Epigastric pain??

[brickgirl22]

My appendix came out in April.  Ever since, had a constant dull ache in the upper right quad of abdomin that radiates to my back, pain under my right arm, and some bloating & nausea.  Best term to describe sleeping is 'shocky'.  I can get really cold then really hot, (could be unrelated, but when it wakes me up & my side is throbbing-I wonder). Went to the ER 10/17 had CT (no stones), blood detected in urine; gall bladder ultra sound (looks fine); Diagnosis:  Epigastric pain.  Sent home w/ Rx for pain killer - Haven't filled it.  DON'T want drugs - just answers.  I am 46, have been told that I have IBS (since 19 yrs old-controlling diet, works for me) - never had this pain before; seriously just started after the appendix came out.  I have no patience with exhasutive testing.  What are the 'practical tests' that ought to be run; is there hope for a diagnosis/ treatment?

[Jaybay]

  I suspect you're right about the black hole.  Might as well rule out something else and play the game, but it really gets tiresome.   Hang in there and don't be afraid to change docs if this one isn't answering questions to your satisfaction.

[brickgirl22]

Finally, the doctor called back; says that he is going to order an MRI of lumbar spine; thinks it isn't 'organ' related or GI - how about that?  Stay tuned - I think I'm heading into the black hole of  medical tests.  I can't stand this!!!

[brickgirl22]

Since my post; have read up on all kinds of things, there is a lot of data out 'there'.  I have also noticed some very minor skin itching that could be related to bile flow related comment.  I have placed a call to GI doc; will wait n see.  Thank you very much.

[Jaybay]

Your symptoms are classic for a gallbladder or biliary tree problem.  You could have acalculous (no stones) gallbladder disease, that simply means your gallbladder isn't functioning well.  You may also have sphincter of Oddi dysfunction that isn't allowing the bile to flow properly to the small intestine, or sludge built up in the bile duct.  See a gastroenterologist and ask about having a HIDA scan done to evaluate how well your gallbladder is working.  If it IS your gallbladder, avoid fats in your diet. Fat is Public Enemy Number 1 in people with gallbladder trouble.  Good luck!