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What Causes Bouts Of Stabbing Pain In The Abdomen Radiating To The Back?
Question: I think I am experiencing gallbladder pain. I have had several bouts in the last day where it felt like something was stabbing me in the abdomen with a needle on the right side. It felt as if it was going right through to the back. Right now it just feels like it is heavy and congested right below my right ribs.
I was told a couple of years ago that a CT scan for something unrelated showed that my gallbladder is "packed" with gallstones.
Does it sound like gallbladder pain and when should I seek treatment?
I was told a couple of years ago that a CT scan for something unrelated showed that my gallbladder is "packed" with gallstones.
Does it sound like gallbladder pain and when should I seek treatment?
Brief Answer:
As discussed in details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/50 - CT scan a couple of years ago showed GB packed with stones - several bouts of stabbing pain in abdomen with a needle on the right side - felt like going right through to the back - tight now feels like it is heavy and congested right below right ribs - wants to know whether this sounds like gall bladder pain...
With the history you have provided, this is most probably a gall bladder pain.
But the pain referred to the back is not common with gall bladder stones and/or infection.
Referred pain to the back is common with gastric ulcer on the posterior wall of the stomach and/or pancreatitis with the same or severe intensity of pain.
Hence I would advise you the following:
Get a clinical evaluation and examination as it helps to have clinical diagnosis and advise for further tests.
Ultrasonography helps the best to start with along with the blood reports particularly for liver function tests, amylase and lipase and others as required.
CT scan (plan as you have allergy to the dye) or MRCP gives the better diagnosis about pancreas.
Upper GI endoscopy should ideally be done to see for ulcers.
This way the perfect diagnosis and the plan for further curative management can be done to the best possible means.
I hope this answers your query, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
As discussed in details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Male/50 - CT scan a couple of years ago showed GB packed with stones - several bouts of stabbing pain in abdomen with a needle on the right side - felt like going right through to the back - tight now feels like it is heavy and congested right below right ribs - wants to know whether this sounds like gall bladder pain...
With the history you have provided, this is most probably a gall bladder pain.
But the pain referred to the back is not common with gall bladder stones and/or infection.
Referred pain to the back is common with gastric ulcer on the posterior wall of the stomach and/or pancreatitis with the same or severe intensity of pain.
Hence I would advise you the following:
Get a clinical evaluation and examination as it helps to have clinical diagnosis and advise for further tests.
Ultrasonography helps the best to start with along with the blood reports particularly for liver function tests, amylase and lipase and others as required.
CT scan (plan as you have allergy to the dye) or MRCP gives the better diagnosis about pancreas.
Upper GI endoscopy should ideally be done to see for ulcers.
This way the perfect diagnosis and the plan for further curative management can be done to the best possible means.
I hope this answers your query, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The pain wasn't really in the back. It was more like a needle going through me, kinda of coming in bouts.
Do these attacks last long? Would there be a good chance of it happening again soon. This will affect my plans.
Do these attacks last long? Would there be a good chance of it happening again soon. This will affect my plans.
Brief Answer:
can last long , stones inside can cause attck ant time.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Yes, the attack can last for a longer duration depending upon the severity of infection, response to treatment.
Since the gall stones are present, reoccurrence can occur any time, unpredictable about when.
can last long , stones inside can cause attck ant time.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Yes, the attack can last for a longer duration depending upon the severity of infection, response to treatment.
Since the gall stones are present, reoccurrence can occur any time, unpredictable about when.
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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