Hey Doctor, For The Last Couple Of Years I Have

Posted on Thu, 8 Nov 2018

Question: Hey doctor,

For the last couple of years I have noticed this now and it comes and goes but i'll get periods where when I eat I would get upper right back pain just below the shoulder blade that feels like a sharp shooting pain, it stays for about an hour after eating and it seems to get triggered every so often which is what is happening at the moment. I have had numerous tests in the past as I suffer with stomach issues and these included last year a gastrosocopy/colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, full range of blood work and a chest and spine x-ray which were done this year. I noticed this a couple of years ago the back pain after eating and I originally thought it was an acid reflux related alignment but it doesn't seem to be as PPI, acid blockers, antacids etc don't work for me and seem to make it worse overall. What exactly do you think this could be I read up online about it possibly being lymphoma or a gallbladder dysfunction? I'm currently in the process of travelling overseas for a couple of weeks for a holiday do you think I could wait until I get back based on the tests i've had in the past and this has been on and off for a while now?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Gall bladder condition may be the cause...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Gall bladder functions as a pump to push out liver and bilious secretion after a meal. Sometimes due to a gall bladder dysfunction or inflammation cause pain after a meal. Your description of complaints are quite similar. Therefore in my opinion, you should evaluate further about this possibility. HIDA scan is a scan that can help us understand the current functioning capacity of the gall bladder. You should discuss about it during your next consultation with the doctor.

From the description, lymphoma is unlikely.

If you are not in acute pain, you can go on holidays and then plan for a visit.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (21 minutes later)

I had pain after consuming a burger a couple of hours ago and it still does hurt but it seems to be getting a bit better. My flight is in an hour which is a 13 hour flight and I just booked in to see my gastroenterologist when I get back in two weeks. What could I do for the actute pain for now is there any foods/drinks I should avoid on the plane and things that are ok to eat?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 minute later)

The pain isn’t dylibating I’d say it’s a 6/10 but was originally an 8/10

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid fatty food products and spices...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

A burger containing lots cheese and spices can precipitate a gall bladder pain more likely than food that is bland with little fat in it. Did the burger contain any such ingredients in it?

I would avoid food that is too high in fats / oil and extra spicy.

The pain would gradually reduce assuming it isn't a gall stone. If the pain doesn't reduce I would start an antacid and antispasmodic agent (hyoscyamine or dicyclomine).

Hope this helps. Do you have any other questions.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 hours later)

Thanks for that doctor just one last thing on this flight I’ve been struggling to pass a stool as I get quite nervous pooing in plane toilets. I’ve got about another 5 hours on the flight would taking some Valium help? I’ve got some tablets my doctor prescribed me but I’m just a little scared to use it as I’ve never had them before he said to take 1-2 but how long would they last if I took them would they still have an effect when I land in 5 hours or would they wear off how long are they in your system?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 minute later)

If I were to not be able to go before I land would it be bad staying in my bowels?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 minutes later)

I’ve been letting out a lot of gas and my ass feels sore as well but I’d say that’s probably from sitting down on the plane for so long.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Peak symptoms fade away in few hours....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Apologies for the late reply. I got stuck with my patients and was unable to respond earlier. I hope the flight journey was uneventful. Thought it seems late, I'll try and answer your question.

Valium belongs to long acting sedative drug. The peak affects of sedation and drowsiness last for about 6 hours. However the drug remains in the system for days. Based on the dose prescribed you may or may not feel drowsy beyond multiple hours / a day.

You might feel uncomfortable; however unless you have preexisting liver disease there is no serious health implications when you avoid passing stool.

Hope all your questions are answered. Let me know if you need any other information.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

I ended up passing my stool fine upon landing but I am still suffering with gallbladder pain. It is still in the right side of my back and in my stomach as well I’ve got Buscopan, Panadol and Gaviscon would they help with the pain? I can’t really find any foods that will not aggravate it is there any meals specifically I can have for it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, that would work..

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Combination of buscopan, gavison and panadol will help you. Try and see for yourself.

Regards

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar