Abdominal pain - could it be gallbladder? if not what?

[superdeeduper]

Needing advice from anyone who may have went through the same. I was diagnosed with IBS years ago but was never really convinced it was that as pain is always just under my sternum. Also no other IBS symptoms like urgency etc.

Anyway, was told to just go off and find out what caused the pain ie food etc. I am no further forward really and still suffering from intermittant abdominal pain. Tried to link it to food without much success although have found macaroni cheese sets it off!

Anyway, was admitted to A&E last week as pain became so bad. I thought I was going to pass out. I have been in labour 4 times and I could only compare it to that, the pain was so intense. It has never been this bad. Normally only lasts about half an hour then goes.

Lovely doc at A&E agreed about it not being IBS. Getting tested for the Helicobactor thingy but also mentioned that there is a history of gallbladder problems in family. He suggested I ask GP for an ultrasound. Failing these things, he thinks it is definitely something wrong with my stomach.

Got to wait on test results but would like any advice/suggestions as to what it might be. Pain also comes on when I am stressed (which I am just now) but realise stress can affect any disorders that might alreadly be there. Doc gave me Omeprazole to take also.

Any advice while I wait on results?

In that region it is more likely to be a stomach ulcer (caused by helicobacter) or your gall bladder. If it is the gallbadder fatty foods would make it worse.
Hope you get some answers soon.

I would agree with Clem as to stomach ulcer, the pain can be awful and stress will cause it to flare up, the pain can be quite central and can cause vomiting/ indigestion/reflux/diarrhoea.
Gall bladder pain can also occur in the back/shoulder.
Keep pushing GP as mine has decided all my probs are hormonal so I should go on the pill with out further checks Push for the tests and scans and blood tests until you get ans Could you ask to be sent to a gastro specialist?

Is it worse before or after you eat? Or does it make no difference. I have pain at the moment which I think is an ulcer - I'm about to ring the GP to make an appointment. Mine is worse when I'm hungry and wakes me up in the early hours and is relieved by eating. Gallbladder tends to flare after food I think? Especially fatty foods as clem says.

I've had some major intestinal issues in the past and this is definitely connecting with my upper digestion as opposed to lower.