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What Causes Pain In Right Shoulder Blade With History Of Gallbladder Surgery?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Mar 2016
Question: I started to have pain in my right back shoulder blade it feel like i pulled or hurt my muscle but about 4 years ago i had gallbladder surgery and had it removed because of stones. Thats where i would exactly get pain but in the front some too. I dont have any stones anymore but the pain is similiar. I recently had a complete heart work up and everything is fine. Do you think this is just a muscle?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
could be

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
It could be just a muscle or tendon issue. However, if it feels just like when you had gallstones it could have something to do with your pancreas which is very close to the gallbladder and often presents with similar symptoms. It can even get stones in the duct and cause pain from that just like the gallbladder.If you have any digestive disturbances or if you get severe abdominal pain you should see a doctor immediately. Otherwise just have your doctor check it out for you when you are able to see him or her.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 minutes later)
No pain in the front at all. And had pancreas checked before. I dont have any issues in under my breast bone in the front.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
that is good

Detailed Answer:
If your pancreas and heart are fine then it is most likely a musculoskeletal issue. Consider seeing a physical therapist. They can often figure out ways to get rid of musculoskeletal pains like that.
Best to you,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 minutes later)
Thank you. I was told years ago i wouldnt get stones in my pancreas because i dont have a gallbladder. Or stones anymore. If it was my pancreas wouldnt i have some pain in the front between my breast bone? I just recentky had a cat scan. It showed nothing.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
If it was your pancreas you would most likely have some digestive problems. It produces a lot of our digestive enzymes. You would also most likely have some anterior stomach pains, although the pancrease sits on the back of the abdominal wall.
Unfortunately it is still possible to get stones in the pancreatic duct that empties into the duodenum but that is much less common than gallstones.
If you had a CT and they looked at the pancreas then it should be clear.
Hope the pains end soon,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 minutes later)
Now i am a little worried. I guess i will follow up this week. I dont have any stomach issues besides occasional heartburn. My cat scan did not show anything but i will have her look and if there was a stone wouldnt by liver enzymes be elevated also? Should i be worried? Im not in extreme pain, just right shoulder blade in my back hurts .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would not worry if I were you

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I would not worry. It really sounds like something that has to do with muscles or tendons around your shoulder blade. Yes a lipase should be elevated if there were pancreatic problems and I definitely think you would be having some abdominal pains or digestive problems.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)
Ok, thank you so much! :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
I hope it turns out to be something simple that resolves quickly
Wishing you the best
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Right Shoulder Blade With History Of Gallbladder Surgery?

Brief Answer: could be Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. It could be just a muscle or tendon issue. However, if it feels just like when you had gallstones it could have something to do with your pancreas which is very close to the gallbladder and often presents with similar symptoms. It can even get stones in the duct and cause pain from that just like the gallbladder.If you have any digestive disturbances or if you get severe abdominal pain you should see a doctor immediately. Otherwise just have your doctor check it out for you when you are able to see him or her. Regards, Dr. Robinson