Question:
Could this be gallbladder or liver trouble?

I have been having a dull ache in the upper right abdomen accompanied by a sharper "stitch" feeling just under my 2nd to bottom rib. When this happens I also have ache in my middle back. I have read that pain in this area can be gallbladder, but this happens about 3 HOURS AFTER I EAT (when I start to get hungry again), and if I eat at that time I feel better within about 20 minutes. I am now 11 months post-op and this has been happening since I was about 8 months out, after losing 110 lbs. I had an incisional hernia repair 9 wks. ago and before that I thought the pain was caused by the hernia, but it's still happening. Any ideas? The pain is not excruciating, but the ache is relentless until I eat, and I'm eating more often than I would like just to make it go away!    — Susan B. (posted on May 8, 2003)

May 8, 2003
how does water taste?
   — vitalady

May 9, 2003
A question like that you should really call your doctor about. If one us gave a opinion and was wrong with a medical question someone could get hurt. Let us know what your doctor says.
   — Linda A.

May 9, 2003
Water tastes the same as usual...why?
   — Susan B.

May 9, 2003
Susan, like the previous poster said, even though you've had tests performed, it may be best to go back to your doctor again. Unfortunately, tests can miss things- I had a marginal ulcer that took 3 different hospitals to find, so you never know. And if it keeps bothering you, your pain should be dealt with. Michelle asked if water tasted differently b/c sometimes marginal ulcers can cause water to taste metallic. I'm no doctor by any means, but your symptoms sound like an ulcer. I cannot go w/o eating for 2 hours b/c my stomach begins to hurt so bad. Thepain varies, but sometimes like a raw, stabbing feeling. Also, after I eat, it usually feels better b/c food comforts it. It could very well just be you healing still, but always best to get it checked out! Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

May 9, 2003
I am no Dr either. But as werid as it seemed wiht your same symptoms, I had a gallbladder problem. I didn't have stones at all, but it was enlarged. I am pre op still but pregnancies made it worse. Still, I agree, see your Dr again and again until someone gives you an answer.
   — candylnd24