Question:
I think it's my Gallbladder, PCP says No. Should I get a second opinion?

I am 7 1/2 months post-op lap RNY and I have been having lots of pain recently behind my right shoulder blade that radiates around to the front as well. After seeing a chiropractor for this problem for sometime, she suggested that since the problem isn't going away that it could possibly be my gallbladder. (Mine was not removed during my WLS). I just went to PCP today. She had me lay back on the exam table and she pushed on my right side with her hand just under my ribs and asked me if it hurt. I told her a little. She sat me up and said, "it's not your gallbladder. If it was, that would have sent you into excruciating pain". I left her office feeling like a total idiot. But my instincts tell me not to trust her judgement and to seek a second opinion. What do you all think? I don't want to see another doctor only to leave another office feeling like it's all in my head and I'm an idiot. Sorry for such a long post by the way. But any advice would be greatly appreciated. What would I do without you guys!!!! :) THANKS!    — Laurel C. (posted on March 10, 2003)

March 10, 2003
Yes - get a second opinion! My gall blader pain was not affected by pressing on it - in fact that helped relieve some of the pressure. Either way, if it's not your gall bladder you need to find out what is causing the pain. Did your PCP make an effort to investigate? A second opinion is always a good idea.
   — MaryCinFL

March 10, 2003
YES! My PCP at the time told me it was maybe a burst cyst on my ovaries. Hmmm. Ovaries in lower abdomen, gallbladder under ribs. Duh! Call your gastroenterologist and get and upper abdominal ultrasound. Good luck.
   — KelBurt

March 10, 2003
Please read my profile, I have not had surgery yet, but I had bad pain on my right side, and my pcp told me that he did not think it was my gallbladder, had a CT done and found that my liver was enlarged. Don't give up, you know if you have pain or not. I thought that they would have just found gas, and was going to not go to the doctor but the pain got so bad I had to go. I am so glad I did, I would not be satisfied with the answer your pcp gave you, there are test to do to find out what the real problem is.
   — cindy

March 10, 2003
Laurel, never feel like an idiot- it is always better to be safe than sorry! I would get an opinion, if for nothing else, to make sure that nothing is wrong. It could be your gallbladder, could be something else. I experience sever shoulder pain, and it went to my back and stomach- turned out I had a perforated ulcer and it was the gas that was causing the pain. (The 1st hospital I went to said I was fine- ha!) This is rare, and not to say this is what happened- but just better to check it out incase. I would get a ultrasound or something to get in the clear. goodluck to you- hope you feel better!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 10, 2003
I would definatly get another opinion. I had my first gallbladder attack when I was 22 and it was the worse feeling in the world so if it is your gallbladder have it checked before you do get severe pain. I never had any other pain besides the attacks which lasted about 4hours each time. good luck:)
   — harleigh2002

March 10, 2003
I am a Nurse who has had my Gallbladder out. Gallbladder pain can radiate from mid-chest all the way through to your upper back and classically below your right shoulderblade. Yes, get a second opinion. You may not have gallstones but; you could have a decreased gallbladder ejection fraction (Which means your gallbladder is not emptying correctly). I had a decreased ejection fraction for two years followed by gallstones. I hope you feel better soon! I know this pain can be relentless at times! Good luck!
   — Teresa B.

March 13, 2003
I just wanted to say THANKS to everyone who posted. I appreciate all the feedback. And I do feel better about not trusting my docs judgement. I have an appointment to see someone else next week. Hopefully this doc will be a little more qualified. I live in a small town and for some reason they send the incompetent doctors here. If I do have gallbladder problems I will definately pay the original doc another visit just to say, "not my gallbladder huh?" Thanks again everybody!
   — Laurel C.