I was diagnosed of gallstones 2 years ago after I was sent for an ultrasound due to my long term abdominal pain. I saw a consultant who advised that I remove my gallbladder, I got a date but due to academic commitments I couldn't go ahead with the surgery and as at then I seldom get attacks other than a few months apart. In the course of the ultrasound the report says there is an echotexture around the liver suggesting that I get a LFT test which came back fine other than that my bilirubin level was sitting at 47, but over a few course when the test was repeated it went down to 33 and my doctors said they were both not concerned that I might be the group of people with Gilbert syndrome whose bilirubin level will always be high.
About 3 weeks ago I suddenly started with a tightening in between my breastbone, underneath my ribcage towards my abdomen on the left side radiating towards my back, I felt pain when he felt my stomach just below my ribcage which has now reached my shoulder blades, when I sit with my back resting on the sofa its quite sore, my doctor thought it was the gastro issues I was having before and gave me omeprazole it relieved me a bit but its been 3/4 weeks down the lane and I am still in pain. I had antibiotics at first as female doctor said I had UTI, even with that the pain is still there. I have requested another ultrasound and awaiting an appointment as I am unsure these pains are gallbladder/stone related. I am currently on omeprazole and cocodamol.
I went to the A&E over the weekend as I was in so much pain and sent home from work, they did bloods nothing else other than yes bilirubin level is high and they sent me away with more cocodamol and asked me to see my GP.
About me, I am 38 mum of 5 kids all natural birth. I have been keeping well generally other than abdominal pin which led to gallstone diagnosis. I don't drink nor smoke and I have been on the ketogenic diet for 12weeks and I only consume healthy fat and I don't add extra fat to my meals other than the natural ones. Am I just imagining this pain or are there avenues my doctors should be addressing?
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thatmumof5
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Thanks for your response, the pain I feel is on the left side lower abdomen and it radiates to my back and I am having shoulder pain as well. I went back today and I have been referred back to the consultant I saw about 2 years ago who advised that I get my gallbladder out and awaiting an appointment for another ultrasound. This has been ongoing for 3 weeks now.
Thanks Lynne I have been to the Gp 3 times last week and a say after the referral I got a call about my availability for ultrasound hopefully won't be long. I asked him for a fit note today he gave me a week off and asked that I come back if my symptoms don't get better. I am hoping it won't be long. I am a care assistant and I do a bit of moving and handling and I just can't handle work with all the discomfort. I really appreciate being able to talk to someone here. Much love.
You are very welcome. I asked about the did of your pain Cosi thought if it's in the right it could be liver related.glad you are having a scan . Do you have someone to go to the Drs with you do that they can be an advocate for you. Please take care of yourself. Love and hugs to you Lynne xxxx
If a Consultant advised you do something like have an op to remove you gall bladder really imho I would have thought that that came before your academic commitments shouldn’t it? Your health is more important than anything!
I’m not trying to be critical really but you maybe should ask directly whether that “offer” for a gallbladder operation still stands, and whether it is still relevant. (Please bear in mind that I have no medical qualifications and don’t know whether your current symptoms are the same as when you first spoke to that Consultant!)
Thanks, when I saw the consultant my symptoms were not as frequent as they used to be, and after the appointment I waited 12 weeks for the surgery date which fell on the weeks when I started my clinical placement fir my nursing course. Yeah option for surgery is still on the table I am back on the waiting list. Awaiting scan because the pains I get are on the left as supposed to the right side if it were my gallbladder giving me issues. When I had the first scan there was no evidence of any infection as I believe if that was the case they would have slotted me for a surgery straight away. Every symptoms so far are all under investigation so I am hoping I will more explanation soon. Thanks for your input.
Hello, I have pains very similar to you, under the rib cage on both left and right hand sides, radiating to my shoulders. I think that it's the Glisson's capsule that surrounds the liver, spleen etc. The liver has no nerves, but the capsule does. I should add that I have F4 cirrhosis, compensated, and have both an enlarged liver and very enlarged spleen, which I think is causing my pain. Unfortunately my consultant does not seem to be aware of pain like this, but many on here have these pains. I take paracetamol daytime, and amitriptyline for the pain and sleep at night, and sometimes sit with an electric heat pad that helps.I think you should get your gallbladder removed as your doc suggested.
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