RUQ pain, Gallbladder?

[nucleargaz]

Hi folks, any thoughts? Right upper quadrant abdominal pain for 3 yrs, pain lower corner of right rib cage which effects upper back too, tender to touch if heavily probed in those areas, Doc thinks Costo condritus, ultrasound 3 yrs ago clear, liver function bloods in Feb 20 clear. Another ultrasound planned but months away yet .. it’s there more or less all the time and is worrying. I’ve a bad back with lots of wear in all areas if that’s related I don’t know, thanks in anticipation it’s my first question on this site so I hope I’m posting this in the right forum!

[Karunablue]

Well it does sound like gall bladder. I’ve had gall bladder symptoms for years. (Pain under rib, back, especially after food that contains any fat) Any ultrasounds I’ve had just find one small stone but I don’t believe that’s the whole story.

I did a gall bladder flush a few years ago which helped with symptoms (lots of stones came out which mustn’t be viewable on ultrasound- though the one they see on the ultrasound didn’t) but after chatting to people for a long time about their gallbladder operations I think I have decided to have it taken out.

Not sure if that helps really. I do yoga to help with other back problems. We sit so much that it causes so many problems with the back. I’ve started doing lots of counter stretches to help with keeping supple.

Xxx

[lisabax]

I have had similar problems over the years. Scans show no gallstones, so I just figure it’s down to inflammation due to having Hashimoto’s. Don’t know why it should attack the gallbladder but I understand it’s not uncommon .

[grumpyold]

I'm the same as Lisabax. I have Hashi's and pain too but scans show no stones.

I read extensively about gall bladder flushes but decided not to do it. Also, I wouldn't fancy having my gallbladder out having read that it can cause more problems than it solves.

But each to their own.......

I was referred for a Fibroscan which showed that my liver was slightly fatty. Maybe that is the cause of my upper quadrant/under rib pain?

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

x

[Msmustang1981]

I had gotten the same RUQ and back pain for many years. Had my gallbladder out and it made no difference. Finally figured out it was from my thyroid medicine - really synthetic T4 specifically - and no doctor can figure out why. If I stop it, the pain totally goes away. Doesn’t matter the brand or dosage of T4 as it’s always there. It doesn’t happen with NDT or T3 only. I do know how worrying and painful it is though!

[Blobby1234]

I have costochondritis now at 62 and had gallstones at 30. The pain is not remotely similar. Pester your GP to send you for a cheap, easily available, diagnostic ultrasound scan or tell him/her you'd like a second opinion.

Gallstones don't always present as a large duct-blocking, colic-causing stone. I had 12 stones between 5 and 10mm within my gallbladder and the pain was more continously sore than waves of agony.

[nucleargaz in reply to Blobby1234]

Good advice, an ultrasound is planned I’ve confirmed the request has gone off but 3/4 months away .... I’ve got a private appointment lined up with a consultant end of Sept, knowledge is power as they say, I just need a correct diagnosis. Thanks for coming back with your thoughts. 👍🏻

[Olivua]

I get very bad flank pain like this.. And this Only happens when my dose needs tweaking.. Eltroxin 175...and when it does. It is usually accompanied with a. Kidney infection as the kidney slows down when dose isn't being absorbed..... UP my dose.... Tsh is low and am happy when it's low. 45.and I am a year and half diagnosed..... Also front of My ribs get tender when numbers are off..... Hope thís helps. X

[Amethyst91]

Hello, can I ask what numbers you are referring to? I’ve been having horrible upper right quadrant pain for months now that goes to my right hip , lower back, groin, and right shoulder blade. I’ve had ultrasounds , ct scans, fibroscans, and loads of blood work that show my liver and gallbladder and pancreas are fine but I do have hyperthyroidism that I received radiation iodine therapy for but no change in my pain. My drs keep pointing their fingers at my thyroid but nothing is helping so I’m confused as to what could be the issue.