What is wrong with me? Should I try A&E?

[Milicentbystander72]

Since the end of August I'm been having trouble with my digestion - indigestion and loose bowel movements.
A few weeks into September I gad immense sudden chest and abdominal pain that spread into my back, made my arms go tingly and my skin cold and clammy. Symptoms subsided after about 20 mins. I thought I was having a heart attack. I had 2 ECG tests and all clear (thank god).
The GP took some blood tests to test for heart health, liver and pancreas etc (I think!). All tests were clear.
GP then sent for an ultra sound on my upper abdomen and I found that my gallbladder is full of gallstones. However they said they was no blockage, no infection etc. They said they won't refer me on for gallbladder removal unless I'm very ill and am passing stones regularly.

Since then I'm been having so much abdominal pain. I'm beginning to think I have two things going on. Everything I eat brings indigestion pain and loose stools or diarrhoea. I've been eating very little. Even when not eating I can feel 'churning' or pain. The pain changes around. Last and this morning it was in the lower right hand side of my tummy near my groin.

My GP has taken more bloods to check for infections and I've done 2 stool samples, I don't have an appt with the GP until 2 weeks time, however they said they'd ring soon if there was anything really serious shown up. This was Tuesday.

The thing is, I'm in constant pain sometimes low level and sometimes intense. The pain ranges from the upper right hand side of my abdomen and shoulder blades to all the way down into my lower abdomen and bowel. I feel hungry but can hardly eat anything.

I don't think I can stand anymore. I'm constantly worried about what this is, and I just want some relief. AIBU to consider A&E if it gets worse?

[GenevaMaybe]

A&E won’t be much help as you have already had tests. I would call your GP on Monday to chase for test results and ask for a consultation

[moreismore]

It does sound like gallstone pain-it can refer to the right shoulder. Unless you have a new symptom such as a raised temperature, shortness of breath, high heart rate etc I don’t think a and e is the right place. You could call 111 to access an on call GP over the weekend?

[sparklefarts]

Gallstones without a doubt. I was exact same pain and symptoms

[Milicentbystander72]

Thanks for replies.

I guess A&E is a bit drastic but I'm just so worried and desperate.
Did your gallstones interfere with your digestion and bowel movements? The GP thinks it's not connected. I'm just so confused. This whole thing just came on so suddenly (although I agree I've probably had gallstones for many years).

I just feel so weitched.

[Milicentbystander72]

*wretched.

[notanurse2017]

Sounds like gallstones to me too, Op. Commiserations, it's absolutely horrendous. Definitely chase your GP.

I found buscapan, slippery elm and peppermint oil capsules helped a bit with attacks. But only tramadol came anywhere near to getting rid of the pain.

[Milicentbystander72]

Thanks.

It's the never ending indigestion and loose bowel movements that's unnerving me the most. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat I'm uncomfortable. I think perhaps cheese makes it worse though.

I'm been eating like a bird which helps slightly but not much. I made myself a super healthy stew last week with veg and pulses and it made me feel ill and poo tomato coloured poo for days! (Sorry tmi)

[moreismore]

If a gallstone is blocking the bile duct it will prevent enough bile entering your digestive system. Bile is needed to breakdown fat so the fat is just ending up in your stool, hence diarrhoea. When you eat, your body still tries to release bile but it’s blocked by stones-hence the spasms and pain after eating.

[moreismore]

Bile is also what makes Poo brown so pale stool (or I guess coloured from whatever else you’ve eaten) not unusual

[Milicentbystander72]

Yes that makes sense. I'm confused though because the sonographer at the ultrasound said there were no blockages. I'm wondering if it was missed.

I'll have to chase the GP. I feel like she's put the gallstones to one dude and is looking for other causes now.

[Milicentbystander72]

*one side

[Ketomeato]

Gallstones hurts like mad, and if one gets stuck or ruptures your gallbladder, you MUST go to a&e! I ended up in a&e wirh excruciating pain and they took it out that day.

[Ketomeato]

Stones can move. Suddenly.

[Ifeelinclined]

I am having the exact same symptoms as you do. And I am absolutely miserable as well. I'm in the US, and am having an ultrasound on Monday. If it's gallstones, they will refer to a surgeon for removal though. I'm so sorry that you haven't gotten any answers.

[Ketomeato]

And eating fat will make things much worse. It was a suet pudding which finally did for me.

[OITNBfan]

My DH had terrible gallstones pain which landed him in A&E - he was in agony, and flushed and had the shoulder pain. His stones were on the move so was admitted and had a very strong course of antibiotics and a cholecystectomy was booked.

Whilst an inpatient, he had a v v low-fat diet until his surgery which helped with his gallstone pain flare.

Sorry you are going through this, I saw how agonising it can be. I hope you get some help.

[Span1elsRock]

I had cholecystitis (gallbladder infection) that landed me in hospital on a morphine drip and strong IV antibiotics for 5 days. Ever since, if I eat anything fatty like cheese I am in agony for ages and get terrible upset stomachs. Buscopan is the only thing that gives comfort.

[strawberry2017]

You need to keep going back to your Dostoevsky to tell them about the attacks, that's how you will get referred for it removing.
X

[gamerchick]

You need it out. Be a pest.

V v low fat diet for now and definitely no cheese!

[Sharptic]

It does sound like gallstones.
Dh had bilary colic (I think is the right name for it) for years, definitely triggered by fatty foods. Later on a gallstone blocking his bile duct. He was jaundiced and had really dark brownish urine. He was easily fixed though and completely better now.

[sakura06]

Gallstones are horrendous. Try to push your GP for a referral to have your gallbladder removed. It sounds like you really need the surgery! Also, avoid fatty foods, if possible.

[Milicentbystander72]

Yes! Won't be trying cheese again for a long time.

I feel like I've only had one 'attack'. I was so convinced that it would found that I had a blockage but the ultrasound said no. Mind you that was nearly 4 weeks ago 🤷🏻‍♀️

The indigestion is constant pretty much. The only thing I can eat fairly easily is low fat bio yogurt. Oh god. This is going to be hell isn't it?

I'm sorry so many of you have had it 🙁

[Milicentbystander72]

Also, I'm been confused by two different GP's telling me that having gallstones does not cause

Indigestion
Loose stools or diarrhoea
Heart burn

That must be blatantly wrong.

[Sharptic]

I'm no medical professional so please don't take my word, but loose stools could happen if the fat isn't broken down by the bile, the food will go straight through you.

If bile isn't getting to your duodenum from the gallbladder, there's a possibility of a blockage. DH felt no pain at all when his was blocked, just the other symptoms. DH also has acid indigestion, always has probably isn't connected to gallstones

Did the sonographer note any gallstones after your ur scan? They may have been harmlessly sat in your gallbladder at the time, which is common and no cause for concern unless over a certain size. But the scan is just a picture of that point in time, the gallstones could have moved which is the painful part as your bile duct will be contracting to push them out.

[Sharptic]

Sorry I can see form your OP , the scan did pick up gallstones. They could have been on the move since then.