Right side pain, burning, burping and reflux - gallbladder?
Posted , 24 users are following.
Hi all,
I’m looking for any thoughts/ advice on some stomach issues I’ve been having recently as I’m wondering if it could be a gallbladder issue. I’m female, 29, on the pill, normal weight with a healthy diet.
Four months ago, seemingly out of the blue, I developed a range of symptoms which have been making me feel really rubbish. I’ve been keeping a food diary but can’t see much of a pattern. The only things I know for sure have made me feel particularly bad were chocolate and a cooked English breakfast. Bread also seems a bit dodgy.
Symptoms
- Pain under my right ribs. The pain comes and goes. Normally it’s a dull ache or a burning sensation. Occasionally I get sharp pains there too. Generally I would describe the pain as mild to moderate – nothing agonising. The bottom of my right ribs feel bruised when touched and sometimes the pain goes through to my back
- Heartburn, mainly on the right side of my chest but sometimes all over. Sometimes the burning feeling can feel slightly itchy as well.
- A sensation of vapour coming up from my stomach
- Lots of gas and burping. My tummy has been making lots of gurgling noises – much more than usual
- Bitter taste in mouth and sometimes a very dry throat
- Feeling tired
- Occasionally - feeling sick after eating. I’ve never actually been sick though.
- Occasionally - sore burning throat and lump in throat sensation
The symptoms do vary – I seem to have flare ups where I feel particularly awful and once it’s been set off I seem to feel bad for a few days. There haven’t been any days when I’ve felt completely right since the whole thing started though.
Treatment/ tests to date
- 40mg Esomeprazole. This helps the heartburn a bit I think but the other symptoms do not improve
- Ultrasound – normal.
- Blood tests – full blood count and other tests all came back normal
- Endoscopy – came back normal with no sign of acid reflux
- Manometry and 24 hour pH monitoring – I haven’t had my consultation to discuss the results in full yet but apparently ‘there is evidence to suggest my oesophagus doesn’t contract normally.’
My next consultation isn’t until October and I’m starting to feel a bit desperate as I’m fed up feeling so horrible.
Do you think this could be a gallbladder issue despite the clear ultrasound? The fact that I have the esophagus problem could explain the vapour sensation I've been getting, but I don't see how it could be causing the right side pain.
Grateful for any advice!
0 likes, 38 replies
beth71285 luci96838
Posted
how are you now? what did you find out?
sandeep007 luci96838
Posted
It sounds like a challenging situation, especially with the uncertainty about the cause of your symptoms. From what you've described, it's understandable to consider various possibilities, including gallbladder issues, given the pain under your right ribs and the associated symptoms.
Though your ultrasound came back normal, it's worth noting that gallbladder issues can sometimes be challenging to diagnose through imaging alone. There are other tests, like a HIDA scan, that can assess gallbladder function more comprehensively. Sometimes, despite a clear ultrasound, issues like gallstones or gallbladder dysfunction might not be immediately apparent.
Additionally, the symptoms you're experiencing with your esophagus might be separate from the issues causing the right-side pain. Sometimes, multiple conditions can overlap or coexist, complicating the diagnosis.
Given the complexity of your symptoms and the inconclusive test results so far, it might be helpful to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider again. Mention the ongoing discomfort and inquire about further tests or alternate avenues for investigation. Sometimes, getting a second opinion from a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, can provide fresh perspectives and additional diagnostic options.
While waiting for your next consultation, maintaining your food diary and noting any new or changing symptoms could be helpful. It might offer more insights or patterns that could aid in your diagnosis.
Hang in there! I hope you find resolution and relief soon. It's tough to deal with ongoing discomfort, but you're doing the right thing by seeking answers and being proactive about your health.