Constant pain in lower right rib area

Question

5 years ago my husband got mad, threw a heavy machine, felt a 'pop' and has been in constant pain ever since. He's had blood work , Hida test, endoscopy, colonoscopy, x-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, and still no diagnoses. He can't work because the pain is so bad. He is so frustrated. He does not want disability, he would rather work, but doctors can't find the problem to fix the problem. He believes something tore when he threw the machine and now he has an abdominal hernia behind his ribs where they can't feel the bulge. Is this possible? He wants an MRI but his current doc will not approve that.

This discussion is related to Extreme right side pain under my rib cage.

silverfox67 · Answer

I hope sincerely that things go well for your hubby.  It's been a roller coaster ride for both of you!!
      Wishing you the best outcome and a happy life together - without that horrible pain!!

     They just make little holes (laproscopic) and take your gallbladder out just above your bellybutton. - Very small scars.

rainers · Answer

Been a bit since I checked here but the new news is he had another HIDA scan and it showed his gallbladder is not functioning correctly, so he sees a surgeon next Thursday.

silverfox67 · Answer

Sorry I misunderstood - thought it was yesterday.  I hope the doctors are able to do something for him Monday.

rainers · Answer

Not today, Monday he goes back in. He feels a little bit better today because he found a position that doesn't hurt as bad (and with the pain meds the er gave) and he was able to sleep, finally. Thanks and I will tell him!

silverfox67 · Answer

How absolutely frustrating for you!!  And your poor husband has to suffer while the doctors decide what to do!!  Agggghhh!

So he goes to the doctor today.  I hope and pray that the doctors decide to do something about this painful condition!  It isn't fair that one has to suffer so much before a doctor (who has us at his mercy) decides which way to go!!

         Tell your husband I am so sorry and I really feel for him.   Hoping things go well today.

rainers · Answer

another update ..the GI doc he went to did not think it's gallbladder, he thinks it's a pulled muscle :/ We both have been doing tons of research since we are so frustrated and he may have a spigelian hernia. Almost every single symptom he has fits. With doctors not noticing that or because it's supposed to be rare (not!) it can go untreated for a very long time. He goes back to his doctor on Monday July 24th, armed with as many printouts we have found. I find it funny they say it's rare yet if you google "Spigelian Hernia" you'll find pages and pages full of info.

silverfox67 · Answer

So happy for you.... I had my gallbladder out many years ago - a blessing.  Hope your husband's recovery is a fast one.   So glad you found a solution!

rainers · Answer

Update! We ended up in the ER last night as his pain was agonizing. They did an ultrasound and putting the wand right over his gallbladder and pressing brought extreme pain. So a negative hida scan does not mean you don't have gallbladder disease. He's following up with his new doctor about getting a surgeon to take his gallbladder out. After 5 years it's given us hope that he can go back to work and move out of his sisters house!

silverfox67 · Answer

I would try supplements.  Grape Seed Complex, Essiac, MSM and a Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc combo.  Grape Seed is great for bones and spurs, Essiac for pain and cancer prevention, MSM for cartillage and the combo for muscles, bones and nerves. -  I am not a great believer in taking chemicals into the body to heal.... Hope this helps him.