Pain in right side

[JSpark10]

I get sporadic muscle spasms under my rib cage on the right side of my body. The pain is so bad I can't sit straight up or cross my legs. I also get random fluttering, or twitching in the same area. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Gambit62 Administrator]

JSpark10, not something I have experienced, though not ruling out the possibility that others may have experienced something similar.

neurological problems to do with B12 deficiency tend to be symmetric.

[xeroxman]

I used to get this years ago when I was in my late 30s and early 40s. I also noticed a numbness on surface area. It would come and go but has now stopped completely. I am in my 60s now. I used to stress at work and drink a lot of alcohol. I think it may have been a gallstone problem.

[Hidden]

I'm sorry you have this. I have it too. It sounds like Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, which is the sphincter that opens and closes to allow bile and pancreatic juices to descend into the stomach for digestion. If this little sphincter closes when it shouldn't, you get this fluttering feeling, and pain. It also means the digestive juices can't get where they need to and chronic pancreatitis is quite common. Gallbladder and related issues, like SOD, are common in B12 deficiency. Many people end up having their gallbladder removed, because it then also becomes dysfunctional - either full of stones or unable to contract to release bile properly. Unfortunately, this makes the problem much much worse, as most of us find out afterwards. I would ask your GP for a hida scan to establish how well the gallbladder is working, and then really work on replacing B12 to see if you can get improvement in the working of the SOD valve. Good luck.

[cleoandpetra in reply to Hidden]

I have had a loading of 5 B12 injections and I have to say I have not had an attack of extreme pain in my gall bladder. Hopefully these B12 injections have helped. Thank you for that input. Mind you I had every conceivable reaction of B12 loading ,headaches, numbness in fingers and tingling, sickness utter fatigue and flu like systems - lasted for 14 days but seem to be OK now.

[ThePATexan in reply to Hidden]

It is definitely not as described to me “it’s like your appendix, you really don’t need it”. Though a HITA scan saved my life and mine wasn’t an option, it was an emergency. Turned out my gallbladder was only functioning at 8% and 2 days after my scan it had become a toxic situation with 106° fever. I was fortunate enough to have seen an internist afterward who introduced me to Prevalite powder. Imgeha, if you haven’t heard of this and are having the same issue every person I have met who had theirs out has dealt with, ask your doctor for it. It will change your life! He told me some people only need it for a short time and some need it for life. Every few months I would try not using it. After 3 1/2 years I was able to stop for a few years. Eventually I had to start using it again. As you said, unfortunately, using it perpetuates PA and the issue which makes you need to use it does as well. ☹️

[tomranson85]

I was recently diagnosed with gallstones (privately, as NHS wouldn't listen (GP and A&E) and told me my right upper quadrant pain (directly under right side of rib cage, and into my right flank and back) was a pulled muscle... I have Intrinsic Factor Negative PA diagnosed since December and am on B12 replacement (was every 2 days for 42 injections, now two monthly). My pain and fluttering/twitching sensation in thst area comes and goes, often it seems when it's a stone is moving (trying to) down the duct. I've been told I should have my gallbladder removed (on the NHS), and until then, manage the pain. My gallstone symptoms developed several months AFTER starting B12 injections, so I can't say if the B12 has helped in this aspect.

[cleoandpetra]

What you describe is what I have - the gall bladder is there and my last attack was about 2 months ago - I had three in one month the pain is as you say unbearable. Mine last for about 4 hours each time. I lie on a flat floor and take two pain killers have a hot water bottle on the affected area and massage it. I have had an ultrasound but they could not definitively find a stone. However my doctor said and I have read this that the gall bladder can go into spasms - I have no idea why. I cannot eat any nuts of any kind. My daughter had the same thing but has had her gall bladder removed now. I have had it for about ten years now and just watch what I eat. Some foods just set it off. Go to the doctors and get it checked out. good luck

[Hanneke12]

Yes, I have that! And I have a 2,2 cm gallstone. Haven't solved the connection yet, nor what to do about it. Did post about it not long ago: healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po.... Will keep following your post as well.

[Hanneke12 in reply to Hanneke12]

By the way, these movements help me with the pain: youtube.com/watch?v=xVMAe2l...(Not working as expected?)!

[PaintLadie]

The pain I'd get was gallbladder "Sludge" so they called it. Gallbladder was like backed up and moving slow. Lay off fatty fried foods for a while see if it helps.