I have a pain in my right side under my rib, happens more often when I am hungry, can that be my gallbladder?

Question

I had my gallbladder ultrasounded a few years back and was told then that there were no stones and it seemed to be working ok. Not 100% but enough that it shouldn't be removed. When I get hungry, I get a sharp stabbing pain or a burning sensation under my right rib. I sometimes have horrible chest pains that radiate into my back and throat area at the same time. Usually when I eat the pain goes away and then after about 45 minutes to 1 hour it will return, not so sharp at first. But then it will kinda come and go until I get really hungry. Does that sound like it's my gallbladder? The only other worry I have is that I take to many OTC pain medications. I have had 4 knee surgeries and suffer from headaches, so it seems like I am constantly taking Tylenol for something. I worry that it's maybe my liver instead of my gallbladder. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Here is a link to a site that explains the
symptoms of gallbladder problems.
http://www.markfuscomd.com/gallbladder.htm

Acetaminophen, also known as tylenol, is
found in many combination of drugs.
Becoming overdoses on them can be very
easy because of this.
Here is a link to overthecounter drugs that
have tylenol in them:
http://www.nclnet.org/takewithcare/acetaminophen/otclist.htm
Here is a link to prescription drugs that
have tylenol in them:
http://www.nclnet.org/takewithcare/acetaminophen/rxlist.htm
This doesn't list all the drugs but gives you
an idea of how easy it is to accidentally
overdose on acetaminophen and not even
know it.
Overdosing on acetaminophen or even, in
some people, taking the normal amount can
lead to liver damage. This has been known
clear back in the 80's. I have a PDR book
from back then and it not only lists this
as causing damage to the liver, it is underlined.

Usually, liver problems starts out as inflammation of the liver cells and if a person doesn't stop using the drug or doesn't seek help for his symptoms, it can lead to death of the liver
cells which is cirrhosis and then it is too late.
Inflammation can be treated, but once
cirrhosis develops it progresses until the
liver goes into failure.

The doctor should be able to prescribe or help you take pain medication that will be more beneficial for you, to stop the pain, so that you don't have to take so much of this drug.
Just a note: There is a real danger if someone mixes alcohol and tylenol together...it can cause
cirrhosis right away.
Here is an article that may be of interest:
http://www.medicineonline.com/references/Mental_Health/Suicide/info/Acetaminophen-Liver-Damage-Tylenol-Liver-Damage/

A few simple blood tests, done by the doctor,
will give the doctor an idea if you might have
liver problems. Tests like: Bilirubin, AST, ALT,
Albumin, INR

When you said that you get really hungry, it
makes me think that maybe your blood glucose
level is going too low....have you ever had
your sugar levels checked?

I know that my doctors say it is best to
eat a number of small meals all day long
than three large ones.

All tests are not 100% accurate and it doesn't
hurt to have another test done to be sure
of things. You have to remember that it
is a human who decides the results of these
tests like this and they make mistakes
depending on how much training they might
have in that area. I know this from experience.
I think I would request to be tested again
and talk about your symptoms with your doctor
so he knows why.

I hope this has been of some help to you
and that you will find out soon exactly what
is going on and can be treated to be made
well again.

Answer 2

I think most times, gallbladder pain comes not long after eating, not so much when you are hungry. When I had gallbladder problems, my pain would hit maybe 15 minutes or so after I ate. I had the same symptoms you did, but not when I was hungry. My best guess is that you have an ulcer instead, which can come from taking too many meds. Try some Prilosec OTC and see if that helps. Be sure to eat when you take your meds too, that will help.

Answer 3

I'd talk to the doc again about your gallbladder. I've had mine yanked after horrible stomach problems, weight loss, and stabbing pains in my back. As my ultrasound person said "You've got a rock in there!"

I'm not a doctor, but I do know the liver is primarily on your left side.

Good luck, get that checked out!

Answer 4

Oh god, I SWEAR the equal factor occurred to me(Except the vehicle-illness). I had despair however I'm now not certain if that is the case with you. I did not get any REAL support both. I deald with the worst manner feasible however I made it via. Good Luck, sorry I could not support so much :(