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What Causes Severe Pain In Upper Right Abdomen And Shoulder?

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Posted on Fri, 25 Mar 2016
Twitter Fri, 25 Mar 2016 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 31 May 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : Male 49 years old, 6.3 tall 250 lb. I have had a sharp pain in my upper abdomen on the right side with a corresponding pain on the back. I have had it for at least 3 weeks. Seemed to get worse lately. Swollen abdomen on the right side checked by two doctors but they didn't seem concerned. Corresponding shoulder pain ( I have rotater calf issues ). Initially a pulmonary embolism was suspected. I did a CAT scan to the lungs and all was negative. Did blood work ( included ) have ALT 74 ( 13-61 normal range ) AST 43 ( 15-37 normal range ). I feel tired. Oxygen level around 96. Moderate drinker ( 2 beers per week or less ). No other symptoms or relevant medical history. Did Hepatitis panel ( Waiting for results ). I have a cardiologist appointment scheduled for Monday. I am mostly concerned about liver cancer. My paternal-uncle had it when he was 55 years old but he was an alcoholic. I had to push to convince the doctor to do an ultrasound to the liver and will have to wait 3 weeks because he doesn't see it being an urgent type of testing. What could be going on with me? My doctor has no clue. He even told me to try to do some massages.
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Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You have gallstones.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Upper right pain along with shoulder pain are very characteristic symptoms of gallstones. No doubt in that. Especially if the pain is somehow associated with food intake (especially fatty foods).
So abdominal ultrasound is the right test and should be done before all the test you have mentioned.
Try to force your doctor to make this test much quicker. Its not urgent, but if left alone, can become urgent.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5798 Questions

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What Causes Severe Pain In Upper Right Abdomen And Shoulder?

Brief Answer: You have gallstones. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Upper right pain along with shoulder pain are very characteristic symptoms of gallstones. No doubt in that. Especially if the pain is somehow associated with food intake (especially fatty foods). So abdominal ultrasound is the right test and should be done before all the test you have mentioned. Try to force your doctor to make this test much quicker. Its not urgent, but if left alone, can become urgent. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.