RUQ pain that wasn’t related to the liver?

[farranccc]

Hi All, did anyone have a persistent RUQ pain that got a diagnosis that wasn’t related to an issue with the liver?

I have had pain (a dull ache usually) that comes and goes for 6+ years and numerous scans and bloods but all normal.

Sometimes exercise makes it worse, sometimes drinks or food or sometimes for no apparent reason at all. It is really getting to me again ☹️

Cheers x

Btw, 42yo slim male with some drinking history, no other health issues that I’m aware of

[jbrking]

Have they checked for gallstones? I got similar pain and they assumed it was my liver as I have NAFLD, but found 2 small stones in my gallbladder which was causing pain.

[SecondArrow]

farrancc,

About a year ago I started to have a very similar experience. In fact, during my more desperate hours, I read almost all of your posts.

Like you, it all started with a little discomfort in my right upper quadrant. At the time, I was a moderate-heavy drinker. And, after consulting Dr. Google, I was convinced that the pain was my from my liver and that alcohol was the culprit.

Over the next six months, I elected for almost every test available (everything except a liver biopsy). And while every test was returning normal, I still couldn’t shake the idea that my history of alcohol abuse was the cause of my pain.

Fast forward another six months and I have radically changed my lifestyle; I stopped drinking, I eat better, I exercise twice a week. Ultimately, I’ve been practicing abstinence for nearly a year and have lost 40 lbs (bringing me down to an ideal weight for my height); I like to think I made “all the right moves”.

However, just like you, the discomfort never truly went away. As I sit and type this reply, I can distinctly point to the area beneath my bottom right rib where I feel the sensation.

I’m beginning to suspect that there must be something else afoot. The leading contenders—and these are just theories and not confirmed by a medical professional—are things like costochondritis, slipping rib syndrome, idiopathic nerve pain (neuralgia), or referred pain from my thoracic spine.

Did you ever experience any of the major gastro-related symptoms normally associated with liver disease – or was it always just “the pain”?

[B3nnen2015 in reply to SecondArrow]

My experience echos your comment

[nucleargaz]

I’m having similar issues, 3 yrs of RUQ Pain, under/on corner of lower right ribs, extending to my back in region of lower rear right ribs! Previous ultrasound (2 yrs plus ago) clear and liver bloods and urine clear, about to go for another ultrasound but it’s really bugging me.

I am a binge drinker moderate to heavy at times, I’m convinced it’s liver !!! I now have laid off the booze (only 2 weeks) and fatty food, don’t feel any better yet! I have a history of back pain thoracic, and cervical from parachute accidents! whether that’s relevant I don’t know, hey ho we’ll see what the next ultrasound shows!

[hun64_D0chIk]

Hi faranccc, I read that you’re about to go for an ultrasound, probably abdomen, and it includes all organs contained in abdo including gall bladder and liver. My boyfriend had an ultrasound for his long term RUQ pain which also went around the back a bit.

The ultrasound is the best option for a clear picture to the Gastroenerology Consultant at the hospital what is going on there.

[B3nnen2015]

I am in the same boat as you. Everything clear still fatty liver.

Ultrasound is usually the 1st cheapest scan to use in the area