Odd back pain / discomfort

[dovajorth]

I am the only member of my family who still has his gall bladder.  I am 41 y/o, a smoker, and in otherwise excellent health.
I have been having a nagging back pain (upper back just below  right shoulder blade) that is worse when I am eating.  I swallow and I feel a twinge in that area.  I also feel it within my right rib cage, almost at the bottom of the ribs, but definitely in front.  The pain has become more prevalent over the past month, but was mildly detectable as long as several months ago.  It's certainly not unbearable.
Might this be my gall bladder?  Anyone have any ideas?  I am preparing to make an appointment to see the doctor, but I fear lots of tests will be in order-- upper GI?  Colonoscopy?

[sr_khans]

I too have similar situation.


I as well have blue like circled mark on that portion of skin. But nothing comes
I feel pain under my right shoulder. A continuous pain, increases especially after eating.

It keeps me confused, weak and sweating all day long every day.

I had 5 ultrasounds and 1 CT Scan. No stones found. But CT SCan report says: pancreatic tail appears prominent measing 2.7cm. However no streaking peripancreatic fats in the nearby region.

I once also had high Amylase level in blood report in the past but not now anymore.

Doctor says, if the pancreas have problem, the pain should be on left side but for sure, my pain is only on the right shoulder.on tests for that.

I am confused as to know the definite possibilities of problem in my body ? So that i rule out others like Gall stones, Sphincter of ODDI or ...

Plz help.

[jmorris04]

i had an abdominal ultrasound to diagnose my gall stones, nothing invasive at all.

i don't think they would do a colonoscopy to diagnose gall stones.

[Runner74]

Since you have a history of it in your family, that typically means you are at a higher risk.

They will most likely push on your abdomen to see where the pain is located, take your blood pressure, do some blood work and maybe have a CT scan done, which only require a little needle *****.

They might do a colonoscopy and endoscopy if they don't seen any abnormailities on the CT scan.  It's really not that bad!  They won't do it that day as you need a couple days to prepare for it.

The worst part about it is drinking the flavored salt water the night before.  Once you get in to have the procedure done, they give you some good drugs (versaid) and you won't feel a thing :)  It's really short, and they have most test results waiting for you when you wake up.  Not really that bad.

Try not to worry about it, as the stress will only make you feel worse.  Be with friends and family, watch a funny movie... seriously it goes a long way.