As I mentioned at in one of my final replies in my previous post (healthunlocked.com/britishl..., two of my doctors recommended both a HIDA scan and an MRI. Basically, the HIDA scan was to investigate possible bile duct blockage and the MRI was specifically looking for herniated discs in my spine – both of which could result in unexplained right upper quadrant pain.
I received the results of both tests the other day and, once again, everything appears normal. Specifically, the HIDA scan showed that “the ejection fraction [of my gallbladder] was calculated to be 58%.” I now understand that anything below 35% would be considered abnormal. Likewise, there was “no enterogastric reflux identified.”
Similarly, the MRI was “essentially negative”. In other words, everything looks good. However, there were a “few incidental thoracic hemangiomas” noted. After a quick Google search, I understand that these sort of benign tumors sound scary but are relatively common and are usually harmless. Nonetheless, I will be following up with my doctor.
Ultimately, as appealing as a FibroScan sounds, I feel like I'm finished with tests for now. And, on the topic of prescriptions, my doctor recommended that I increase my dose of Gabapentin in the evening. I believe that this actually helped a little bit but am unsure what it means as it relates to the cause of my pain.
Finally, I've noticed that a few other people in this community – after receiving a satisfactory diagnosis or who are simply ready to move on – normally post a sort of “sign-off”. So, here's my best shot...
I started this journey in July of 2019 and, needless to say, it's been life-changing. Ultimately, I've made some positive life-style changes, reconnected with my spirituality, realigned with my priorities, and am in the best shape I've been in since high school.
And, while not having a formal diagnosis feels like an anticlimactic end to the story, I believe I'm ready to accept the following ideas:
1. I literally worried myself sick – which, if nothing else, is a testimony to the effect the mind can have on the body. I may never know if my alcohol abuse was the biological cause of my discomfort but I can confidently say it was the catalyst that ultimately lead me to taking a sincere approach to my health. In short, I've cleaned up my act and, frankly, that's all I can do for now. There's no use in worrying.
To quote Alan Watts, “...worrying takes away your appetite and your sleep, it's not good for you. But you can't stop worrying and therefore you get additionally worried that you're worrying. And then furthermore, because that's quite absurd, you're mad at yourself because you do it. You're worried because you worry that you worry. It's a vicious circle.”
2. My experience is “unique”. I use quotations here because, while there's something to be said about statistic similarities, I simply did not find what I was looking for by comparing myself to others.
In other words, I have a lot of love for this community but for every occasion that I found comfort in the words of others, I was just as likely to lose myself in the negative experiences and doubts that other people shared. Specifically, the never-ending cycle of thoughts like “I know my results are normal but what if the doctor missed something?” or “This other person has similar – but not all of my – symptoms, could I be suffering from the same illness?”
Please don't get the wrong idea, most of the individuals in this community have been very helpful but there have been occasional archetypes – specifically, the “armchair expert” with no history of questions or posts of their own, the “well-wishers” who have similar experiences but – after reviewing their posts – can sometimes represent a significant age gap or radically different medical histories, or the elusive “kindred spirits” who's situation sounds identical to my own but – when messaged directly – do not always respond.
3. I should continue to trust the process. If I had told myself last July that it would take nearly six months to find peace of mind, I would have thought I was crazy. But, ultimately, I realized that this is all part of the diagnostic process and that there's nothing I can do to simply “speed things up”. That said, I consider myself extremely fortunate that I have been able to function normally, without debilitating pain or uncontrollable illness over the past several months. In other words, the urgency was of my own creation.
Likewise, I'm convinced that my doctors are professionals with my best interests in mind. Like my second point, I'm not trying to be unnecessarily provocative. I believe that all problems should be approached with a healthy level of skepticism, but I also believe that my physicians, nurses, and consultants wouldn’t intentionally steer me wrong. I'm ready to accept the good news that I've been given.
This is not “goodbye”, just “see you around”. I will still respond to comments to the best of my ability and, should someone stumble across my posts in the future, feel free to message me directly.
Thank you all.
Pain in the upper back after excessive alcohol
Pain below right ribcage
Itching and pain in right rib area
Pain right side, horrible pain. Liver?
Pain in right side especially after drinking 
