What Causes Intermittent Upper Right Quadrant Pain?

Question : I am a 53 year old, post-menopausal, Caucasian women with upper right quadrant pain, comes and goes. I had only noticed it while sitting at my desk for extended periods. Currently, I weigh 186 and am 5'6" tall. I only have this pain when I'm heavier. I've experienced this several times over the course of the past 12 years. The first time this occurred, I was 5 months pregnant and had been bent over my sewing machine all day. Ultra sound then was clear. A few years ago, it was bothering me enough to see my doc. Ultrasound was normal. Started up again over the course of the last 5-6 months, so saw my doc. She ordered HIDA scan. Had the test 5 days ago. During the administration of CCK, I did have a gallbladder attack. Results of scan shows only "Patent cystic and common bile ducts. Normal gallbladder ejection fraction of 76%." Since the test 5 days ago, the pain has increased and acid stomach developed. I can function normally and have no yellowing skin or eyes. My doc's response was to refer me to a surgeon. I don't want to have my gallbladder removed. 1) Is there a way to heal the gallbladder absent surgery? 2) Is it possible that the pancreas or liver has an issue that is being reflected in the gallbladder? How would this be determined? 3) Is it possible that belly fat is secreting estrogen which is irritating the bladder? There's a study out of France that shows a small percentage of post-menopausal women on hormone therapy experience inflamed gallbladder. This would explain why I only experience this when I'm heavier and sitting down. But, again, I am in more pain since the HIDA scan. I'd say an almost constant 2 with surges up to a 4.

Dr. Chandrakant,

I have uploaded an anatomy picture with the area that bothers me marked in red. I also uploaded a copy of the HIDA scan report. I also have a copy of the test disc, but it would not upload. PLEASE NOTE: The report has an error. The test on disc shows "normal gallbladder ejection fraction of 76%" while the report is listed as "normal gallbladder ejection fraction o 78%". Obviously, the notes on the images themselves are the correct ones. So the gallbladder ejection fraction is actually 76%. I have contacted the lab and am expecting a corrected report.

There does not seem to be a correlation between the type of food that I eat and pain. Only that if I eat beyond a certain amount of food, I am uncomfortable within the half hour.. I had been experiencing pain in my back at my waist on the same side and was thinking it was my kidney. So, for the past 2 days, I have made a drink by mixing together 1/8 teaspoon baking soda and 2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar. Once the bubbling ceases, I add 32 ounces of water and drink within 30 minutes. I've had this cocktail once each day for the past 2 days. This afternoon, the pain has begun to subside. I haven't felt pain above a 1 for several hours now. The only tests conducted were blood tests to see if the pancreas was involved. I am picking up those results tomorrow but was told all was within normal limits, and the ultrasound 2 years ago that showed nothing abnormal.

Again, I do not want to have my gallbladder removed. The next steps I propose to take are a colon cleanse and a food elimination diet over the next 6 weeks to see if it is a food sensitivity causing issues. I also plan to lose 30 pounds to eliminate belly fat. If belly fat can secrete estrogen and estrogen can cause gallbladder inflammation in some post-menopausal women, I will eliminate that source of estrogen.

I would appreciate hearing your suggestions as to steps I can take to avoid having my gall bladder removed.

Sincerely,
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