Gall Stones or what?

For several years now I have had discomfort that I just put down to age/not being fit/overweight. I have also had bouts of heartburn. A few months ago the discomfort would start like it always had, then worsen, I would usually suffer from nausea and sometimes actually be sick. Last March, it suddenly became much worse. Cramping feeling starting under right ribs then travelling around body with a cramping in back then on around until chest completely hurting. Agony. I went to GP who said sounds like gall stones - have some medicine for heartburn for 4 weeks to see if it helps. Well, I didn't have it again for about 3 months - well nothing other than slight discomfort I had experienced for years. Then about 3 months ago - it was BAD. I was sick for 3 days barely able to get out of bed - in severe pain - right side and back and throwing up with very loose bowels as well. Went back to GP and she arranged for a scan to see if there were gall stones. Scan done, found "sludge" and one stone. Had blood work and it showed liver function abnormal. She then arranged for me to see a consultant and I went to the appointment today. After this, I had something else - I thought it was related but GP said probably a virus. I was sick for about 12 days with vomiting and all the rest. I was very ill. And still don't feel completely OK.

The consultant introduced himself and said so you are here for a "tummy ache". I said "I think I have gall stones" he said no no, you do have gall stones but that may not be the problem. Lots of statistics came at me, a couple of questions about heartburn, where I felt the pains. I said yes I get heartburn and pain starts under right ribs. Up on the table - he poked my LEFT side and middle just at top of stomach area - did NOT touch left side. Then said that I would need to take medicine to treat reflux. Then he looked at other notes and mentioned the abnormal liver function and said you will need an MRI. He said that if meds for heartburn and changing diet (no spicey/no heavy meals at night etc) and elevating head of my bed didn't work he would get me to see someone that specialises in (?think this is correct) - gastroenterology? And he would see me in about 2 or 3 months to discuss what would happen next.

So if it isn't gall stones, what could it be? Can heartburn/reflux alone cause that severe pain that I get? I didn't ask as many questions as I should have during the appointment, mainly because the man was one of those arrogant types that sort of talk down to you in a very obvious way, and I did not feel comfortable asking him any more questions.

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