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Negative ultrasound. Could it still be gallbladder?

Posted , 38 users are following.

okiemom79
okiemom79

A couple weeks ago I had an u/s and then went to the ER a day after that because this pain was not going away and I was worried. I have struggled with sharp pains in my side for years that would come and go. For the past 2 years I have had this right side ache that would also come and go. I use to call them flare ups though some people call them attacks. My symptoms are as follows:

Burning in the right side mainly under the rib cage but can cometimes feel just a tad lower and it can radiate into my back and right shoulder. Ive also experinced chest pain and that burning can shoot across the top of my abdomen. I have gas and bloating as well as constipation except for the past few days. Since the u/s was neg. they sent me for a HIDA scan which I should get back the results tomorrow. I cant do much because this right side ache and feeling of fullness in so prominent in my side that it is all I can think about. I still have gas and the gas adds to the pain and burning. I would describe this as more of a dull ache rather than a sharp pain. Just wondering if anyone else has struggled with these symptoms and had a neg. u/s but it still been their GB.?

0 likes, 70 replies

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  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    I wanted to add that I had blood tests that all came back neg. as well as a urin test.
    • jay70608
      jay70608 okiemom79

      Posted

      Wondering if you went for endoscopy or HIDA and what the results were?  I have the same symptoms... pain below right rib cage, back pain on right side, and occasional pain in right shoulder. Took EKG, Ultrasound, X-Ray, MRI with contrast, CT Scan with contrast, blood testing and all came back normal. However, pain persists. I don't seem to have gallstones but the pain is indicative of gallbladder issue. 

    • mandy40275
      mandy40275 jay70608

      Posted

      Hi Jay, I have similar issue, only my pain is not severe but rather constant. U/s, mri, blood tests all came normal. Do you think it is possibly bile duct problem?
  • angela72602
    angela72602 okiemom79

    Posted

    Usually, a CT scan will definitely show stones if you have them. I do not have an answer as to your pain. Did they check your pancreas or liver? maybe the HIDA scan will confirm what your problem is. I hate you are going through this! Please let us know what you find out. Sometimes the stones will move, but like I said they usually show up. I just am perplexed. Keep us posted!
  • octavia123
    octavia123 okiemom79

    Posted

    Hi okiemom, maybe you don't have any stones but you gb not functioning well, this will show on your HIDA scan so at least you will know tomorrow. It certainly sounds like gallbladder trouble particularly as it is getting worse as time goes by. Good luck hope all goes well and you can get some treatment.
  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    I'm confused as to what it could be too. The er dr.told me my gb was enlarged with sludge but then after meeting with a surgeon the next day he told me my u/s was negative. I have no idea. I'm wondering if the er dr was talking hypothetical situation or if he was actually referring to my u/s? I guess I will know tomorrow. If it's not gb I'm going to back at step one which is very disheartening. Ty all for your replies.
    • angela72602
      angela72602 okiemom79

      Posted

      it sounds like your gb has quit doing the job of getting the bile down to the liver. IN my opinion, it needs to come out! Hopefully, there is nothing more seriously wrong. I know you are worried. I would be too. Tomorrow, talk to him and ask a lot of questions. Please let us know. we care about all of our friends on this forum! exclaim
  • debbie89808
    debbie89808 okiemom79

    Posted

    Hi

    I have identical symptoms to you and have had them for years and I have had several ultrasounds, all of which have been clear. Over the last six months my symptoms have escalated and I am now in severe pain day and night. Yet another ultrasound came back clear. I was eventually sent for a Hida scan with the result that my gallbladder is working at only 9 per cent and I am now waiting to have my gallbladder removed.

    So yes most definitely it is possible to have a clear ultrasound but your gallbladder may not be working correctly and causing anything from mild discomfort to serious pain.

  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    Debbie,

    I really hope my HIDA scan reveals something for me and that it is something 'simple' I say simple because I have read other things that could be wrong and they are not as simple. GB surgery, if it would help me feel better, would be most welcomed. I am scared of surgey but more so the anesthesia than anything. I had all 3 of my kids c section so I have had surgery before. I think I may be getting a uti along with this and that sucks. I did read that can happen with gb problems. 

    Thanks for the replies

  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    I'm also curious if any of you experienced a general I'll feeling like you are coming down with something and ran a low grade fever? 99-100? This has been me the past few days. And my back hurts. I thought it was from the narrow table of the hida scan but now I'm not so sure. I've just been dealing with this too long I'm worried ya know?
  • sarah87162
    sarah87162 okiemom79

    Posted

    I can't really help sorry. My symptoms were similar to your but my ultrasound showed I have a gallstone. I am waiting to have my gallbladder out.

    Hope this settles down and you get some results from the test.

    Keep in touch

    Take care

    Sarah

  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    Thank you all for your kind words and help. I have not heard anything on my test results yet. If I have not heard anything in the next couple of hours I will be calling them. 
  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    As I sit here with this burning pain under my right rib and it shooting across my stomach I received a phone call that my HIDA scan came back normal. So they want me to get a scope done next. I live in a small town where there are no specialist so I gave to go out of town. I'm so tired. I think I may be going a little crazy. sad
    • angela72602
      angela72602 okiemom79

      Posted

      Well, that is good news that your HIDA scan was normal. Now, go for your scan. they will get to the problem by testing you. Try not to be stressed and yes, I know that is easier said than done! I know you are very tired of all this, but when you find out what is causing your problems, it will be worth all your troubles. try to have a positive attitude.Keep me posted.
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