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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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  • debbie89808
    debbie89808 okiemom79

    Posted

    Glad your result was normal but sorry you didn't get a diagnosis - you must be very disappointed - I was over the moon when my Hida scan came back very low as there was finally a reason for my symptoms and a solution is hopefully now on the distant horizon.

    The specialist who ordered my zHida scan said that he would investigate the pancreas if the Hida was normal - it maybe something else to consider in your case. You did mention what the figures were in your result - a low normal could still mean gallbladder problems and even a false positive. An endoscopic ultrasound would be more accurate in showing gallstones than an ordinary ultrasound which can only detect stones larger than 3mm - sand and grit can do as much damage as stones. An endoscopy will be useful to determine whether the source of your pain is related to your stomach/ duodenum - sometimes pain can be felt in a different place to its source.

    Hope that you get answers and above all successful treatment for your problem. Keep us posted

    Best wishes

    Debbie

  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    I would have been over the moon as well Debbie. When they told me the scan was normal I cried out of utter frustration. I have longer to wait and more tests. I've read that ulcer and gb pain are really close. I don't want an ulcer I think I seriously would have preffered to get gb surgery. From what I've read ulcer is a lifetime thing and hard to treat especially if h. Pylori bacteria is found to be the cause. Thank you all. I will keep you informed.
  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    Just a quick update.

    I still feel the same. The surgeon that has been treating me told me my HIDA scan came back at 65% which I know is normal. He still believes it's my gb though. He said he's seen it multiple times where tests come up negative yet the gb is still the problem. He wanted me to try 2 nexium at night for 7 days to see if that would help if it's an ulcer he said I should see some kind of relief. I actually thought it was getting better, not because of the nexium because I hadn't started that routine yet but my pain wasn't near as bothersome for 1 day. Unfortunately it's not gone it's still here and it does not seem as though the nexium is working yet. He wants to scope me or said I can get a ct scan if I wanted one. I'm having issues with which one to get done. He told me that if he scopes me and doesn't see anything he could take me straight into surgery to get gb out. That sort of scares me be a use I will be sedated for scope then more anesthesia will be given to me if he chooses to do the surgery. I'm just so tired of being in pain.

    • debbie89808
      debbie89808 okiemom79

      Posted

      Hi

      The doctors initially thought I had gastritis or an ulcer and treated me with Nexium for 3 months with no success at all, hence the Hida scan later. I have read on the internet where a ct scan is not as effective as an ultrasound at diagnosing gallstones. The ordinary abdominal ultrasound can only detect stones of3mm in size, so anything under that could go undetected, meaning that grit, sand and small stones could be causing problems and causing your symptoms. There is an endoscopic ultrasound test which is more precise than the ordinary ultrasound and maybe beneficial in your case. Whatever happens I hope you get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

      Best wishes

      Debbie

  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    I also wanted to ask if anyone has had what feels like spasms in the gb area? Also I've getting g this feeling of what I can only describe as tightness across my stomach almost like a contraction. It's not particularly painful but very uncomfortable.

    Thanks.

    • angela72602
      angela72602 okiemom79

      Posted

      For me a CT scan would be less invasive and easier. If there are stones they will show up. I had my gb out in 2004. Last year I began having spasms where my gb was and the tightness across my stomach. I was trying to remember before I had gb surgery if i felt those symptoms and I cannot remember. Anyway, my GI says it is probably adhesions. Sometimes the spasms almost knock me to the floor! Good luck to you and keep us posted.
  • octavia123
    octavia123 okiemom79

    Posted

    You have suffered for sometime nowvand things not getting any better. It sounds so like gb and yet tests come back clear. I think I would trust your surgeon and go with the scope possibly moving on to surgery. I wouldn't worry about sedation then anesthetic they will adjust things according to what you need and I dont think that would be a complication. It would be good to get it sorted all at once. Many times on here and it happened to me , even when they see stones or inflamation on a scan its worse when they actually go in and see it to take it out. Your surgeon sounds very good and keen to help you. I suppose you could say no and if he thought after scope it needed out you could then arrange another appointment for that but its another ordeal for you. Good luck keeps us posted with how you get on.
  • octavia123
    octavia123 okiemom79

    Posted

    Forgot to say yes I suffered constanly with that tightness and restricted feeling, someone else described it as a steel band all around their chest.
  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    Today I was feeling pretty good but now I'm in pain. I've had 1 donut 4 strawberries 2 grapes and 2 pieces of wheat toast throughout the day. I've been laughing a lot watching funny videos on TV and wondering if that has bothered whatever this is. I'm calling dr tomorrow to schedule a scope.
  • Guest
    Guest okiemom79

    Posted

    okiemom79, I've suffered for nearly 8 years with off/on 'attacks'. I've had the HIDA (ef was 26) but had 'normal' ultrasounds as well.  They didn't visualize stones.  One ultrasound I had a few years ago, during the middle of an attack, showed the gallbladder disdended as it was flaring at the time.  My doctor has never done a scope although I've had upper GI scopes before in the past for heartburn, etc.  I think it's worth having it done.  My pain has been very specific in the gallbladder area (sometimes going around to that side/back) and is very tender to push in if I'm in the middle of a flare.  My GP has told me I should have it removed, but I can sometimes go many months (6 or so) without a flare.  Then I might have one every month for a while. It's a tough decision to make.  Let us know how you make out.
  • okiemom79
    okiemom79

    Posted

    Another update.

    went to the er last night And they took all the blood test (negative again) and gave me a ct scan. It was negative. I'm glad about all that bit still dealing with this pain. PHOOEY!

    Did any of you suffer with heartburn and/or indegestion?

    I would only get those on e in a blue moon but lately ai have it all the time. Feels like a lump at the bottom of my throat. I took 40 mg of Nexium for 7 days plus acid reducers and it didn't seem to help. if this is an ulcer I need extra meds like Carafate and possibly antibiotics (ugh)

    I have an appointment with my surgeon and a GI next week. Surgeon is willing g to do endoscopy just not sure when and GI will just be a consult. Will keep you all posted.

    hope you are all well.

    • angela72602
      angela72602 okiemom79

      Posted

      Yes, please keep us posted. I hope you do not have an ulcer. I really hope a scope will finally give you an answer!!
    • Siri2017
      Siri2017 okiemom79

      Posted

      Hi,

      I know you posted this 2 years ago but did you find out what the problem was? i am going through this same problem. Ultrasounds show no gallstones but i am experiencing severe abdominal pain on my upper right side. Blood tests come back abnormal but ultrasounds don't reveal anything.

    • okiemom79
      okiemom79 Siri2017

      Posted

      Wow. It's been 2 years already?! Unfortunately I have never found out what is wrong. I still experience these symptoms and wonder if it's still not my GB. I also think it could quite possibly be related to my bowels. I need to get in and get scopes. You mentioned your blood tests game back abnormal? What did your Dr say about this?

    • Siri2017
      Siri2017 okiemom79

      Posted

      Thank you for responding so quickly. The second time I experienced this pain I went to the ER and the doctor did blood work which came back with elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. Two days ago I went into the ER again because I had another attack and blood work showed the same but my bilirubin wasn't as bad. Yesterday I went in for a second ultrasound and the doctor said that the my gallbladder bladder wall was thickened which could mean inflammation but there's no gallstones. He said I need an MRCP. Which will better detect if gallstones are getting stuck somewhere. Idk what's going on. I started experiencing all of this last week, out of nowhere. It's frustrating because it's all I've been thinking about. The first doctor that I spoked to the first time I went to the ER about this diagnosed me with unexplained abdominal pain. I see my family physician on Monday so I hope he refers me to somebody or sends me to get an MRCP. I cannot handle the pain associated with whatever is bothering me. I'm thinking it's my gallbladder but there are no stones. I can't believe after 2 years doctors are still not able to find out what's bothering you. I'm sorry you're still going through it.

    • Siri2017
      Siri2017 okiemom79

      Posted

      I wonder if my liver enzymes elevate every time I have an attack. Idk.
    • okiemom79
      okiemom79 Siri2017

      Posted

      It is quite possible.

      Please let us know what you find out Monday.

      I too, still think it may be GB. If read a lot online as well as from friends and nurse friends all shared stories about pain with no concrete evidence of GB issues but once they decided to go forth with the surgery they found out it was indeed the GB.

      Good luck and well wishes!

    • jennifer7162011
      jennifer7162011 okiemom79

      Posted

      hi. . i was searching to find answers. after reading your story it sounds exactly like what my husband is going through. did u have more scans ran. we did an us and bloodwork today. he's been down hurting since July 16th. Sunday. his gi specialist seen us this morning but said in general his us looked fine. no stones. he's only 29 and has been thru hell when it comes to health. he's not a wimp but this.. breaks him down. first ever attack or whatever and I'm afraid they gonna say nothing...

    • bradley_31430
      bradley_31430 jennifer7162011

      Posted

      I'm have the same problems as okiemom every test comes back normal. Its been almost 8 months of abdominal pain, gas,bloating and off and on constipation. Hydascan can show functionality. Mine shows normal but I still want to look at the gallbladder. Good luck and keep as posted about his progress.

    • brenda92848
      brenda92848 okiemom79

      Posted

      I am having the same symptoms. Right now I'm having the right side pain. Hurts worse when I lay on my right side. I work at a hospital and finally after 6 months of dealing with all this. I started feeling the tightness of the chest and really bad indigestion. Bloating, gas more frequent. Let's just say nothing is normal but I went to ER and everything came out normal like perfect. Perfect labs. Good sonogram EKG was negative. Now I need to go in for a hida scan. I'm glad I work with surgions cause I'm to the point where I'm going control them to just take it out. Cause this pain and other stuff that been going on is Making me miserable. I have been following you... so please keep in touch with you situation .

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