Abdominal Pain

[hmc295]

Hi there.  I am almost 17 and I am a female.  November 2010 I was having severe abdominal pain in my right side right below my ribcage.  So, I was driven to the ER.  I was told it looked like the formation of kidney stones...and that's all I got.
I continued to have pains, but not as severe, more of a....the only explanation I have is a "heartbeat" pain, where the pain just thumps, I guess is the word.  Since that ER visit, I've gone twice more.  I've seen so many doctors and they all have their own opinions, but none have ANSWERS.
They assumed it was gall bladder problems.  So, I had about a million tests done and there were no problems that APPEARED. But during my HIDA Scan, I suffered the same pain, so they assumed it to be because of my gall bladder.
April 2011 My gall bladder was removed and it is now November 2011 and I have continued having the pains SINCE my surgery.
Now, doctors have suggested that:
1) kidney stones (which is controversial because some of my doctors say that I DO have a kidney stone in my right kidney when other doctors say there is no sign of a kidney stone anywhere).
2) Functional Abdominal Pain (well, I don't understand how it can be this when I CLEARLY feel something when a doctor presses down on the spot...)
3) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (which I'm quite confident that I do not have...)

My doctors have clearly told me that this has become a game of guess-and-check, and I really dislike the idea of them just giving me random medicines to try to wait and see if it works.  I am becoming very impatient with my doctors because I feel as if they have given up on me.  I have researched answers to this pain, but I cannot find a solution anywhere except posts about people pleading to find out what this pain is, which is what I am now resorting to. Please, please, please...if you have ANY idea, your opinion counts to me.  Even if you too are guessing, I just want to have SOMETHING to look up and see if it is a possibility...

Thanks for your help, I truly, truly appreciate it!!

[jacknduke]

It is possible it could be a trigger point or a possible rib subluxation. This can happen from coughing or  a trauma like a fall against something. It could also be a hernia where the intestine protrudes. A ct scan with a valsalva contraction would show this. Easiest try is perhaps a visit to the chiropractor at least it won't be invasive or too expensive

[isoflurane]

Hi ,
It sounds like you could have a myofascial trigger point in  the  muscle called quadratus lumborum. They are often mistaken for kidney pain either from stones or infection.
Trigger points can start from a sudden muscle spasm or for no apparent reason. they can also come on after long periods of ill health.
what tends to keep them active is anxiety and worry about what is causing it.
Pain causes anxiety causes increased muscle tension causes increased pain causes...so on
Typically they are painful to touch, on movement, disturb sleep, not sensitive to pain releiving drugs.
Made worse by any ongoing stress eg study, finances,relationship issues.
helped by recognising cause of stress, yoga type exercise,massage, trigger point injections can confirm and give short-term help. also acupuncture can help. good luck

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  It sounds like you need to figure out for sure whether or not this is kidney stones.  Have you had any changes in your bowel movements?  If not, then it isn't IBS.  I would recommend that you talk to your doctor about trying an elimination diet.  This could include eliminating foods like lactose or gluten.