Gallbladder?

[fedupmum2023]

Hey everyone, i have been experiencing right sided shoulder pain and right side upper abdominal pain for a couple of weeks now, now upon googling it says gallbladder potentially but i was told by my doctor that i would be in agony with alot more symptoms if it was that.. i have also noticed my bowel habits have changed, i’m not someone who had ever gone to the toilet regularly anyway but drinking 4 litres of water a day, fruit every morning and vegetables, mainly broccoli every day, i seem to be passing less than the bare minimum and also i don’t seem to pass alot of wind either? My diet has change as i want to lose weight but im losing a steady 1-3lb a week, mainly 1lb so i’m at a loss.. i am going back to my GP today AGAIN for the 5th time in 4 months to try and get something sorted but wondered if anyone else had experienced anything like this before. Thanks

I'm not a doctor but I have had gall bladder pain and it doesn't sound like that tbh. A gall bladder attack is usually sudden onset intense burning pain, like acute heartburn, plus nausea and diahorrea. The attacks last for hours, like 8 hours plus and need codeine levels of pain relief, and as it gets worse tends to spread to the back and shoulders. It feels like your whole abdomen is burning.

I think you are right to go back to the GP. Emphasise the change in bowel habits and say you want this investigated - aren't we all encouraged to go to the doctor if this happens? Be a bit more insistent if you can.

My gall bladder pain was sudden too. So bad l was literally rolling around the floor screaming in pain. It was worse than labour as l had no idea what was happening. Then it stopped and didn't come again for a week or two. No issue with bowel movements. After two bouts GP sent me for an xray, saw the stones and l had it out straight away practically. Sounds like your doctor should investigate further at this stage.

@fedupmum2023 I have no idea about your symptoms I’m afraid OP. Just wanted to add, it doesn’t sound like my gallbladder pain. I think I have a pretty good pain threshold (39hour completely unmedicated induced birth which I found painful but not unbearable) and I actually passed out from one of my gallstone attacks 😅 Mine was right under my ribcage, radiating round my right side, up my back and into my shoulder blade. The pain just didn’t let up at all and as @LindorDoubleChoc said, usually lasted minimum 8+ hours. Pain relief didn’t touch mine at all. It’s a pain you just can’t get away from.
I will say though that I have a family member with gallbladder trouble and they just have “sludge” rather than gallstones and they describe their pain as much more mild.

Id definitely push for investigations from your GP. Ask for an ultrasound to confirm whether gallstones etc are present.

Gallbladder pain was agony for me. I thought j was having a heart attack.