Insights for Pain on right side and back ribs - GERD and non-alcoholic fatty liver (possible bile ducts issues post-gallbladder removal)

[Bluecat19]

I’ve been sorting a problem with GERD (acid reflux) leading to oesophagitis. Also had an ultrasound to check bile ducts as I’ve had my gallbladder removed after disease in 2013. Was told I have mild non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, apparently not unusual in middle age. I couldn’t continue with the PPI meds for GERD due to start of allergy reactions but did change my diet and lost weight (mostly by eating smaller portions; which also suits a pre diabetic status. I’m using an Iqoro device to exercise the oesophagus to try to reduce acid reflux caused by hiatus hernia. I’m on a waiting list to see a Gastrology consultant as I have pain on the right side still. It’s worse lately especially on the far right near my waist and back ribs. I notice it when seated but seem fine lying down in bed. I’m meant to not lie down after eating though, due to the GERD! I’m confused by the pain. Sometimes it’s worse for eating but can also be there on an empty stomach and then improve with food. I get some pain at front right to between belly button and ribs. I’ve lost track of whether any of the pains are related! But oesophageal pain in the centre of ribs is at least reduced. Anyone have anything similar? I’d appreciate any insights or experiences shared. Many thanks.

[mozlaw]

i too have a hiatus hernia and was prescribed lansoprazole which .i also take amiltryptilene for pain just under my ribs .ask your gp perhaps

[Bluecat19 in reply to mozlaw]

Thanks Mozlaw. I'm glad that's all helping you. I tried Lansoprazole but had allergic type reaction; tried two other PPIs, same thing. And also tried Famotidine; it didn't seem very effective, so the doc suggested a higher dose -and then I had the same reactions as to PPIs. But interested in knowing more about amiltryptilene. I'm getting the pain much worse some days than others, and when it's here, it's really distracting! Have you struggled with any side effects from amitryptilene? A GP I saw a few weeks ago said she could offer painkillers; I didn't really explore them, but as it's getting worse, I might need to have that conversation!

[Carey4 in reply to mozlaw]

I have suffered with gerds for a few years i too tried lanzeprole and omerprozol I was allergic... However I was put on another rabrozole I think it's name... No allergy nothing and has helped

[mozlaw]

lansoprazole works for me

[Harting]

Bisodol is good for the odd flare up, but 40mg on Pantoprazole worked for me. Pantoprazole tablets are much smaller so easier to take if you suffer with an HH or have more difficulty swallowing capsules, but would recommend speaking with your GP is most PPIs are very similar.

[Bluecat19 in reply to Harting]

Thanks Harting. I can't take any of the PPIs like Pantoprazole, unfortunately - allergic type reactions to them. Do you know if Bisadol comes in a form that doesn't contain mint? Mint is one of the no-go items on the food list I was given when diagnosed with hiatus hernia, as it makes the muscles relax too much and over-produce acid into the oesophagus, apparently. Puzzling as to why it's included in digestion relief pills, really!

[Harting in reply to Bluecat19]

Yes, it's often puzzled me too why so many indigestion remedies contain peppermint as it can often be the trigger in the first place. I don't think Bisodol comes in any other flavours, however I am also not sure as to whether the flavour contains actual peppermint or is artificially flavoured so as to taste like peppermint without actually containing it.

[mozlaw]

amiltryptilene is used for fibromyalgia nerve pain . on the site i looked at there are possible side effects so it might be better to wait for your appointment with the gastro.also used for depression .which is irrelevant in your case.best wishes