Gallbladder-like pain but CT and Ultrasound inconclusive - Gallbladder Message Board

pamperedsammy · 02-07-2008, 11:26 AM

I am not sure if anyone can help me with this one...

I went to the ER 7-days ago with severe abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. The ER doc palpated area and suggested gallbladder, so she ordered a litany of tests including Ultrasound, CT Scan, urine and blood tests. All tests were inconclusive according to this doctor. She wrote a prescription for Percoset and sent me home (6-pills only).

No improvement over the weekend, so I saw GP on Monday. He ordered another ultrasound with 12 hrs fasting before test. Strike two: the test shows nothing to indicate a reason for pain. He wrote a script for Vicodin saying Percoset is too addictive. On a side note, the Vicodin is doing nothing for pain; I might as well be taking tic tacs.

As of today, I have still heard nothing (no return phone calls no referral and no change to pain meds). I am at a loss. I would take any suggestions about how to move forward. I do not wish to accept that I should â€œtough it outâ€ and hope it resolves itself. My insurance does not require a referral to a specialist, but I wouldnâ€™t even know what kind of specialist to see.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Sammy

ANGELS28 · 02-07-2008, 12:54 PM

hi there im going thru the same pain. i also have back oian in my upper part along with that they told me i had high lipase levels a few weeks later i returned to er and only to here they dont no what it is once again. they did ct scans ultra sounds and even mri but nothing but what they did ssay is my billirubin is elevated now too as ive been reading i guess theres something there missing which usually means a tumr but i hope ot i pray i be in the lord. so i now he will only give me what i can cope with im so sick everyday i barely get out of bed amyore im not sure if the fear of the un none is giving me anxiety does anyone else feel like this.

tattoogirl · 02-07-2008, 07:02 PM

Go see a gatroenterologist. You need and ERCP. All the other tests can be "inconclusive" but it doesn't mean something isn't wrong. I have had so many problems and they couldn't see anything on the other tests. My blood tests showed high lipase, amalayse etc...I had pancreatitis from sludge build up in my gallbladder and tiny gallstones. IT HURT LIKE HELL!!!!

Good Luck!

Bella

pamperedsammy · 02-08-2008, 08:10 PM

Thank you for your replies. My gp is actually referred me to a surgeon when I sa him today. He has not indicated that he thinks I need to see a gastro specialist, though.

I may have to take matters into my own hands. The surgeon's 1st available time for me is in 10-days. I just don't really think I can put up with this pain for another week & 1/2. Maybe I am just cranky, but I think it seems a little unreasonable for me to have to wait.

Titchou · 02-08-2008, 08:52 PM

Pamperedsammy: You need to ask for a HIDA Scan. It will test your gb for ejection rate. If it is below 35%, it is considered non-functioning and should be removed.

Angels28: Elevated billirubin is also a sign of gb problems. Mine was elevated and I had stones. It went back to normal after I had the gb removed.

You both should check out the Digestive Diseases board as most gb problems are there.

Good luck.