Question:
Has anyone experienced pain on their left side during a gallbladder attack?
I am four years post op and have had severe type cramping in my left front and back below my rib area. I went to a gastronologist a year ago who did find small gallstones and felt that it was my gallbladder even though the pain is typically on the right side along with being diagnosed with IBS. He prescribed some medication and referred me to a surgeon, who at that time did not believe it could be a gallbladder attack because of the pain location. I had to go to the ER the other day because I had another severe attack (cramping, burning stabbing sensation, trouble breathing and nausea) and I could not relieve the pain with any medication I had. They found no problems from an ultrasound, but did find that I was dehydrated. Has anyone else experienced gallbladder attacks on their left side (even in the shoulder area) as I have? I am planning to see my gastronologist soon and would like any input. Thanks. — Trish G. (posted on October 18, 2004)
October 18, 2004
I experienced a lot of referral pain on my left side, some of which was
gallbladder pain. Had it removed, but also had a hernia in that area. But
referral pain is not uncommon.
-shelli k.
— kultgirl
October 18, 2004
Hi Trish,
I had a gallbladderattack in 1991 and thoughtI was having a heart attack.
The pain started in my chest and moved down and around my left side. Had I
not been on optifast at the time I would have sworn it was heart attack.
Left side referral pain is more common than doctors know. Had mine removed
in August 91 and no problems since. Good Luck and God Bless. Sonja (San
Diego - Open RNY 9/9/04)
— Son-Son
October 18, 2004
Hello I have the same kind of pain now and my gallbladder surgery is gonna
be schelduled for next week I have pains like this for 3 to 6 months now
and I am just now finding out what it is so best of luck.
— APRIL S.
October 18, 2004
I had a lot of pain in my left side, right side, arms and back. The pain
was unbearable. I went to the emergency room and had to insist that they
keep me over night for the pain. They did no tests and diagnosed it as gas.
They sent me home, rolling their eyes like I was a big baby. It took four
weeks of pain and an eventual MRI to diagnose that I did indeed have a bad
gallbladder. I have felt just fine since I had it removed. The MRI is the
only test that can prove one way or the other whether you have gallstones.
You know yourself. Don't let anyone ignore your symptoms.
— Julie S.
October 18, 2004
what u are having sounds like to me is very low potassium levels.... I have
severe cramping, sharp pains, and usually in my left rib cage area, upper
arms, calves.. when this happens... If u are dehydrates could be a good
possibility.
— Nonie
October 18, 2004
I had pain so bad I would be curled up in a ball in bed for 24 hours and
not be able to breathe. This started in '99 and after 4 trips to the
emergency room where they said it was severe heartburn, gave me an antacid
cocktail and sent me home. Finally last year after fighting with doctors,
someone diagnosed it as possible gall bladder problems. It only took an
ultrasound to see at least three stones that would move around and block
the opening of my gall bladder. That is what was causing the pain. I was
told that if there is a stone blocking the duct, then when the stomach asks
for what the gall bladder is holding, it continues to contract because the
stomach doesn't get what it needs. My pain was more like severe heartburn
mixed with nightmarish menstrual cramps all the way around my abdomin into
my back. If you have a known history of gall stones, I would ask to have
them checked again. My surgon got mad that it had been such a battle for
so many years for me, because your gall bladder can turn gangrenous just
like an apendix. So if you suspect gall bladder, don't put it off.
— mrstank
October 18, 2004
Just want to clear this up - the MRI is NOT the only test that shows
gallstones. Mine showed up clear as a bell on an abdominal ultrasound.
Confirmed with a Hipa scan, which can induce gallbladder attack-like
symptoms.
— kultgirl
October 19, 2004
HI I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM..I'M 1 YEAR OUT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I
STARTED HAVING SEVERE CRAMPING...I WENT TO THE ER AUGUST 18TH AND THEY TOLD
ME IT WAS GAS SO THEY RELEASED ME. I WENT TO WORK THE NEXT DAY AND HAD TO
BE TAKEN BY AMBULANCE THE PAIN WAS SO BAD...I WAS CRYING, I COULDN'T SIT
UP, LAY DOWN NOTHING AND I WAS VOMITING ALOT. THIS TIME I STAYED FOR THREE
DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. I HAD U/S OF THE ABDOMEN AND PELVIS A VAG U/S AND CT
SCANS OF ABDOMEN AND PELVIS UPPER GI SERIS WITH DETAILED SMALL BOWEL AND A
HIDA SCAN. MIND YOU FROM THE HIDA SCAN MY GALL BLADDER IS FUNCTONING AT 14%
WHEN IT SUPPOSE TO FUNCTION AT 40%. BUT THE GASTRO DOCTOR SAID IT MIGHT NOT
BE MY GALL BLADDER(WHAT)SO TODAY I'M STILL IN PAIN. THE COMES AND GOES NOW
NOT LIKE IT FIRST STARTED WHEN IT WAS EVERY DAY. SO I UNDERSTAND HOW YOU
FEEL.
— Selena J.
October 19, 2004
I had the same types of attacks. My pain was in the middle on my abdomen,
right under my ribcage. It did go up into my back, between my
shoulderblades. I spent a minimum of 3 nights a week in ER. After 4 weeks
of that, my chart was "flagged" . . . meaning they considered me
to be a drug abuser who was coming in for the morphine shot. Um, no -- I
was in A-G-O-N-Y!!! I had to change PCPs to have mine removed. Even
though my dr could see the stones and agreed that I had them, he refused to
remove my gallbladder. I changed my PCP as of June 1, had an appt with my
new dr June 3, my surgery was scheduled for June 10. Miraculously -- pain
was gone! Never had it again!!! Keep fighting; it may take some yelling
but they'll take it out.
— debih001
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