both dropped out jaw as we know it is deeper inside her than that and have both had musclar injuries before!)
The doctor did propose to schedule a CT scan incase something else might show up and to take Robacecet. Very frustrating, I am 100% certain it is not a pulled back muscle and so is my wife.
We were able to get her an appointment today with her GP's partner, unfortunately she said, "well the US is fine so its obviously not serious". Upon finding out my wife exercises she decided it was muscular-skeletal (We both dropped out jaw as we know it is deeper inside her than that and have both had musclar injuries before!)
The doctor did propose to schedule a CT scan incase something else might show up and to take Robacecet. Very frustrating, I am 100% certain it is not a pulled back muscle and so is my wife.
The previous commenter was right on target. A hida-scan is the next step, and make sure they give her the drug to make her gallbladder contract. This will show a lot. If that test comes back normal, INSIST on a gastrointerologist consult. If all else fails, go to the ER, and refuse to go home until they do the testsyou want, and let her see a gastro. You are right, they are wrong. Afterall, even Dr.'s are subject to the limits of their own intelligence and experience.
Another note was the last attack last about 2 or 3 hours.
Some attack can last hours or even all night. I had to take a narcotic to combat the pain. I wish I could offer more help, but I'm still waiting for my gastro appointment. I stopped having the severe pain, but I never got a diagnosis.
Hi, your wife's symptoms sound ALOT like mine....which I have been having since December and have increasingly gotten worse. I have a aching/pinching/stabbing pain under my right and left ribcage. The only time I get relief is when I am sleeping or when I first wake up in the morning before I eat anything. It continues to get worse throughout the day, and I am in the most pain in the evenings. It also hurts more when I do any kind of exercise (even housework). No pain meds have worked for me. I have had many tests done since December (catscans, ultrasound, endoscopy, barium xray and a hida scan with cck). They all came back normal EXCEPT for the hida scan, which shows my gallbladder working at only 30%. I do not have stones, inflammation or sludge. I am scheduled for surgery in a week. I would highly recommend a hida scan with CCK, which is an enzyme your body produces after eating a fatty meal. Also, maybe have her start a diary and write down how she feels after she eats. The fattier the meal, the harder your gallbladder has to work. Hope she finds out what is going on soon.
VAN
VAN
Another long night, pain starting coming on strong near 4:30 pm, by 9 pm she was in again in a lot of pain lasted until 2 or 3 am. This time it did make her vomit and she had some gas from stomach and intestines.
It has been a rough couple of days, my wife is in the hospital as I type. Yesterday the pain started in the am and by 4:30 pm she was strongly suggesting I take her home from work immediately. By 10 pm the pain was severe, I was able to stay up with her while she cried until 2 am, I doubt she got any sleep.
A change is that she started to feel nausea with the pain and waves of pain included the original piercing on the right side, up her back into the shoulders, plus now her stomach and middle of her abdomin.
She went to work this am but called by 10 am saying she was in extreme pain. I picked her up but by then she was screaming and crying when the waves of pain would come over and kept saying she can't take it anymore.
I took her to the hospital and they didn't really do much but they gave her some morphine for the pain and some thing for her upset stomach. She was crying very loudly and that prompted some attention from the doctor who ordered some conventional x-rays. By the time we got back to the room she began vomiting repeatedly.
The vomit was the strongest/worst smelling vomit I have ever been around, I don't know how to describe it any better. The contents was undigested food from 30 hours earlier since she has only eaten one plain bagel and one plain pita bread in that span since she has been in such pain.
The results of the xray showed a large mass in the stomach (the undigested food) and the presence of gas/liquid pockets throughout her intestine.
She had a bowel movement this morning before entering the hospital and it had no effect on her pain at the time.
A change is that she started to feel nausea with the pain and waves of pain included the original piercing on the right side, up her back into the shoulders, plus now her stomach and middle of her abdomin.
She went to work this am but called by 10 am saying she was in extreme pain. I picked her up but by then she was screaming and crying when the waves of pain would come over and kept saying she can't take it anymore.
I took her to the hospital and they didn't really do much but they gave her some morphine for the pain and some thing for her upset stomach. She was crying very loudly and that prompted some attention from the doctor who ordered some conventional x-rays. By the time we got back to the room she began vomiting repeatedly.
The vomit was the strongest/worst smelling vomit I have ever been around, I don't know how to describe it any better. The contents was undigested food from 30 hours earlier since she has only eaten one plain bagel and one plain pita bread in that span since she has been in such pain.
The results of the xray showed a large mass in the stomach (the undigested food) and the presence of gas/liquid pockets throughout her intestine.
She had a bowel movement this morning before entering the hospital and it had no effect on her pain at the time.
I wish I had any good info for you. All I can really suggest is a Barium CT. If the camera pill is available at your hospital, it can show the entire digestive tract except the large bowel. Good luck.
They are trying to squeeze her in for a CT scan today, I believe the doc wants the bed back that she is in as the hospital is short.
She tried drinking liquids this morning and they backed up on her making her feel very full and began burping with the same foul smelling gas that came out yesterday when she vomited.
I'll try to keep this updated.
She tried drinking liquids this morning and they backed up on her making her feel very full and began burping with the same foul smelling gas that came out yesterday when she vomited.
I'll try to keep this updated.
This sounds so familiar. After many tests (ultrasound, Endoscopy, HIDA) they discovered no gallstones, but an 11% ejection fracture. They said that at 30% that is sign of possible GB trouble. I had my GB out over Christmas and the symptions are about 80% gone. Some days are still bad, but probably related to food type - the fatty stuff still causes problems. I still have some "tugging" discomfort under right rib and some days just don't feel good. My GI and Surgeon both said that they weren't sure that removal would take care of 100% of the problem - but my current state is so much better than living for 6 months thinking that I was having something terribly wrong - going to ER thinking that it is a heart attack after a few times gets old. My friend also had hers out a couple years ago and she said it took her almost a year to adjust. I am now headed to an allergist to eliminate the possibility that I've developed food allergies or sensitivities.
I have recently been diagnosed with Gastroparesis. I was having severe stomach pain, nausea, bloating, constipation. People with severe Gastroparesis vomit their undigested food. A gastric emptying scan will show if she has gastroparesis. This is another name for slow stomach emtying. Food is supposed to leave the stomach of a normal person in about 90 minutes or so. People with gastropareseis have food in their stomach for possibly hours longer causing all kinds of problems. Good luck.
For 3 years now, I get pains in my right side of my back behind my ribs. I have had severe stomach pain, nausea, bloating, constipation which the dr. said it is IBS. I have had all the test to rule out gallbladder disease, all of the test came back normal. I went to the dr this morning for the IBS, he asked again what I cant eat.. I told him every time I eat fatty foods, I get that severe pain. So no he is sending me to a surgeon to have my gallbladder taken out. He pressed in the area where the gallbladder is and ever since then I feel like I am being stabbed in the back..
Has anyone experienced this and could it be the gallbladder?
Has anyone experienced this and could it be the gallbladder?
I have a long history of gastro. including gallbladder removal at age 20. I remember having severe pain which ultimatly culminated with vomiting after eating. I, however had gallstones. Have you had a pelvic ultrasound or CTSCAN? These tests can usually reveal a lot. I also have IBS and the symptoms of that are quite the same as Gastroparesis which I also have. With Gastroparesis, fiber is the worst thing to eat along with sugar and fat. Are you having diarhea or constipation?
I have had these same symptoms-not as severe as your wifes has gotten-and I believe i have stumbled across the answer. i found this post by doing a google search on long term effects of depo provera on the digestive system. it was your mention of her infertility due to depo that brought up your post. I was also on depo for many years and have had numerous kidney and uti. the dicriptions of your wifes symptoms are EXACTLY like the pain i felt over 5 years ago. they went away and have just now started to resurface again in the last few days. please look at the site
http://www.abcinternetmarketing.com/depo-provera/
to find similar stories to your wifes and other issues she may have.
i am just now (today) starting to learn how to detoxify my body after having taken depo for so long. I hope this helps.
http://www.abcinternetmarketing.com/depo-provera/
to find similar stories to your wifes and other issues she may have.
i am just now (today) starting to learn how to detoxify my body after having taken depo for so long. I hope this helps.
Hello everyone,
I have never commented or even really felt a need to post to a forum. However, after years of pain, gas, bloating, palpatations, weight gain, running to the potty, I finally thought I had found out what was wrong. My surgeon did a gall bladder ultra sound (no stones) then he did a HEPA the nuclear test that lasted 2 lovely hours. I had a 10% ejection fraction of the gall bladder. So ? let's do a simple in and out laproscopic removal.
Okay well that was March 24 at 7:30 am. Something went wrong, I still do not know what, but I awoke to agonizing pain, three hours later and still in recovery, and given every drug pain killer and valium I was NOT any better, I was moved to a private room, drugged, and remained for 2 days. My family has just now started filling in the details for me. I came home on a Monday and returned to the ER room on Tuesday evening, spending 12-13 hours, many blood tests, xrays cat scans later, they could find nothing. Only that I had caused damage to my own lungs from panting from the pain. GEZZZ I am not a whimp either, 4 kids, I tubal ligation and a appendictics that was green and swollen the size of a soft ball had never gotten close to these depths of pain and suffering.
I have lost days, walked the floors taken gas pills pain pills muscle relaxers, alka selzter, you name it ..heating pads, ice packs...massage....the pain in my upper sternum and right side was unbearable for 4-6 hours at a stretch. I am a person who never takes a pill for anything. I have a pimply red rash that remains under my right breast(never spreads never gets well) my tongue was swollen and white and started flaking off. My muscle spasms in my shoulders and back actually deformed and paralized my arms...scary YES. I have an appt with the surgeon again tomorrow....why I have not a clue...I am eating only liquids and lite un formed foods...GEZZZZZZZZZ what happened to me...they have not a clue. Thanks for listening....I am hoping tomorrow brings answers.
I have never commented or even really felt a need to post to a forum. However, after years of pain, gas, bloating, palpatations, weight gain, running to the potty, I finally thought I had found out what was wrong. My surgeon did a gall bladder ultra sound (no stones) then he did a HEPA the nuclear test that lasted 2 lovely hours. I had a 10% ejection fraction of the gall bladder. So ? let's do a simple in and out laproscopic removal.
Okay well that was March 24 at 7:30 am. Something went wrong, I still do not know what, but I awoke to agonizing pain, three hours later and still in recovery, and given every drug pain killer and valium I was NOT any better, I was moved to a private room, drugged, and remained for 2 days. My family has just now started filling in the details for me. I came home on a Monday and returned to the ER room on Tuesday evening, spending 12-13 hours, many blood tests, xrays cat scans later, they could find nothing. Only that I had caused damage to my own lungs from panting from the pain. GEZZZ I am not a whimp either, 4 kids, I tubal ligation and a appendictics that was green and swollen the size of a soft ball had never gotten close to these depths of pain and suffering.
I have lost days, walked the floors taken gas pills pain pills muscle relaxers, alka selzter, you name it ..heating pads, ice packs...massage....the pain in my upper sternum and right side was unbearable for 4-6 hours at a stretch. I am a person who never takes a pill for anything. I have a pimply red rash that remains under my right breast(never spreads never gets well) my tongue was swollen and white and started flaking off. My muscle spasms in my shoulders and back actually deformed and paralized my arms...scary YES. I have an appt with the surgeon again tomorrow....why I have not a clue...I am eating only liquids and lite un formed foods...GEZZZZZZZZZ what happened to me...they have not a clue. Thanks for listening....I am hoping tomorrow brings answers.
An update, not really solved anything yet. There is a pattern developing, pain starts, she won't eat because that eventually solves the pain, starts eating little bits get constipation, slowly works up to eating more, has normal BM's, pain starts again in same place.
Currently trying candida type diets and gluten intolerance diets.
Currently trying candida type diets and gluten intolerance diets.
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