Going to the gastro doc in an hour

[Dave_Lister]

I’m finally seeing a gastro doctor after a year and a half of upper right quadrant pain along with back pain, acid reflux.

i have to say I’m scared a little even though I should be relieved that I’m seeing a specialist. My GP thinks it’s a duodenal ulcer because I had a clear ultrasound last March but it did find a fatty liver which had gotten worse from the last time I had an ultra sound back in 2015.

Hopefully there isn’t something seriously wrong.

[BlueIris]

Wish you luck, Dave!

[Capercrohnj]

Good luck

[Dave_Lister]

Thanks for the good thoughts guys.

I had my visit, and he thinks my gnawing pain in the RUQ is more muscle related, and he doesn't seem too worried. He thinks my issues are more diet, and concern for these symptoms, but he is sending me to get an edoscopy, but my scope isn't until August which is typical for our Canadian healthcare system.

He is putting me back on a PPI and wants me to avoid alcohol, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, and fatty meals.

I feel better now that a Gastro has looked at me, but I still have to get my blood work done, and you know how the mind is thinking something is wrong, but he did say he didn't think it was anything ominous, but I am concerned that he is focussing that it has something to do with muscles and not my gallbladder or liver, but I guess I have to trust the expert here right?

[eshu55]

Hey, good luck! I have had similar symptoms for about 5 months now; it seems to be food/anxiety/stress/muscle related (gets worse after long drives and flying). I haven't had tests other than full bloods (with liver function etc) which were all normal. Mine is a sort of stabbing/stitch/gas pain just under right ribs sort of in the middle between the midline and flank, and sometimes in the equivalent place in the back. It is not particularly bad, and seems to go away overnight, is definitely related to gas and is relieved by antacids; and is also worse with fatty/salty food and alcohol. I made the mistake of Googling last night, but my search didn't come up with too many horrible causes (as don't have any other symptoms) and it mostly came up with gallbladder problems (I am in the prime risk for gallbladder issues - female over 50). My doctor wasn't concerned last time I saw her because the bloodwork was all normal, and I have no other symptoms pointing to more serious issues (no fatigue, weight loss, jaundice etc). She said it was likely anxiety, muscular and side effects from Zoloft. I'm trying hard to believe her!

A question, have you recently been or are on SSRIs? Mine only started when I went back on Zoloft/Eleva; but has persisted about 6 weeks after stopping. Recently I tried to volunteer for an IBS study, and they wouldn't accept anyone who had been on SSRIs less than 3 months ago. (I know yours has been for longer than that, but I think maybe SSRIs can stuff up the digestive system for ages...and they have been linked to increased ulcer formation).

[Liddy1993]

Trust the experts! Be super proud of yourself for going that must’ve been tough, positive thoughts now you know there’s nothing wrong and you are in the hands of experts. Well done again x

[Dave_Lister]

Eshu.....Its funny you mentioned the SSRIs because I feel like this all started when I went on Prozac. I am off them now though.


Liddy..... Thanks, it is scary, and I still do question the DR's diagnosis because I have a constant dull pain in the upper right quad, but he believes it is a muscle issue so he has sent me to physio for it, but he has also put me on a PPI as well as he believes it is a diet issue too.