Tolerable pain, horrible brain

[AndJay81]

Hi all, this is my second post. I think this forum is amazing, not only for people with diagnosed conditions but also undiagnosed worriers like me. I recognise my worries pale in comparison to those with confirmed problems and my heart goes out to those coping with liver conditions.

I have been in pretty consistent pain under my right ribs, front to back, since early August. I had gallstones and my gallbladder was removed three years ago - the surgeon told me that it took a little bit longer as my gallbladder had started to fuse to my liver. I had no further problems until recently.

I went to GP in early September, worrying about viral hepatitis (thanks, the internet). She diagnosed gastritis but sent me for blood tests. Test found high ALT (didn't think to ask numbers) and second GP ordered second blood test, which is tomorrow. If ALT is still high, I've got to go back for another blood test for viruses etc. before being referred for ultrasound. GP also told me to loose weight as I am significantly overweight - I have lost 1 1/2 stone over the past two months and quit smoking (with nicotine patches & lozenges) on 20th September.

In my paranoia about viral hepatitis I took myself to the GUM clinic - results came back negative, but in some senses, this has made me more worried. The pain is manageable and varies day to day from throbbing to numbness to touch sensitive tingling to stabbing pain to feeling nauseous and vaguely dizzy. I've been trying to limit myself to 2 paracetamol and 4 ibuprofen per day, but have taken some over the counter cocodomol when the pain has got bad. I have a busy job and sometimes struggle to concentrate. The pain sometimes disappears when I'm busy and sometimes gets worse when I'm stressed.

Barring soft / loose stools I hadn't had any noticeable jaundice, itching or blotchy skin, but I am definitely more fatigued that usual – I find myself wanting to lie down in the middle of the day and finding breaks are actually needed for the first time ever.

Yesterday and today though I have a strange sensation in my nose - almost like I can smell something that I can't quite smell or I've got swelling in my nasal passages that I’m only aware of when I breathe out through my nose - anybody else get anything like this?

In my previous post mrsmerlin suggested the possibility of stones forming in my billary passages even though I’ve had my gallbladder removed – anybody have any experience of this? Is there a name for this kind of condition? Would ultrasound pick it up and what do they do to treat it?

Reading some of the other threads it seems I might be on a long road of tests / referrals / waiting for some answers while I work on improving my general health.

My pain is tolerable but the worrying is horrible.

Nonetheless, just writing this down is cathartic – thanks for reading. J.

[Porphyrogennetos]

You should not take ibuprofen if you suspect that something is not right with your liver.

P.

[Dulux]

Firstly as someone else said ditch the ibuprofen, livers don't like it.

You are hunting for a diagnosis, but you going to need more tests and see more medical staff before an outcome is reached, this goes with the territory I'm afraid.

I lived with a bile duct obstruction for over 3 years, I never once had any liver associated pain from that, but everyone is different.

I know it's tough but if you feel like that at work you need to do less, I was honest with my employer and they wanted the best for me so I reduced some of my duties and working hours, then when my body needed to rest I could.

Until you have cold hard facts and a range of tests have been carried out you cannot make a diagnosis on medical issues, otherwise you will be drawn to the worst case scenario, I know I did it!

If you truly believe it's your liver /billary system then adjust your diet, steer clear of processed foods and saturated fats, don't take things that cleanse the liver which will trigger excess bile to be produced which isn't fun, personal experience talking there. Exercise as much as you can, and carry on losing weight, my condition caused me to lose weight 1kg/month.

I can't give you answers but maybe this will help.

[cazer]

while you are waiting for answers it is probably worth checking about painkillers... normally with dodgy livers we are told not to take ibuprofen but paracetemol is okay... however cocodamol is codeine with paracetemol so be careful of double dose of paracetemol.

try not to worry so much... they will get to the bottom of it and there are so many different types of conditions that its just not worth trying to second guess.

just remember you are the same person today without a diagnosis as you will be when you get one!!!!

i have to ask myself... what does worry do.... absolutely nothing.. apart from drive ourselves mad... it achieves nothing to worry

try to focus on good stuff... friends a trip out and accept it if you need a nap... do whatever makes you able to manage the best.. i am also a worrywart but try and give myself a stern talking to...

all my best wishes and hope you get some answers soon.. cazer. xx

[AndJay81]

Thanks guys, noted about painkillers - have stopped Ibuprofen and will watch the paracetamol. Will try not to worry!

[ayjay64]

they always offer paracetomol in hospital so it must be ok-- i get it in lidl as its really cheap--the ibupro may be causing the actual problem?