Right side rib pain/shoulder/ neck pain, could it be referred liver pain??

[Tybk]

How common is right side rib/shoulder/flank and sometimes neck pain with liver problems? I have for years now experienced what feels like nerve pain in those areas mentioned that has progressively gotten worse. It is triggered by alcohol, caffeine and a lot of other foods. I had a clear MRI, and CT. Fibroscan reading 4.8. Blood work over the years was always within range But still can’t help but worry my liver is compromised.

[DavyGravy]

Hi Tybk

Caffeine is actually very good for the liver. Pains in that region can be attributed to many causes, if you focus on the liver constantly, you might be overlooking the real cause. All pain should be referred to a GP so they can run the appropriate tests.

I would think with 3 scans MRI, CT and a Fibroscan showing 4.8 and bloods within normal range... these all point to you having a healthy liver, of course if alcohol is triggering pain, I would stop the alcohol or whatever else caused the pain. As others have suggested in previous posts, perhaps try keeping a food/ pain diary. Try a month gluten free and see if that has any effect, then a month dairy free and at least when you see your GP you can share the results. It shows you are actively trying to find the cause.

I hope you find the cause of your pain

Dave

[Tybk in reply to DavyGravy]

Thank you Dave. I am currently working with a holistic doctor as well who did run a food sensitivity test. It came back sensitive to all dairy, wheat, nuts and a number of other foods. Since then I am going to see how gluten/dairy and nut free treats me. I have also been practicing a dry January. Pains seem to be fewer and far between but still there non the less….he also noticed my CT was not focused on my organs but rather my ribs/lymph nodes etc-so suggested an ultrasound to rule out liver gull bladder. I deal with anxiety to begin with so I can’t help but worry this pain is trying to tell me something is seriously wrong.

[DavyGravy in reply to Tybk]

Sometimes we just have to listen to our bodies. If you have abstained from alcohol and you feel better, maybe your liver is saying "I'm not damaged yet but if you don't quit, this is the only warning you will get". maybe it has had enough to drink even if you have not yet

An MRI is like slices, cross sections of the body and shows everything in minute detail. The only thing that changes is the thickness of the "slice". It is one, if not THE, best diagnostic tools we have.

I have been there, with depression and anxiety, I use distraction, as soon as I feel anxiety trying to scare me by telling me a twinge is something more than just a twinge... I just watch comedy... anxiety hates comedy... then 30 minutes later I think... I beat that anxiety attack... every time gets easier until you take back your life from anxiety and start to enjoy it again. We cannot fully enjoy life all the time we allow anxiety to control us.

Wishing you well

Dave

[Tybk in reply to DavyGravy]

Thank you for your kind response and helpful advice! I think I will just have to keep a positive outlook until I have some clear answers.

[x007jcp]

Hi Tybk, sorry to read your problem. Upper right pain could be gall stones. An ultrasound should rule that in / out. If gall stones then you'd need a low fat diet. Keep on in there!

[Tybk in reply to x007jcp]

Thank you x007jcp! I have another ap with my GP tomorrow and was planning to ask her to send a req for an ultrasound. Referred pain seems like some tricky business