Question:
Best test to diagonsis buring tearing pain on upper left side

Hello, My family Dr. is going to refer me for a CT scan to help find the reason for my recent pain(been to the hospital for extreme pain about 6weeks ago). I have a burning, tearing pain just under my rib on my left side, it doesn't seem to be related to what I eat, but kicks in during twisting or movement. Everything I've read says that a CT scan will not show an adhesion or a bowel obstrction (my system has been sugglish...).What can I tell my Dr. to get moving in the right direction and not waste my $$$ on tests that won't benefit me?    — 3squared (posted on April 18, 2010)

April 18, 2010
If you are a bariatric surgery patient, contact your surgeon immediately. What you describe should be looked at by him/her. This type of pain is not terribly unusual for bariatric surgery patients, but could indicate something serious that should be looked into. Good luck!
   — Bonnie H.

April 18, 2010
I am pre op for another week yet for RNY surgery, but when I saw my surgeon for my pre op visit he did explain where the incisions will be and that the most pain will come from the left side basically where you are describing your pain. He said the reason for that is because that is the opening he will be using to maneuver around while doing the surgery. So it might be the internal stitches and the pulled muscles, etc. in that area. Please call your surgeon as they would be the ones to explain better and reassure you.
   — Cindya19

April 18, 2010
Is there a reason you are having your family doctor look at this and not the surgeon who performed the WLS? The surgeon is the best person to assess your symptoms and order tests that may show the problem, if there is one. If you don't want to waste money on tests that won't benefit you then you need to contact the person who can decide what tests WILL benefit you. Good luck and I hope it is an easy answer. I do seem to recall having a lot of left side pain but I also had open RNY instead of lap so I am not the best person to compare pains with you. Call your surgeon!
   — Kellye C.

April 19, 2010
I am 9 years out from my RNY...The BTC where I had my surgery doesn't exisit anymore...I don't even have a numberto call...? I was told by one surgeon that since I am not his patient he wouldn't see me. Any leads on a BTC conncetion?
   — 3squared

April 19, 2010
Peggy, I am so sorry. I didn't realize you were an oldie but a goody like me (I'm 10 years out). For some reason I thought you were recently post-op. I read the line about you being in pain about 6 weeks ago as that was how far you were out. My bad! I understand a little better. I know when I ended up back in the hospital with a post-op infection the CT w/contrast was able to pick that up but I don't know what it would do for adhesions. I wonder if a good ol x-ray wouldn't be a good starting point for adhesion or inflammation? It would certainly be cheaper! I just had x-rays of my shoulder on Thursday after 2 MRI's failed to pick up any problems and the x-ray clearly showed a LOT of inflammation. Apples and oranges perhaps but just saying that x-rays could be a way to start. Another thing, how about trying to find a GI doc who is not intimidated by post-RNY patients and get their thoughts? I hope this helps, if you want to send me a message offline I will try to help you brainstorm so more. Please accept my apology for making assumptions and thank you for coming back and explaining.
   — Kellye C.