Unexplained Right Upper Quadrant Pain
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello all -- I have some concerns about this nagging right upper quadrant pain that I have had for about 2 months.
I have had blood tests done twice CBC, BMP, Amylase, Lipase, LFTs, and coags...all normal.
I have had 2 abdominal ultrasounds both of which were normal, except I do have "diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver with fatty focal sparing." No issues with gallbladder or anything else. Liver was normal size as well.
The pain I feel is right upper abdomen just below my rib cage. It's a nagging, full feeling that will sometimes feel like spasams. Some days are worse than others. Tonight, for example, it's bothering me enough to post this.
I do not have any associated symptoms...no weight loss or gain (I am a little overweight and carry all of my extra pounds in my stomach), no nausea or vomitting, no changes in bowel habits and they are Brown in color, no jaundice, and i don't feel any more tired than normal.
I will add that while I dont drink everyday, I do drink about 3 times per week...pretty heavily when I do...12 beers and a shot or two is average on a night I do drink...again this is NOT everyday.
Anyone have something similar happen to them?
0 likes, 5 replies
Ftomasze
Posted
Guest Ftomasze
Posted
I developed an alcohol related transient liver ache that would come and go at around age 30 myself. My labs were always normal too.
Doctors will tell you "Glisson's Capsule" which surrounds the liver is the only tissue able to transmit pain signals and this is only supposed to occur when it is stretched. Your liver may not be clinically enlarged (hepatomegaly), but a substantial binge can cause hepatocytes (liver cells) to balloon with fat, causing a sub-clinical swelling that Glisson's Capsule apparently is very sensitive to.
Interestingly, my liver pain would be worse during the week when I was drinking less, & subside on weekends when I was drinking heavy. I believe Glisson's Capsule also responds to the minor shrinkage that occurs as liver cells lose their fat during recovery, but there isn't a lot of scientific data to back this up.
Entering one's 30's is a good time to start considering some "new rules" for drinking. I switched to light beer and worked on moderation around this time. If you enjoy drinking alcohol you need to take good care of your liver, as once it's damaged, the party is over.
Best of Luck, & Stay Healthy
Ftomasze Guest
Posted
Thank you so much for replying!!
I am experiencing that exact phenomenon...more pain during the week. It's not as bad today as it was yesterday, the last time I drank was Monday night. Had work last night and tonight.
I am actually starting a new job on Monday, going from nightshift to dayshift so I am going to be making some serious lifestyle changes, including no drinking during the transition. Hoping to get back to the gym and eating right again too!
Has your liver pain gone away over the years?
Guest Ftomasze
Posted
Interesting you also have an increase in symptoms during the week. I thought I was the only one. The doctors don't even know about this!
I still get what I like to call "phantom pain". If I didn't know this originated from where my liver is in my abdomen, I probably wouldn't pay much attention to it. Once you get "tuned in" to this as liver pain, you tend to notice it more than you do other aches and pains.
Glad you're getting off the graveyard shifts. They really do stress your body to the max.
Stay Healthy... Moderation in all things, and to thine own self be true!
monica76964 Ftomasze
Posted
Im not a Dr but happened to me something similar and my colon was inflamed...