Resolved question:
Hello,
I have been having right side pain near the bottom of my ribs that is felt from the front around the side into my back. The pain intensifies if I continue to lay on my right side at night. The only way I seem to be able to get relief is if I flip to my left side. After a short while my right side begins to hurt again and I have to turn back to my right side. This pain wakes me up from my sleep and I end up switching sides repeatedly throughout the night to get relief. It is sharp in nature. Strong pain relievers do help. I feel this pain mildly during the day sometimes, but I feel it every night when I am sleeping. This has been going on for at least a couple of months. What could this be?
Thank you,
Jen
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.
This particular pain arising from the bottom of the ribs right side could be due to number of causes. This particular location has number structure like liver , gallbladder , the muscles, ribs and hence (unfortunately) a symptom based diagnosis is difficult.
However I would consider a Gall bladder infection (Cholecystitis ), a musculoskeletal pain and duodenal ulcer disease most likely cause . A infection in the gallbladder can cause this kind of symptoms and this location is very typical.
You should consider this as a warning signs and should not delay the treatment any further. I recommend a basic set of investigations :
1. Blood count - Routine
2.Liver function test
3. Ultrasound.
An ultrasound can make sure that the liver and gallbladder is alright. Without a confirmed diagnosis taking strong pain medication is tricky. It can worsen the condition it is an ulcer. Anyway you can safely take an OTC anti ulcer medication like Prilosec for 1 week (at night without food). It will take care of the ulcer component.
Please get the tests done in consult with your GP and do keep me posted
Feel free ask followups / clarifications
Thank you
Thank you for the information. I do take prilosec already. I have had duodenal ulcers before, but this pain feels different. I will follow up with my pcp.
Have a great week!
Well in that case Pain medications should be totally avoided as it increase the risk of duodenal ulcer bleed.
Wish you good health.
Thank you