not sure where to post this....

Ok, so I wasn't sure where to post my latest concern so I retrieve back to the old faithful anxiety forum!

I have recently been having some GI issues over the last couple of months, started with a stomach bug and then went to doc about pain in my upper rib cage who treated me for gas bubbles! Now, my primary doc thinks I may have some gallbladder issues going on. She wants to wait and see over the holidays and then probably do an ultrasound and bloodwork. I didn't see a gallbladder forum to post questions so hoping some of you may help!

I had no idea that gas could cause such pain in the back, shoulder, etc.

My question is.....IF it is gallbladder or gallstones, can you experience frequent, almost constant dull pain in the abdomen, mostly on the right side but sometimes on the left. The pain is over to the right of my navel and a little above in that area.

Of course I google everything and all I can find is that it is quite dangerous to leave untreated which sends my anxiety soaring!! Worrying about infections, ruptures, etc!!!  Any insight to the mystery of gallbladder and these symptoms would be greatly appreciated!!  Thanks for all the support.  Hope everyone is doing well :)

 

Hello Addie,
I had my gallbladder removed years ago but I did not have stones just a lot of gritty sand like material that was causing me some knawing pain.

For patients who do have symptoms, gallbladder symptoms can be variable. Classic gallbladder attacks consist of right upper quadrant abdominal pain which is pain just under the rib cage on the right side. The pain often radiates around the abdomen to the back and is associated with nausea and sometimes vomiting. The pain is severe and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours. Often this is followed by less intense soreness in the area that lasts for a day or so. Attacks are often instigated by a fatty meal. Gallbladder disease can also cause chronic nausea.

A more serious form of gallbladder disease is an infection or inflammation of the gallbladder often caused by obstruction of the duct. The symptoms are similar to the above but more prolonged. Patients can also have fever, chills and an elevated white blood cell count.

In most situations gallbladder problems require surgical treatment. Since gallstones are often just a sign of the problem, treatment is directed towards the gallbladder rather than the gallstones. The treatment involves removing the gallbladder. This is done in most cases using laparoscopic surgery.

There are other procedures that the Doctor may offer you. I would call your Dr. or if your pain changes, you spike a fever or if something changes that causes you concern present to the ER.

Take care and try not to over think the problems and your anxiety should decline.

Kindly,

Kitt

Hi Addie, try not to worry until you get your results back. It is going to be allright, your doctor will know how to proceed then. Distract yourself in the meantime with activities that you enjoy. I know that a day or two can seem like an eternity! Everytime your mind tries to go back to that worry, replace it with a positive mantra..."I will be fine no matter what, I will know my results soon, and not worry until then. My doctor will know how to treat me and I'll be better"
Easier said than done, but it will help if you can try it. You're going to be fine. Let us know when you get your results.
Take care,
Scaredy Cat