Right rib pain
Posted , 11 users are following.
Had first consultancy yesterday feel like was a waste of time. They said they will operate if that's what I want. I don't want an operation as I have managed to control the stomach pains from eating fatty food, it is the ache in my right lower rib cage and back that is hurting more. Doc says he can't answer what the pain/ache is and that having gall bladder out may not solve the issue. He wouldn't scan the area as said could cause further issues. Basically just told to go home and wait on the waiting list and he would see me next time on day of my op. So now I have to decide whether to have op or not even though I'm not in stomach pain, but I am unsure if the rib pain is linked. No one I've seen seems to understand what I'm saying to them. I just feel really down with it all.
Thanks
1 like, 31 replies
eric73436 victoria33888
Posted
Rib and back pain are symptoms of gb problems. 90% of the pain I had was under my right shoulder blade and that went from dull to excruciating and fairly constant for days at a time. From my limited knowledge gb pains and problems only get worse but I'd push for ultrasound or CT scan and HIDA if the others are negative for peace of mind if nothing else!
victoria33888 eric73436
Posted
He said he would do ct scan as they can be more dangerous. Had ultrasound as Xmas which confirmed gall stones so waited three months to get yesterday's appointment to be no further forward. I'm going to give two weeks to see if pain in ribs subsides with heat patches and pain killers and if not will return, I just feel like I'm wasting their time but I need peace of mind if it's linked to gall bladder I can happily accept that but it's the not knowing, and the door being closed on you when you try to find answers. Thanks for the reply.
nancy76309 victoria33888
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Matt77UK victoria33888
Posted
Hi, I'm currently 5 days post op and I suffered the same rib/back pain combo. The rib pain has gone but I still get the back pain occasionally, as its still early days I hope that goes!
I did have gallstones (3 large plus sludge) that showed up in the scan. I've managed through stubbornness to escape surgery for 4 years.
After too many bouts of illness and what became near constant discomfort, I had the surgery.
Upon removal it was totally infected and non functioning. Close call
I would definitely insist on a scan, shocking your doc won't give you one.
victoria33888 Matt77UK
Posted
Hi I know I couldn't believe it he said a scan had a 1 in 500 chance of giving you cancer so he said he wouldn't do it. I have rebooked an appointment with my old doctor for two weeks time and will ask for a referral. Hopefully all be ok this time . For now it's lemon water and hot water bottles
Star42 victoria33888
Posted
Please remember as well, data can be made to fit any agenda, the risk of developing cancer is already a percentage, we are all at a risk, the scan increases that risk but in actual real terms its less than 1% of your actual risk anyway by which it increases. Using 1 in 500 is a scare tactic as your already at risk by being alive. The increase is actually less than 1% of what your risk already is.
if you go to the site xrayrisk and use their calculator, it puts it in perspective in real figures and percentages based on each scan. As I have had a Pet/ct, Cts, x rays and then again a recent CT It put my mind at ease a little.
katherine42413 victoria33888
Posted
Hi Victoria, is your doc a gastroenterologist as he shouldn't be talking that way if he is. A CT scan isn't dangerous so I don't know what he's talking about, as you have gallstones they generally do a CT scan to make sure that there aren't any stones elsewhere. Your pain sounds like standard gallbladder symptoms and is very common with gallstones or a gallbladder thats not functioning correctly like mine, I didn't have gallstones.
Gallstones that cause pain will continue to cause pain and your gallbladder will always make stones that will cause problems so the only answer is to take the gallbladder out.
Gallbladder surgery is elective so it is your choice and if you have already reduced fats in your diet and you're still having pain that pain will only get worse I'm afraid.
By all means for your own peace of mind see another doctor as a gastro should be able to answer your questions so that you don't feel like you do.
Let us know how you get on.x
victoria33888 katherine42413
Posted
Thanks Katherine I've rebooked to see my old doctor for in two weeks time. The consultant wasn't a gastro consultant ...he said he wouldn't do a scan as there was a 1 in 500 chance of cancer so he refused to do scan I couldn't believe it. Fingers crossed it will get resolved and the door won't be closed on me
katherine42413 victoria33888
Posted
He doesn't know what he's talking about, you could live in some parts of the uk and and get more radiation in a year than you would get on any of these scans these days, as they are so good. Its not as though you're having scans everyday, for the tests that you need the risks are minimal.
Lets hope your other doctor can see sense but you really need to see a gastro consultant as they are specialists in this area and can put you in for the correct tests that you need.
It sounds as though this doctor has a crusade rather than being a doctor.
Let me know how you get on. x
victoria33888 katherine42413
Posted
lynda20916 victoria33888
Posted
Sorry you're going through this! It seems to me that you consulted with a surgeon, who knows little or nothing about the gastric system. Unfortunately, a diseased gallbladder will only get worse. I suggest you get a referral from your gp to a gastroenterologist, who knows what tests to perform and how to interpret them.
Though you've been able to ameliorate your stomach pains, the fact that you still have gallbladder symptoms means that something is still going on. In the gastrointestinal tract everything is complex and interrelated.
I'm concerned for you in that your gp referred you to a surgeon who wants to operate though he has little or no knowledge of what is going on with you internally. I suggest you get yourself a new gp and a referral to a gastroenterologist as soon as practicable. You deserve better medical treatment than you've got from both of these guys, I hate to refer to them as doctors.
Please let me know how you get on!
victoria33888 lynda20916
Posted
Hi yes that was my concern that he wanted to operate without any further tests or scan .. His last words were next time I will see you is the day of your op. I was so upset all night and this morning so I have rebooked to see my old doctor and will ask for a referral . You think you're getting somewhere you're wanting answers to the pain just peace of mind really, then to have the door closed on you is frustrating. He wasn't a gastro consultant so I know I am going to have to wait again but hopefully it be better this time
lynda20916 victoria33888
Posted
Please let us know how you get on. Â Hoping for the best for you! xx
katherine42413 lynda20916
Posted
Hi Lynda, I still haven't heard anything from Carol, I just don't know what to think. I feel really nervous for her as her daughter was so ill.
I'll let you know if I do hear anything though. x
lynda20916 katherine42413
Posted
Hi, Katherine!
I just sent you a message in another thread about Carol and her daughter, then opened up this discussion and found your message. Thank you. I also am extremely concerned. If Carol has been silent for so long, I can't help but fear something dreadful...
Star42 lynda20916
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katherine42413 lynda20916
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lynda20916 Star42
Posted
Yes, I think we're all worried.....
lynda20916 katherine42413
Posted
katherine42413 lynda20916
Posted
Hi Lynda,
I'm not sure that you got this from Carol so I thought I'd pass it on just encase.
'Hello ladies, I'm so sorry I haven't been on here to reply to any of you & im so sorry you are all still suffering so much.
My daughter has had a terrible time so far.
But after the Botox she has managed some meals & some food is staying in she is day 9 post procedure so it should improve further. She still has pain every day most of the day but has only bedmate in A&E once in the last 9 days & before it was every other day .
Also she is taking magnesium capsules & magnesium hot baths, and since this also she has managed the pain better than she could before.
My sister who had her GB out a couple of years ago has taken the magnesium capsules for 3 days and she already says her nerve ending pains have gone.
She had constant dull pain only but it's taken that away.
But as for my daughter will keep you posted on progress.
Wishing each and everyone of you well and so hope you get better soon xxx'
Katherine xx
lynda20916 katherine42413
Posted
Hi Katherine!
Thanks so much! I hadn't received this; and now I'm feeling very relieved! I hope that Carol's daughter continues to improve1
I'd be interested to learn about the magnesium capsules...I usually haven't been able to take them.
Thanks, again, I appreciate it so much! And hope you're doing okay xx
katherine42413 lynda20916
Posted
My pleasure.
Not doing great, I'm still getting alot of pain on eating and the tiredness is awful. I haven't heard when my appointment is yet with the consultant and I don't know if I said but my gp is doing a referral to the pain clinic, so its more waiting.
How are things with you? xx
lynda20916 katherine42413
Posted
Hi, Katherine,
I'm fine, thank you. I'm hoping that you'll get appointments soon! I know it's hell to wait and wait! xx