Sharp pain with pressure in abdomen. Is this ULCER?

Resolved question:
Last Saturday evening I felt pressure in my right upper abdomen and upon putting pressure in the area had a very sharp pain. The tenderness is located between my rib cage and bellybutton almost in line with the last rib. It's sore over a slightly larger area but there is one spot, closer to the rib cage about the size of the tip of my finger that is excruciating if pressing on and afterwards almost feels as if I was hit in the stomach. Weird thing is it can only be easily found if I'm standing up and not flexing my abs. If laying down it's very hard to find and if I do find it, it's not as painful to touch. I do notice mild shoulder blade and chest pains after it's been pressed on. Other than that I just feels uncomfortable to sit for very long and get little pains here and there. I'm very exhausted and just feel unwell; this started on Friday. I have also noticed a change in bowel movements since Saturday. I have had cramping and have had loser than normal. Food seemed to irritate things starting Wednesday and I will get pressure in my stomach and a slight burning feeling now. On Wednesday afternoon I ate something spicy and had more pain in the abdomen and shoulder blades started to hurt. All symptoms have gotten worse every day little by little. I have seen my doctor who did blood work and an ultrasound. Those have come back good. They were thinking gallstones. Now they want to look into an Ulcer. Wondering if there are any other possibilities or tests I should ask for. I'm not sure an ulcer is the right direction and I'm afraid I'm going to take all these tests and just go in circles.\
I'm a 33 year old female. For the most part I'm an extremely healthy eater. 5'6" 120 lbs I have no other medical issues.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Gastroenterologist, Medical

Expert:  Dr. Ratnakar Kini replied 4 Days.

Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
Your symptoms are suggestive of gastritis ( pain in the epigastric area, getting referred to the shoulder blades ), mostly indicates an ulcer.
So, the assessment by your doctor is right.
As of now, since ultrasound is normal, you need to get an UGI scopy done to confirm the presence of the ulcer and assess the severity.
Also, you can start taking Cap. Omeprazole or Prilosec twice daily till the tests are done. Probiotic supplements will help with the bowel movements.
Please feel free to discuss further,
Regards.

Ask Your Own Medical Question >

Users who read this, also read: