Hi there. I'm 24 years old. Around 9stone and I've been having an uncomfortable feeling like a pain in my upper right abdomen (radiating to back ) for about a year now. I have been freaking out alot as I drank heavily between the ages of 18-22 while living abroad partying. Drinking huge amounts every single day over months at a time. I have convinced myself I have done damage. But my doctors dont think it is my liver at all. Last year I had all my liver function tests complete blood count, abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy done which were all clear. I've constantly been worrying about this and its causing me severe anxiety where I feel crippled some days and cant live life properly or enjoy my day just thinking about it. Because the pain has continued I've been going to the doctor and around 3 weeks ago had all my bloods done again( liver function, CBC etc) and I went and had another abdominal ultrasound done privately this time which were all also normal so basically they are putting it down to my acid reflux problems which was diagnosed with endoscopy.. I also have oesophagitis which I'm going to get surgery for to stop the reflux. . I dont drink much now maybe once every 6 weeks or so on a night out but I would drink a large amount ln that night out usually. I didnt drink for two months and last weekend drank one night hut a large amount and this back pain and (slight) uncomfortable upper rigjt abdomen pain has come back after not having it for a few weeks.
I also have slipping rib syndrome on the same right side I wonder if that would cause back pain but why would it get worse after drinking alcohol.
Should I be satisfied with the tests I've done and could it be reflux and gerd problems?
I am obsessing over it and because the pain is there i cant let it go.
Any advice much appreciated
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Rachelgall90
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I'm sure you know we can't give you a diagnosis but perhaps some information about how things work might help you. I know you understand that the heavy drinking damaged your liver. How much isn't known for sure but your tests don't suggest an active disease process so about the pain. The liver has no nerves so can't feel pain but it has a tough covering which has plenty of nerves. You probably have done enough damage to put stress into the covering, called a Glisson Capsule, so that you have some chronic irritation. When you do your drinking the liver gets bigger for a time which would increase the irritation. The liver also gets bigger when you eat so you might have noticed that as well. All of the nerves in that area come from the spine so it can be experienced as back pain which could be aggravated if you also have rib issues. You are young so it would be smart to take some care not to do more damage. Your tests suggest that you have OK function but alcohol is probably not your friend going forward.
My upper back pain is driving me crazy so I called my doctor again today.(the front isn't really too painful just a weird uncomfortable feeling like there is something going on. My doctor said I really need to stop worrying as there is not one thing that suggests there is any problems with my liver. No usual symptoms and really is putting it down so acid reflux and maybe a bit of gastritis especially if it worsens after a night out. Hes told me to start taking my antiacids again especially if I plan to drink which i dont do often. He said it's especially reassuring that I've had all these tests(ultrasound and liver function done) last year and again this year and that the pain has always been there this whole time and if it were he liver surely something would have showed up by now.
He really thinks I would be wasting my time and money by going to a specialist as there is nothing to suggest it's a liver problem.
I'm going to start taking my esomprazole again and see it this helps the upper back pain
Hi Rachel. Ya gotta stop drinking girl. Binge drinking is the worst and it sounds like that is what you are doing. Take advice from an old nurse who used to drink a lot and now has stopped forever. It's the best thing I've ever done for my health. I have NASH and don't know if I have fibrosis but I am feeling better and have stopped junk food and eat only whole foods. Best thing I've ever done for my liver.
Perhaps I should inquire about getting referred for one if the pain persists. Not even sure if my Doc would refer me as he really does not think my liver or gallbladder have any issues with all the previous tests hes done
UK sorry should have mentioned. I just have one doc with is covered by the NHS healthcare system. I did go private to get ultrasound as sometimes waiting lists can be long
oh not sure how things work there. In the US you have a primary doc that you see for physicals, illness etc. But you see a specialist for specific issues. So you would see a gastroenterologist (GI) here for digestive issues.
Well, the doc is right that upper back pain is not likely to be caused by your liver. Not impossible but it would be unusual. It makes sense that you have caused some damage to your liver but if you are going to spend money on specialists the next one should probably be orthopedics or someone who deals with muscle/skeletal problems. If you stop drinking you will probably manage the liver issue as its own thing.
I had horrible pains last year when I ate anything or drank alcohol. I had the same panic. I went through the tests and bloodwork and they said acid reflux and gastritis, but my specialist ordered a hida scan. Turns out my gallbladder was failing. Have you tried asking about that? I had right upper quad pain that wrapped around to my back. And shoulder blade pain too. Sadly, gallbladder is removed and I still get some similar pains but not as bad. Still limiting alcohol and eating clean to help
I had two ultrasounds done one last year and one this yest they see no problem with gallbladder kidneys or liver. Did you drink heavy for a period of time? My past I partied hard for a few years dribking most days for months at a time that's what scares me.
Yep, I’ve had periods on and off of heavy drinking. But my bloodwork, ultrasound, and ct scan showed everything great. I didn’t have stones only a gallbladder that didn’t work. Hida was the only one that showed anything.
Hello! I hope you are doing better now. Reading your post made me think I was reading a post by my 30 year old daughter. I came on here to see if anyone had anything to say about Slipping Rib Syndrome, which her doctor diagnosed this morning. She was experiencing severe pain on both the right and left, and even though she is only 120 pounds, became breathless going up a simple set of stairs. She feels the popping/clicking on her sides as well. I am so curious about this syndrome and what can be done about it. Her doctor is referring her for physical therapy. There is a lot more going on with my daughter, though. She, too, drank heavily for an extended period after being assaulted some years ago. Because she has also been suffering with severe gastro-intestinal issues since September 2020, she will have an endoscopy next month. When all that started, she gave up alcohol completely and could only eat bone broth, rice and cooked carrots for about 4 months. She, too, worries about the damage she may have caused from the drinking. She tested negative for Covid and the antibodies twice. All her liver and kidney functions came back normal, but I'm curious about EPI. She also has Lyme's Disease after getting a tick bite, so there is that to throw into the equation! Anyway...this is a long story and I should keep it short. I'm so sorry you have felt so much anxiety and I just want you to know that you aren't alone. My daughter is so anxious about all this. It's frightening when the pain doesn't go away. She has benefited from seeing a therapist online. I hope you find answers and relief. Please take good care of yourself. I really want you to feel better and am sending you lots of positive, healing energy. Hang in there!!
Hi. Have you had your gallbladder checked. I remember the pains I had prior to having mine removed. It was a sharp stabbing pain that would go through my back. Just a suggestion to mention to your doctor if you haven't had it checked yet.
Hi RachelI wonder if you might have developed gastric ulcers as the pain from this can be felt in the mid back.
I've got them and sometimes eating helps as it stood them being bathed in stomach acids. I get pains there too when I'm hungry and my consultant said it's the stomach producing acid again.
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