Lower right pain below rib cage - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

APJ1 · 08-07-2002, 01:40 PM

For the past couple of years I have experienced pain on and off in the lower right side of my rib cage that goes from the front to my mid back. Over this time period, I have had about 4 sonnagrams, 1 ct scan, 2 chest x-rays, blood work which says my enzymes are normal(the latest being on Monday night) and I know I don't have hepititis b/c I give blood at NIH every other month (they screen for that). The doctors have checked my liver, pancreas, kidneys and gall bladder and all are fine. My frustration is that I have and the doctors have no idea what the pain may be. Everyone is claiming it is pulled muscles on my side. I know this is not a mental problem. Does anyone have any idea what it could be or if there is anything that I should be tested for? Please let me know b/c I am going crazy trying to figure out what the heck the problem is.

By the way, the pain occurs mostly after I have had something to drink. I don't think that is the problem b/c Sunday I drank some wine at dinner and then a few beers, Monday had the pain and that is when I went to the hospital and they told me my liver enzymes were normal and all the other tests (sonnagram and x-ray) were normal.

Thanks,
APJ

TSB · 08-08-2002, 03:05 PM

I just came from my annual physical. I, too, have a dull ache, intermittant, on my upper right side just below my rib cage.

My doctor has having me get a ultrasound.

She thinks that it may be either a colon problem - or - a residual problem from getting recurrent dysentary in asia.

(at first I thought it was a pulled muscle too)

But...I think you are lucky that so far your all your tests came back negative.

Could it be your colon?

APJ1 · 08-09-2002, 07:13 AM

Thanks for the response. I don't know if it is the colon. I had a colonoscopy 16 months ago and besides one completely biegn (spelling) polyp and a little case of diverticulm (spelling) everything was just fine.

I hope it is nothing. The question still remains.

TSB · 08-09-2002, 09:52 AM

Well, the pain you are experiencing might be an very early sign (before tests actually show results) that your liver is sensitive to the alcohol. A temporary swelling maybe. I would avoid fatty foods and alcohol and keep a journal to track pain levels. Just to see if there is a remission on pain.

And if everyone is telling you that its a pulled muscle then their affirming your pain is real and isn't in your head.

The good thing is that you are getting the gamit of tests being done and keeping on top of the situation.

God, I hope mine is just a pulled muscle.

TSB · 08-09-2002, 09:56 AM

Also, some other thoughts.

Are you female? If so, have you had your ovaries checked? And your kidneys?