Pain in upper right abdomen - Update

LexiT88 · July 2014

I feel like I've been posting a lot today... Any ladies having pain in a specific spot? I have been having pain in my upper right abdomen for about 2-3 months now. I complain about it every time I see my ob and he continues to tell me it's just a muscle strain. I was worried it may be appendix related but everything I've read says that's a short term pain before bursting. The pain is always in the same spot and it is stabbing. I get it on and off daily. Definitely not baby related as she doesn't kick me in that spot very often. Any feedback is appreciated. Sorry for spelling, on mobile.

Update:

I finally heard back from my doctors office this morning. They had me go in to check my weight/blood pressure/urine. Blood pressure looked good 128/84 (even though it's usually way lower like 90/60 range), but I've gained 5 lbs since my last appointment which was last Thursday...really weird since my appetite has gone down recently and I am not even eating 3 meals a day most days (just snacking here and there).

My doctor wasn't in but I did mention to the nurse that I had gained a substantial amount of weight and she didn't seem concerned. Anyway since I had eaten before she called, they were not able to schedule an US for me until later this afternoon so I have a gallbladder US scheduled for 2:45 today. I will let ladies know what happens from then. Thanks for all of your continuous support!

BrightMoon1 · July 2014

Your appendix would be in your lower right quadrant. What your describing sounds exactly like gall bladder trouble. Gall bladder pain is in your upper right quadrant, and can often feel like it's in/under your ribs. I'm surprised your doctor didn't mention that possibility.

Dcstern13 · July 2014

I've had the same sort of pain-- pretty constant now--- for the last month or so. Feels like it's right underneath my right rib-- towards my back, sharp and stabbing--- lasts for 30mins to a couple of hours. My Dr. gave same response as yours. Heat has helped, especially baths. I'd keep mentioning it to Dr. though --- as it persists.

bumpuser10199668 · July 2014

Also, I learned that you can never say something is "definitely not" baby related. Just because she isn't kicking you there doesn't mean she isn't pressing on a nerve or something.

herecomesthesun086 · July 2014

I spoke with my OB the other day regarding a different issue I was having. (Nausea since I haven't had any until now and diarrhea) ... And I guess it is common for pregnant women to have issues with their gallbladder... Can also cause referred shoulder pain... I'd ask your OB what he thinks.

lbonga1 · July 2014

I was having upper right quadrant pain a few weeks ago, and my OB told me if it didn't get better to go to L/D. After a few hours I did. Turns out LO was jamming her feet up under my ribs, but they also checked my liver and gallbladder just in case. It was good that I went too because I started having contractions that were getting stronger and more consistent. I've been having them every day since then, so my OB is keeping a closer watch.

amom2four · July 2014

Definitely sounds gallbladder-esque. Upper right kinda under the ribs, sometimes radiates to shoulder and even the back and feels a little like terrible heart burn or even a heart attack. I heard muscle strain and need to get a good fitting bra from pcp. Go to urgent care next time you have the pain happening so they can see and get them to order an ultrasound right then. That's the only way mine was diagnosed because docs always miss gallbladder symptoms. Hope you get it figured out soon. It kinda sucks.

bethybeach · July 2014

I have pain in that spot usually by the end of the day, almost everyday. Very uncomfortable but not horrible.

Honestly I did my best to increase my water intake and it hasn't been as bad. Make sure you are getting your water.

itsagalsworls1024 · July 2014

Upper right could be gallbladder related. I've been in L&D twice thanks to gallstones. Next time you have the pain id go to urgent care. I've been airing on the side of caution better safe and get it checked.

LexiT88 · July 2014

bethybeach said:

I have pain in that spot usually by the end of the day, almost everyday. Very uncomfortable but not horrible.
Honestly I did my best to increase my water intake and it hasn't been as bad. Make sure you are getting your water.

I wish that was the problem...I drink 1 caffeine beverage a day and water the rest of the day (and I drink a lot). It is on and off all day everyday for the past couple of months, but it is worst at night like yours. It's weird because it isn't brought on by anything and I get it even when I'm lying down. I did call my OB and left a message with the nurse so we'll see what he says. :-\

Thanks for all of the feedback ladies!

tatorhead328 · July 2014

Ugh, reading through this thread just reminded me of how freaking terrible gallbladder attacks were. Worst pain I've ever experienced in my life, and it was also terrifying because I had no idea what was happening to me or if it would ever stop. Doctors were pretty unhelpful about it, until my mom asked them if it could be gallbladder related. Then they did an U/S, figured out it was, and had me in surgery all in the same day.

JD83 · July 2014

I've had this same issue off and on for over a year, so I never even mentioned it to the OB. When I saw the GP, I described it as "a fist-sized gas bubble crammed up under my ribs between the right shoulder blade and spine, with stabbing pain radiating down and around the ribs to the front." He ordered an u/s on my gallbladder and was the first to mention that pregnant women are more susceptible to gallbladder disease for some reason. We shall see what the u/s shows.Try also keeping a food log as some things can make it worse. Super greasy meals tend to set off gallbladder problems, excessive dairy is what does it for me (Pizza? fine. Glass of milk? Epic pain). No matter what sets it off for you, make sure to mention it to the doc, definitely not your appendix though. Hope you get it figured out!!

LexiT88 · July 2014

tatorhead328 said:

Ugh, reading through this thread just reminded me of how freaking terrible gallbladder attacks were. Worst pain I've ever experienced in my life, and it was also terrifying because I had no idea what was happening to me or if it would ever stop. Doctors were pretty unhelpful about it, until my mom asked them if it could be gallbladder related. Then they did an U/S, figured out it was, and had me in surgery all in the same day.

I've been really hoping it was just pregnancy aches and pains, but it really has gotten to the point where it takes my breath away and I cannot move. The pain is always in the same spot and definitely radiates into my back as well. Hopefully my OB doctor will be helpful, otherwise I may call in to go see my PCP.

LexiT88 · July 2014

JD83 said:

I've had this same issue off and on for over a year, so I never even mentioned it to the OB. When I saw the GP, I described it as "a fist-sized gas bubble crammed up under my ribs between the right shoulder blade and spine, with stabbing pain radiating down and around the ribs to the front." He ordered an u/s on my gallbladder and was the first to mention that pregnant women are more susceptible to gallbladder disease for some reason. We shall see what the u/s shows.Try also keeping a food log as some things can make it worse. Super greasy meals tend to set off gallbladder problems, excessive dairy is what does it for me (Pizza? fine. Glass of milk? Epic pain). No matter what sets it off for you, make sure to mention it to the doc, definitely not your appendix though. Hope you get it figured out!!

I definitely had milk and cookies for a snack yesterday, pain was unbearable last night...what do they do to treat gallbladder disease if you are pregnant?

amom2four · July 2014

Diet modification until after delivery and then they will surgically remove your gallbladder. I had mine out at 5mos pp and a friend had hers out 6wks pp. I hope it gets figured out fast, I known how miserable it is.

LexiT88 · July 2014

Thanks @mom2four97355 for the information. I will keep you all posted and let you know what OB says this afternoon. Gallbladders don't burst like appendix though right? I know nothing about any of this.

JD83 · July 2014

Yes, what Mom2four said. If it were a really serious emergency, they'd remove it during pregnancy, but that would be a last resort. And no, they don't burst, they just hurt.

tatorhead328 · July 2014

After you get it out, life is so much better so there's something to look forward to! I used to go to bed every night almost in tears, knowing that the pain would wake me up in a couple of hours. Hope everything goes well for you!

LexiT88 · July 2014

Aw thank you so much ladies! Just trying to make it through the day and stay sane!

amom2four · July 2014

Very rarely will they burst. Not like appendix. It's usually stones blocking the bile duct and the pain is from spasms of trying to move the stones to get the bile to pass. Mine was giving me issues for about 10 years before I realized what it was (started during pregnancy) never burst and actually went a couple years without issues. Surgery is scary but it's so worth it to get rid of the pain!

You can usually cut out oily/fatty foods and manage pretty well so that the body doesn't need to produce extra bile to break the fats down.

jessicainkentucky · July 2014

I have had this (or at least similar) pain since 15 weeks. It has progressively gotten worse, being as it started as a throbbing and sometimes stabbing pain every now and then, usually after long bouts of activity, to constant pain that has kept me from wearing a bra and will radiate through to my back. Now I'm dealing with burning, nerve pain on top of my skin in addition to previous symptoms. I have had an ultrasound to check my gallbladder, liver, pancreas and appendix. Unless it's a functioning gallbladder issue (which can't be detected by ultrasound), everything checked out fine. I am still following a low-fat diet (as much as I possibly can) and keeping my fluid intake as high as possible. I have also tried to go to the chiropractor who let me know that I had a few ribs that had moved out of place and were stuck. Light adjustments helped the pain ease in my back however the pain under my right breast in my ribs is still there, continuing to worsen. My OB believes that it may be a pinched nerve(s) in my back however we can't do much about it until after I deliver LO.

Laying back with an ice pack under my breast has helped me. Also, recently I have been using lidocaine patches to ease most of the pain as it is fairly intense at times- when it keeps me from being able to sleep or have to be away from the house for a lengthy period of time and have to wear a bra. I try to use them sparingly though because it is a Category B drug. My OB however does not have any concern with me using them or the ointment (obviously as she prescribed them).

Hope you are able to find some relief. Especially since you aren't sure yet if it is something more serious. I know it's been a rough road for me with the pain but it'll all be worth it in the end. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

LexiT88 · July 2014

Update posted.

tatorhead328 · July 2014

Good luck! Hope it's an easy fix!!

LexiT88 · July 2014

Well since I have gained quite a bit of weight over a week, I googled and am now concerned I may have preeclampsia (google is never my friend). I have quite a few of the symptoms that were listed. If nothing shows on the US for my gallbladder, I may ask my OB if it could possibly be PreE/HELLP. My grandmother did have PreE with her first pregnancy and the baby did not survive. Needless to say I am a nervous wreck right now. Will keep you ladies posted.

Not trying to make you ladies worry, hopefully I am being paranoid.

LexiT88 · July 2014

@theempireneedsyou have not heard back yet...hoping no news is good news atm. Not having the best day though which I'm sure is not helping anything. Just posted about it.

itsagalsworls1024 · July 2014

The thing that kept me most sane during the pain was knowing that the stones weren't affecting LO he was absolutely fine. If it does come back as gallbladder issues as PPs said they will change up your diet. I am on an extreme low daw diet and an rx that I can never remember the name of. Hoping you get results back soon and that everything is ok!

LexiT88 · July 2014

Just wanted to let you ladies know, I found out my US came back clear, nothing abnormal. Dr. still thinks it is muscular related pain. My next appt is on Thursday so I'm sure I'll be complaining about it again. Thanks for all of your support!

bainidhedub · July 2014

That's great news! Hope they can suggest something to help with the pain.

BrightMoon1 · July 2014

So glad to hear the US came back normal! Take care and hope the pain goes away soon.

bumpuser10199668 · July 2014

Glad it came back normal, although I know it is frustrating to not have answers. Also, I'm big on reminding the doctors that 'normal' isn't necessarily normal for YOU. I have low BP normally, so a jump to high-normal would concern me.

LexiT88 · July 2014

@CarmAlarm I am the same way, my BP is usually super low, so what looks like a regular BP measurement is actually high for me sometimes. I have an appointment tomorrow am and definitely plan on discussing it further.

MrsLaLaBug · July 2014

FX for a good gallbladder U/S!!

conradraging · July 2014

Good luck tomorrow! I hope you figure this all out.

jessicainkentucky · July 2014

LexiT88 said:

@theempireneedsyou have not heard back yet...hoping no news is good news atm. Not having the best day though which I'm sure is not helping anything. Just posted about it.

Hear anything yet, Lexi? My OB was also concerned it may have been Pre-E, which she had me do a 24 hour urine sample for. Results came back normal, thank goodness. Over the past couple weeks, baby moved head down and that has provided SO much relief. I am starting to think it was all just my ribs being stretched too far and pinching some nerves as the burning skin feeling has not gone away at all.

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