Unknown Upper Right Quadrant Cyclic Pain

[jenniferpennifer]

I am a 50 year old woman who for the past couple years have been experiencing bi-monthly episodes of upper right quadrant pain.  The severity of the pain has increased along with the episodes and the frequency to monthly.  The pain now lasts 24-36 hours and there is no relief without the most potent narcotics.  I have had every test known and even had my gall bladder out in January 2013 at the recommendation of three doctors after fighting to keep it for months.  Since getting it removed the episodes are now monthly and more intense.  I have been "diagnosed" with Functional Dyspepsia but this disorder does not seem to have the symptoms that I have nor does it appear to be cyclic in nature.  I am at a crossroads of how to proceed with my medical care.  I feel dismissed by all of my doctors and I have no idea where to turn.  I am trying acupuncture this week but beyond that I need advice or help on where to go to pursue treatment.  I cannot survive another episode which will occur again in less than a month.  Any advice, assistance will be gratefully appreciated.

[jenniferpennifer]

Oh and the doctor recanted her diagnosis of Functional Bowel Disorder after I questioned her and discussed the lack of common symptoms and the cyclic occurrences of pain so we are back at square one.  She wants to order a barium test now.  Today I am going to see a Naturopathic Doctor.  I am looking at all options.

[jenniferpennifer]

Thank you for the link and information.  I have discussed SOD with my Gastro and she does not feel this is the issue.  The pain that I am experiencing occurs monthly now (previously bi-monthly per se) and starts in my upper back and radiates through to just below my right breast (i.e. what they say were typical Gall Bladder issue therefore removing gall bladder).  The pain goes from 0 - 1000000 in just a couple hours and it becomes unbearable and lasts up to 36 hours.  I was told to only take the anti-spasmodics when I feel an episode coming on - it is Hyoscyamine Sulfate 0.125mg every 6 hours.  

[CalGal]

There's typically no pattern in someone with SOD, so it's hard to say how often you'd experience the discomfort that accompanies it. Just how badly are you being 'hit' by the pain? What anti-spasm meds are you currently using?

You can find a John Hopkins pdf file on SOD: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/_pdfs/pancreas_biliary_tract/sphincter_of_oddi_dysfunction.pdf

Any other symptoms/issues that seem to go along with what you're experiencing that may not seem related, but might be??

[jenniferpennifer]

I have heard of the Sphincter of Oddi disorder but they have not considered this as the source of the pain, I am not sure why but it was discussed with the specialist but she sticks to her diagnosis of Functional Dyspepsia.  I am taking anti-spasmodics when the attacks occur with no relief.  I am on a low fat diet (for the most part) and I have given up red meat.  I exercise frequently.  All I can think about is that the pain will reoccur in less than 25 days.  I will do more research but do not see the the Sphincter of Oddi disorder is cyclic?  Perhaps you have more info?

Thank you for your reply - I welcome all and any advice

[CalGal]

It's possible you may be experiencing a condition termed sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). Some docs may not know about it, or perhaps they may not want to mention it to their patients when possible symptoms arise, but it does unfortunately happen. You may want to do some reading up on the issues and discuss it with your doctors. In the meantime, consider asking them if you could try some anti-spasm meds - not narcotics - that might help to tamp down the discomfort (although I realize the word discomfort doesn't START to describe what you're going through). If you're not already on a low fat diet, begin one. It may help.