Is it Gallstones?

[LLC88]

hi, I’ve been experiencing upper right pain under my rib that radiates into my upper back. (Feels like I have a bag behind my ribs - Strange I know) I’ve become feverish but no temperature. Doctor has given me 30mg of Codeine Phosphate to take but it isn’t helping the pain. Anyone recommend stringer pain relief?

I was rushed in by ambulance early this year with similar symptoms but on top of that I had my period so I was battling Endometriosis at the same time and fainted with the pain. I was told after a CT I have a Cyst on my liver & a polyp inside my gallbladder. My gallbladder was inflamed and was put on IV antibiotics & then sent home.

I really don’t know if it’s my gallbladder or not. I have a new symptom from the last time and that’s my urine. It has no colour at all & I rarely drink water. on Google that says Kidney 😑Has anyone else experienced this? What was the outcome? I really don’t want to be sitting in a hospital for hours wasting precious time of doctors & nurses unless it’s necessary.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

I had intermittent Gall Stone pain for a couple of decades before things finally came to a head pain wise..and I couldn’t tolerate the pain any more. I’d been given Buscopan but it didn’t help me in relieving spasms.

For me, the effect of the pain was completely disabling, the spasm was so intense and it would last for about 20mins before receding.

Eventually I opted for Keyhole surgery, it was straightforward and no problems with recovery.

nhs.uk/conditions/gallstone...

[LLC88 in reply to wobblybee]

I’m really struggling if I’m honest. But not sure if it is my gallbladder or something else.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer in reply to LLC88]

🫤When you have a few things going on it is stressful trying to separate symptoms…everything seems to roll into one big problem.

🤔 Has Gall Bladder removal been offered..since you have a Polyp and your Gall Bladder is inflamed.

I was in so much pain at one time, I rang 111. I actually felt I would have dug it out myself with a spoon. A doctor asked if I wanted surgery..and I dithered 🙄 But..it was the only answer in the end.

🤔 Chronic pain is awful, it has a terrible knock-on effect on day to day life. ..I have this with a different diagnosis. Have a chat with your GP, to try and decide if removing your Gall Bladder would actually be the answer to relieving some symptoms.

Endometriosis can cause overwhelming pain..but it can probably be differentiated from Gall Bladder issues.

I never drank ‘just water’ for years..mostly strong coffee, and now I realise how bad that was. I used to have regular UTIs. Now..I make an effort to monitor drinks during the day, less coffee and only decaffeinated. And water or a diluted drink while eating…less carbonated/fizzy drinks. Being dehydrated can lead to constipation, which in turn can effect urinary frequency..I know from experience.

Clear urine is usually not a sign of a problem, dark coloured/orange urine is something to watch out for.

🙂 Ongoing stress is only going to prolong pain..it’s likely to be more productive if you have a good discussion with your GP.

[LLC88 in reply to wobblybee]

Thank you, yes it has been mentioned but only because it was my first flare up. I was rushed in by ambulance because of the pain (couldn’t move) I had the Endo pain at the same time. I do drink a lot of coffee, that’s my biggest downfall I think. Is there a difference once you’ve had a gallbladder removed?

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer in reply to LLC88]

The biggest difference to me was being relieved of the dreadful pain. Your GP needs to decide, and give you peace of mind as to whether it is Endometriosis..or Gall Bladder issues..that are causing the biggest problem…and hopefully move on from there.

[Hidden in reply to LLC88]

Gallstone pain is excruciating-was told I had a gallstone after a scan for something else, but it didn't affect me, and was told it would be fine fine unless it flares up or tries to exit via the bile duct! Almost a year to the day, I had the most awful pain-it went right through me and I couldn't stand up straight or talk! They couldn't operate while the bladder was inflamed, so once it had settled down I had it out via a tiny keyhole incision. At the check up afterwards, I asked the surgeon-a big Greek chap with bunch of banana hands how he managed with a cut that was only 1cm across and he said-SKILL!! Never had any problems since!! God luck with what you decide to do!

[LLC88 in reply to Hidden]

I’m having twinges in my upper back & really bad pain as if someone’s gone in grabbed my spine. My urine has gone from totally clear which was a concern for me as it had no colour at all, to completely orange/brownish colour. The only pain relief I have is 30mg codeine Phosphate & Paracetomal which was helping but isn’t touching it at the moment. Surgeons are very skilled. God knows how he managed with such big hands!! Im so glad you’ve had the surgery & no longer suffering. It’s awful & wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. To top it off. I’ve now started my period and that’s excruciating enough because of my endometriosis. So pain everywhere at the moment. I’ll get seen today, can’t go on like this. Im just worried this will jeopardise my Endometriosis surgery on 19th Sept it’s my second Laproscopy 😑 thank you for your reply x

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

Sounds like it could be gallbladder. Let them run whatever tests they want for sure, see what they think. I had pain like that, turned out I had 30 gallstones. As for clear urine, again, let them run tests, hopefully they can figure it out.

[Latics1989-90]

Hi

It really does sound like gall stones because they cause you to be in so much pain. I had them at 19 and my gall bladder out when I was 20!! I was told if they didn't remove it, the stones would come back because of my age!! It was open surgery in 1985 so I have a nice scar across my abdomen!! My consultant said you are supposed to be fat,fertile and 40!! I do hope you are sorted ASAP. You don't need this as well as everything else you have going on!! Please let us know how you get on.

Lots of love and hugs Lynne xxxx 💜🫂💟🫂

[ShyeLoverDoctor in reply to Latics1989-90]

Ha ha I’ve heard that fat fertile and 40. But I was 51, not 40, and fat, but never had kids (did fertile mean had kids or just was female at birth.

[Latics1989-90 in reply to ShyeLoverDoctor]

Hi

Sorry for late reply. It meant you could have kids, female at birth. How are you doing at the moment? xxxx

[LLC88 in reply to Latics1989-90]

Hey,

Haven’t been well and was rushed back into hospital. Luckily I’m home now. Surgery on 19th to remove gallbladder.

[Latics1989-90 in reply to LLC88]

HiI'm so sorry you haven't been well. 19th September?? Xx

[ShyeLoverDoctor in reply to LLC88]

They should have given you a list of foods to avoid so you don’t have another gall bladder attack before then. My dr did. All I can recall is no eggs. Avoid fatty or fried foods. You should be able to find “gallbladder diet” somewhere on the internet.

[EnergeticTortoise]

Under upper right rib is your liver. Have you had blood drawn for the lab to measure your liver enzymes and overall function of kidneys also?