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Suggest Treatment For Discomfort Under Left Rib Cage And Constipation

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Posted on Wed, 7 Oct 2015
Question: I have a discomfort under my left rib cage. More pronounced when sitting or if I have on something snug around my waste. I have had an ultra sound and x-ray. They removed my gall bladder during this process because they found large galls stones. This did not take away this discomfort. When they did the xray they said I was constipated. It is not there constantly but I have had it off and on since the latter part of March. My overall health is good. The doctor says the next step would be a CT scan or MRI. I can tell the dr thinks it is not of great concern but I just want to know that nothing serious is going on. It does not affect my movement or energy level. I would appreciate any ideas you might have. Thank You, XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No worries. Functional bowel issue , needs modifications

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking Linda!

I read your question and i understand your concern. With history of gall bladder surgery and constipation, epigastric pain is almost inevitable and nothing to worry about as slight modifications fix it.

This pain under left rib cage is called epigastric / hypochondriac pain and is sequelae of gastric discomfort like gastritis and acid reflux. When gallbladder is removed, bowel movements and digestion are compromised and takes time to get back to normal. Also the ability to digest food at a time is reduced and that is why doctors advise small frequent meals with less dairy products, less fatty foods and less processed ones. A state of functional bowel issue develops and that is responsible for both this constipation as well as epigastric pain and one exacerbates other.

Nothing serious is going on for sure. All you need is slight diet and lifestyle modification. Eat small frequent meals, prefer natural products like fresh fruits and vegetables. Increase your fiber intake , 14 gam from every 1000 kcalories and drink plenty of fluids at 12 glasses a day. Once the constipation is relieved this epigastric discomfort will be relieved as well. Try some laxatives on and off as per need basis and take some motility enhancement medications like domperidone and metoclopramide etc. Apart from it eat peppermint and yogurt in abundance as these two are best natural antispasmodics and probiotics in nature respectively and relieves such discomforts most of the time.

Nut shell dont waste your time and money on MRI and there is nothing serious going on. Just sequelae of a postcholecystectomy functional bowel disorder which just needs diet and lifestyle mpdifications.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Discomfort Under Left Rib Cage And Constipation

Brief Answer: No worries. Functional bowel issue , needs modifications Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking Linda! I read your question and i understand your concern. With history of gall bladder surgery and constipation, epigastric pain is almost inevitable and nothing to worry about as slight modifications fix it. This pain under left rib cage is called epigastric / hypochondriac pain and is sequelae of gastric discomfort like gastritis and acid reflux. When gallbladder is removed, bowel movements and digestion are compromised and takes time to get back to normal. Also the ability to digest food at a time is reduced and that is why doctors advise small frequent meals with less dairy products, less fatty foods and less processed ones. A state of functional bowel issue develops and that is responsible for both this constipation as well as epigastric pain and one exacerbates other. Nothing serious is going on for sure. All you need is slight diet and lifestyle modification. Eat small frequent meals, prefer natural products like fresh fruits and vegetables. Increase your fiber intake , 14 gam from every 1000 kcalories and drink plenty of fluids at 12 glasses a day. Once the constipation is relieved this epigastric discomfort will be relieved as well. Try some laxatives on and off as per need basis and take some motility enhancement medications like domperidone and metoclopramide etc. Apart from it eat peppermint and yogurt in abundance as these two are best natural antispasmodics and probiotics in nature respectively and relieves such discomforts most of the time. Nut shell dont waste your time and money on MRI and there is nothing serious going on. Just sequelae of a postcholecystectomy functional bowel disorder which just needs diet and lifestyle mpdifications. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan