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Gallbladder Symptoms

Posted , 26 users are following.

Schwarzerhund
Schwarzerhund

Hello everyone -- A couple of weeks ago, after experiencing right flank discomfort for a week or so, I went to my primary care physician who suspected kidney stones and referred me to a urologist.  The urologist didn't seem overly concerned and doubted he would see anything on my CT, which is scheduled for next week. THe blood test and urinalysis my physician ran were all normal, together with blood pressure, etc.

Since I first went to the doctor, my symptoms have changed, whereas now:

-- My pain, a dull ache, really,  is primarily under my right rib cage, just below the final rib

-- ocassional burning sensation in the same area and more toward the center/left of my ribs

-- ocassional, more stabbing-like pain in various areas of my back, both right and left side, as far up as between the shoulder blades

-- some fatigue -- consistently falling asleep in front of the TV in the early evening.  Pretty new behavior for me

-- Occassional mild nausea (no vomiting)

-- an occasional very loud intestinal gurgling

Do these sound like gallbladder symptoms?  I;m wondering because I don't have any of the urinary issues that seem so common and no diarrhea/constipation, etc., No jaundice, etc., though I think I'm more burp-y and gassy lately.  What do you think?

2 likes, 91 replies

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  • julia508
    julia508 Schwarzerhund

    Posted

    I know the original post is a year old; I just want to say I have all the symptoms listed. I'm scheduled for gallbladder removal in four days! 

    Ultrasound of gallbladder is the only way that they can see gallstones. If you have the symptoms listed in this conversation, get an ultrasound NOW!

    Getting a HIDA Scan with CCK injection, to squeeze the gallbladder is dangerous if you have gallstones. It can lodge a stone in the bile duct and cause an emergency situation.

    I am looking forward to the surgery; it's been a six year journey to this point.

    I have gallstones, thickening wall, sludge, and functioning at 14%! Hopefully there has been no damage to my pancreas or liver from having this very active illness for six years!!

    I'll be 67 the day before my surgery!!??????

    • lynda20916
      lynda20916 julia508

      Posted

      Good luck on your surgery!  I hope it all goes well.  

      An ultrasound does pick up gallstones, but not every time.  It depends on the machine and the proficiency of the tech.  It often does not show small stones and sludge. Sometimes a CT scan does better.  That's a problem in the US whose doctors prefer not to do HIDA scans or CT scans. A HIDA scan will also show whether or not the gallbladder is just malfunctioning, and doesn't have gallstones at all.  

      So, it seems that preferred treatment protocols can end up in misdiagnosis and improper treatment for several patients. 

    • 2chr2015
      2chr2015 julia508

      Posted

      Hi Julia.  I just wanted to check and see how your surgery went and if you are feeling any better.  Were your pancreas and liver okay?
    • jo47482
      jo47482 julia508

      Posted

      Hi have you had you're surgery now? How did it go? I'm new to this site but I had a scan Dec 16th n they found a 1cm polyp. I see surgeon next Friday to arrange next step.. not much on internet about polyps that large (positive anyway?) wondered if anyone here going through the same ? 

      Many thanks 

    • katie246
      katie246 jo47482

      Posted

      Hi jo47482

      I have a 7mm gallbladder polyp. Was found nearly 4 years ago and measured 5mm. It's been monitored yearly and over that time has grown to 7mm. I'm now on the very long waiting list for gallbladder removal. Do you have any pain?

    • jo47482
      jo47482 katie246

      Posted

      Hi Katie

      Yes I have constant dull pain like a sock is stuck under my ribs? But left side too now? N I'm so tired.. lymph glands enlarged along ribs also? N swelling just below ribs? I have changed diet to help till I get sorted out. How bout you any symptoms? 

  • RichardPolkFL
    RichardPolkFL Schwarzerhund

    Posted

    So glad i found this discussion.. Ive been having the same symptoms.pain in gallbladder area that slightly hurts on the left side every now and then.pain between the spine and shoulder blades (sharp) mine hurts more on the left is whats wierd back does hurt on other side also.bad nausea that comes with it that takes me off my feet and i have to lay down,and cramping in my shoulders that moves up the neck.. Although the cramping could be from my tensing up from the other symptoms.i will update what i find out when i do.iam really worried because im a type 2 diabetic and an more susceptible to infection and/or illnesses i hope its my gb and nothing else
    • RichardPolkFL
      RichardPolkFL

      Posted

      I ended up getting a ct scan of my heart and gallbladder which revealed. My heart is ok but do have some gallstones.. However the doctor told me he believes all my symptoms are not related and wants me to see a nuerologist.. He stated that anytime you have alot of symptoms and the back is involved its never a bad idea to get it checked.i researched it after i went home and found alot of these same symptoms of nerve damage and even spinal leaks so im going to a neurologist next
    • 2chr2015
      2chr2015 RichardPolkFL

      Posted

      I'm glad you are getting some answers.  Keep us updated on how it goes.

  • tammy82258
    tammy82258 Schwarzerhund

    Posted

    Hey guys,

    I had weight loss sugery november 2016 gone from 121kg to 98kg. I have loved the surgery until the last 6 months when i started experiencing pain in my right side right under my ribs. Into my back been to the hospital so many times for it they get me out of pain and send me home. Only to have the same thing happen a few days later. The have done blood work, ct scan, mri, ultra sound, hida scan and NOTHING. Had a colon scope and endoscope done, they said my stomach was red and they removed a pilup but everything else looked good.. pain is back. Pain in right side into my back, tired alot more, eating very small meals cause im sick after just a few bites, every muscle sore, shoulder(right) feels like pulled muscle, legs are aching. The pain in my stomach is always there but i get very sharp stabbing pains. Ive gone to the hospital so many times i feel like they dont believe me and when they come back and say we cant find anything im crying. Im so tired of being in pain. I want answers. This is affecting my life and my marriage.. please tell me what else i can do.

  • melanie697769
    melanie697769 Schwarzerhund

    Edited

    Hi everyone. So glad i found this forum. I have had all of these crazy symptoms listed in this discussion. I have had a Ct scan and an ultra sound that revealed a very large gallstone. Havent had a hida scan but i believe my gallbladder also isnt working properly. I wanted to ask if anyone has had a couple other weird symptoms that i have had. I have had a patchy white sore tongue and also a sore irritated throat. I have been eating a very low fat diet and sometimes next to nothingseems even low fat is causing symptomsif anyone could help me out with having a patchy white sore tongue and irritated throat please.

    • suzanne35053
      suzanne35053 melanie697769

      Posted

      hi melanie! i've had symptoms (some standard but many not and quite a few listed in this thread!) for years and have had various clear ct scans. I was finally sent for a hida scan last january that showed my gallbladder was not functioning so i was added to waiting list for removal. With covid etc thats not happened yet. Anyway i've been feeling rubbish again with pain in my right side but also now into my left side and i've also had an irritated throat that comes and goes too! so although i cant help thought id let u know that you've made me feel better that i'm not alone!

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