Really worried about pain in my back

[Hanc]

Hi All,

Since my last post I have had no alcohol for about two weeks, but what is really worrying me now is that I have been getting a stabbing pain in my back at the right side below my ribs and this sometimes comes through to the front, It is not a constant pain but comes and goes, I was wondering if it could be due to inflamation in my liver or something more sinister? I also have went at the exercising a bit too hard (Kettlebells, sit ups etc), and was wondering if I've pulled a muscle, but surely this would be a constant pain? The only other thing I can think of is wind as when I pass wind it seems to ease (sorry for that picture!!). I also have changed my diet quite a bit. Does Liver inflamation or Cirrhosis cause a constant pain or can it be occasional and stabbing like this? Any help and information would be greatly appreciated as I am really worried taht there is serious damage to my liver. Thanks in advance for any help on this matter.

[jojokarak]

Hi hanc you have answered your own question you said when you pass wind it eases, if you have recently changed your diet then your stomach/bowels are used to a different one it will take time... If it's really worrying you though you should see your GP

I have ibs and I always suffer with wind, I use mint tea to ease it I never had a stabbing pain when I had cirrhosis it was more of a dull ache

[Hanc in reply to jojokarak]

Thanks jojokarak, yes I forgot to mention that I suffer from IBS also and usually have some kind of digestive issues when I change my diet. I also can feel the wind gurguling around that area. Thanks for your advice I will try the mint tea, I've heard it's good for digestive issues.

[Hidden]

Hello Hanc,

I'm sorry your experiencing so much pain. I'm not sure which country your in, I hope it's the UK. as different countries have different A&E (Accident and Emergency) hospital treatment services. The liver is a wondrous organ, and puts up with a lot of abuse all without complaint. The liver it's self doesn't have any pain receptors. However, the liver is covered with a thin membrane which does contain pain receptors. As the liver swells or becomes inflamed, these pain receptors my cause pain. This doesn't happen to everyone, and is the main reason why some people can go on to develop cirrhosis and not even know it. This pain my be a dull ache.

I think the pain your describing needs further investigation just to rule out possible kidney infection. I would personally go up to A&E, try to avoid too many pain killers as some types can cause liver damage. Try to avoid ibuprofen and keep paracetamol dosage low, as too many can damage both kidneys and liver.

I hope some of this advice helps. Good Luck.

[Hanc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Richard64, I am in Belfast so yes I have access to the A&E, what's puzzling me is that it comes and goes quite quickly and I can feel my stomach gurguling like a trapped wind sensation around the area, as I say I've changed my diet quite radically and as I mentioned to jojokarak I have IBS. But maybe further investigation would be wise. Thanks very much your kind advice and information, much appreciated.

[GrandmaDylan in reply to Hanc]

I had gallstones and had horrendous pain in my right side. If I ate something fatty like ice cream the pain would immediately stab me in the middle of my back. The first symptoms were feeling as though I was full of wind. I was up all night googling how to get rid of wind! This mainly consisted of doing an imaginary hoola hoop...I probably looked completely mad. It might be worth mentioning it to your gp. Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Hanc]

I forgot to mention possible gallstones. I no longer have a gallbladder as this is removed at the time of transplant and the gallbladder than accompanies the donor liver isn't used as it's considered as being unnecessary.

[Hanc]

Thanks again guys for the kind replies and information, I'd not considered gallstones, I'm seeing my G.P on Monday and I will mention this. Thanks again, much appreciated.