pain on liver side - #19590
I am worried about this weird nagging pain on my liver side. It started a few weeks ago, kinda just a dull ache, but now it’s getting worse. I mean, one minute I feel fine, and then the next, BAM, I get this stabbing sensation right under my ribs. I went to the doc, and they did some blood tests, ultrasounds, and stuff — but everything came back normal for the most part. They said it might be nothing serious but the pain on liver side keeps bothering me. I’ve been trying to connect it to anything I might be eating or drinking, but it’s hard to pin down. Sometimes I feel nauseous after eating, especially greasy foods, but then other times, I'm ok. I just can’t shake the feeling that this pain on liver side isn’t something I should ignore. Has anyone else dealt with pain on liver side like this? What did you find out? Is it normal to have this kinda pain? I’m overthinking it, I know, but I guess I'm looking for some insight or experience from others. I'm really scared of what it might mean, ya know? Any advice would help, thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Pain on the liver side can stem from various issues, and it’s good that you’ve already had certain tests done. Given your history of blood tests and ultrasounds returning normal, it could thankfully indicate that severe liver conditions are less likely. However, it’s crucial not to dismiss your symptoms as they persist. The nature of your pain, especially with the stabbing sensation and recent nausea following greasy meals, might suggest considering gallbladder-related issues, like gallstones or biliary colic, which sometimes present similarly and can mimic liver pain. Conditions affecting nearby structures or referred pain, like from the stomach or the intestines, could also be potential culprits.
One possible differential to look into could be functional disorders, including issues like irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal conditions that might not have structural abnormalities visible on imaging. Keeping a food diary is a strategy that might be helpful—it can help identify any foods, drinks, or particular patterns that exacerbate your symptoms. Note when the pain occurs, what you ate or drank beforehand, and any associated symptoms like nausea or changes in bowel movements.
Your description also touches on potentially experiencing increased pain on eating greasy foods. This character of pain might be indicative of the gallbladder or a similar digestive problem, so discussing these findings with your doctor could potentially lead to additional tests or an evaluation of recent results from a different angle.
While your concerns are valid, and it’s natural to be in tune with your body’s signals, it’s encouraging to hear that major red flags were ruled out so far. If the pain persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to seek a follow-up consultation with your physician or perhaps get a second opinion from a gastroenterologist who might offer further insights into these symptoms. In the meantime, focusing on a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and moderating fatty food intake could potentially ease the digestive workload, perhaps relieving some discomfort you’re experiencing.
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