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Having Severe Pain In Hand Side Of The Back And Above Waist. Gall Bladder Removed. Diabetic. Take Exanatide Injections. How To Reduce The Pain?
Question: I have a fairly severe pain in the left hand side of my back, above the waist. It first appeared three days ago and was initially worse at night but is now continuous. There is some digestive discomfort. it is similar to gall bladder pain but on the other side. I had my gall bladder removed 4 years ago. I am a diabetic on drugs and exanatide injections but not on insulin. How can I get rid of the pain?
Brief Answer:
One has to exclude a pancreatic involvement
Detailed Answer:
Hi ! I am Dr Shareef, a general surgeon answering your query.
In your medical history, it is mentioned that gall bladder along with a part of liver removed. Can you please elaborate a little for which reason, a part of the liver was removed !
Did you get yourself clinically examined by your family physician after the pain till now ? If not, it is better you do, as a few findings on examination may point to a possible diagnosis which can not be done by discussion over web.
However from the type of pain you have, and with a history of cholecystectomy and Diabetes mellitus along with exanatide injections, the nearest I can think is an inflammation of pancreas. You can discuss on this aspect with your physician and may go for some blood test like serum amylase and serum lipase, along with an ultrasound/CT scan of abdomen to know the condition of pancreas. Pancreatic inflammation can give rise to back pain also along with abdominal pain.
If all the above what I have pointed comes out to be normal, then you may have to consult a gastroenterologist for a possible endoscopic examination of your stomach and intestines. Till that you may go for a proton pump inhibitor, an anti spasmodic and a probiotic drug.
Awaiting to listen in more detail from you and thanking you for using healthcare magic for your health query. Good luck.
One has to exclude a pancreatic involvement
Detailed Answer:
Hi ! I am Dr Shareef, a general surgeon answering your query.
In your medical history, it is mentioned that gall bladder along with a part of liver removed. Can you please elaborate a little for which reason, a part of the liver was removed !
Did you get yourself clinically examined by your family physician after the pain till now ? If not, it is better you do, as a few findings on examination may point to a possible diagnosis which can not be done by discussion over web.
However from the type of pain you have, and with a history of cholecystectomy and Diabetes mellitus along with exanatide injections, the nearest I can think is an inflammation of pancreas. You can discuss on this aspect with your physician and may go for some blood test like serum amylase and serum lipase, along with an ultrasound/CT scan of abdomen to know the condition of pancreas. Pancreatic inflammation can give rise to back pain also along with abdominal pain.
If all the above what I have pointed comes out to be normal, then you may have to consult a gastroenterologist for a possible endoscopic examination of your stomach and intestines. Till that you may go for a proton pump inhibitor, an anti spasmodic and a probiotic drug.
Awaiting to listen in more detail from you and thanking you for using healthcare magic for your health query. Good luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
There was a non malignant tumour between gall bladder and liver, which is why the liver was excised.
I have made an appointment to see my general practitioner but I have to wait a week until he can see me.
I need to find a way of controlling the pain until then.
I have made an appointment to see my general practitioner but I have to wait a week until he can see me.
I need to find a way of controlling the pain until then.
Brief Answer:
Proton pump inhibitor along with an OTC anti spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms XXXXXXX ! It is a big relief to know that it was a benign lesion for which you had undergone partial resection of the liver.
As I have already mentioned earlier, till you get to see your doctor, you can go for a proton pump inhibitor along with a an over the counter anti spasmodic and also a probiotic. Also please avoid fried and spicy food and go for a bland diet instead. Take enough liquids.
If nothing helps and the pain increases in its severity, then I am afraid you may have to report yourself at the emergency room of the nearest hospital in your area.
Thanks for responding so soon which shows your concern towards your health. Take care.
Proton pump inhibitor along with an OTC anti spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi Ms XXXXXXX ! It is a big relief to know that it was a benign lesion for which you had undergone partial resection of the liver.
As I have already mentioned earlier, till you get to see your doctor, you can go for a proton pump inhibitor along with a an over the counter anti spasmodic and also a probiotic. Also please avoid fried and spicy food and go for a bland diet instead. Take enough liquids.
If nothing helps and the pain increases in its severity, then I am afraid you may have to report yourself at the emergency room of the nearest hospital in your area.
Thanks for responding so soon which shows your concern towards your health. Take care.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Mohammed Kappan
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