Right side pain under ribcage

Posted , 9 users are following.

For the past few weeks I have been experiencing pain under my ribcage on my right hand side, side pain and dull ache up to my shoulder blade. Constantly feeling sick. I have had several tests- MRI scan, Ultrasound and CT scan, camera down into my stomach. All have come back clear of any gallbladder stones or irregularities. Consultant recommends a HIDA scan to check gallbladder function as he thinks I have gallbladder disease. Has anyone else had this sort of problem? What is the HIDA scan  like?

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

Next
  • Posted

    Yes, I had a bad gallbladder with no stones. For the HIDA scan, you lay down on a table and they put a machine over your abdomen. You'll have an IV in your arm that they'll inject dye in. You lay there for an hour and they take pictures of the dye going through your liver and accumulating in your gallbladder (simulating bile flow). Then after an hour (assuming its a HIDA scan with CCK which it should be), they inject the CCK into your IV which simulates eating a fatty meal. They continue to take pictures for another hour to see how your gallbladder functions. The doctors will then calculate an ejection fraction - the percentage of bile that is pushed out of your gallbladder after a certain amount of time. A normal ejection fraction is 35-75%, anything outside of that range is abnormal and reason for gallbladder removal. Mine was 98% meaning too much bile was being pushed out too quickly and causing me issues. Mainly morning nausea and softer lighter colored bowel movements. I didn't have "pain", just discomfort in my upper right abdomen, right side and closer to surgery I had back pain. Good luck!

    • Posted

      Thanks for the information. I am going to see my consultant this afternoon to find out the results from my endoscopy and when my HIDA scan will take place.
  • Posted

    Hi Gwyneth, I've gone through very similar to yourself and I had my HIDA scan just before xmas. I'm in the UK, they inject you with the radioactive tracer , then I had to sit and wait for 1/2 hour before they took me into the machine, where you lie down with support under your knees, then they scan you for 10 minutes then they give you a very milky drink when you're laying down. Its very cold so easier to drink as it is very rich but its a good glassful. You then continue laying down for over an hour before they let you go. I've just got my results and my gallbladder isn't working properly. I have an ejection fraction of 14% and I've got my appointment next week to see a surgeon. 

    I hope you have a scan soon, good luck

    • Posted

      Katherine, I am same scenario. I am at 19%. I mainly have nausea when I eat ANY fat at all, even trace amounts. I also have a growing dull ache under right rib. Growning in intensity and frequency. Wishing you the best. Keep us posted on your surgery!

      Good luck to you gwyneth!!

    • Posted

      Hi Heather, I've lost alot of weight as I can't eat anything rich, fatty or spicy. My pain every so often goes upto another level and stays at that level getting worse throughout the day as soon as I start to eat. Alot of my pain is in the back going upto the shoulder blade, what about you? Have you got an appointment to see a surgeon? Let me know how things are going? 

      I hope that we all have a better 2017

    • Posted

      Yes back in September. I had major surgery in July and because of that, I'm not a surgical candidate yet. They are afraid I will end up with another open surgery. Next appt is mid Jan. I want to be done with this and be able to eat but I do not want more surgery. Uuugghh!! Life! Keep me posted on you!

  • Posted

    That's how it started for me. First I had an ultrasound to see if I had any stones. I didn't. The next was the Hida scan. It's not the worst but it's not that pleasant either. It showed that my gallbladder was borderline low functioning. I was than told to see a surgeon. Long story short I ended up in the ER after months of pain and I just couldn't do it anymore. They did other tests in the hospital making sure I didn't have a stomach virus etc. I had my gallbladder out and shortly after the same pain was back. They suggested I have sphincter of Oddi surgery. I had that and still have the pain. I have done everything I can to try and figure out where this pain is coming from but the doctors have no answers and don't go out of there way to try and figure it out. My Gallbladder was taken out June 2015. I'm seeing the surgeon Jan 3 2017 to see if he has any suggestions. It's been a very rough road. Good luck.

    • Posted

      HI Patricia,

      There is another condition called median arcuate ligament syndrome that causes similar pain.  You might want to look it up on line.

      Sorry you're still experiencing pain!  

    • Posted

      Well, do mention the syndrome to him.  I hope you get answers and some relief soon!
    • Posted

      Thx for this info Lynda. Seeing surgeon next week as my symptoms do not seem to be textbook and tests are clean.
  • Posted

    Hi Gwyneth I have had similar pains in my back and side but when I describe to my doctors they just say it is muscular. However it is very uncomfortable and my sister had similar pain before having her gall bladder removed.  I have suffered with indigestion for over 40 years and have coped. More recently due to arthritis in my knees I take quite strong paîn killers which I think ease the pain in my shoulder area. However, the doctors  insist that nothing will be done. At least your doctor is checking your say to s out.  Good luck.

    • Posted

      Thanks for the information. I have seen my consultant today and I am having my gallbladder removed. He has diagnosed acute gallbladder disease.
    • Posted

      Hi gwyneth, let us know how you get on. Have you got a date yet for removal? That's what has been requested by my consultant and I see the surgeon next week so hopefully it'll be done fairly soon after that.

      Good luck

    • Posted

      Hi I have been given the 19th January to have my operation. Hopefully it will go ahead without any setbacks.
    • Posted

      Hi gwyneth, glad you've got a date and I hope there aren't any setbacks.  Let us know how you get on as they've decided with me that I'm to have a cholecystectomy but I haven't got a date yet. 

      Take care and I hope it does the trick and you'll be on the mend soon.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.