Questions About Popping Sensation in Right Upper Quadrant After Gallbladder Removal
Hello everyone, I'm a 27-year-old female, standing at 5'4" and weighing around 180 lbs. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and experience some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, probably linked to my gallbladder surgery in 2020. Since then, I've not encountered any serious health issues. During a recent wellness check, my physician reported all is well – my comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count were normal, and my thyroid levels are stable. In 2023, I also had a clear colonoscopy. Currently, I take vitamin D supplements and 125 mcg of levothyroxine. Regarding my family background, my father underwent gallbladder removal at a young age and doctors later diagnosed him with an annular pancreas. In 2019, after experiencing significant pain, he found out he had extensive scarring near his bile ducts, leading to a Whipple procedure, which thankfully showed no signs of cancer. As for my lifestyle, I've remained quite active and recently eliminated alcohol for about a month. While I smoked occasionally in the past, I was never a habitual smoker. However, I was exposed to considerable second-hand smoke and burning trash when I lived off the grid during my childhood. Lately, I’ve been dealing with an unsettling sensation in my right upper quadrant. For several months, it’s felt like something is shifting or moving within that area, sometimes accompanied by a popping sensation, as if a structure is rolling over a ligament. My activities include jiu-jitsu, hot yoga, and weightlifting, and I can sometimes trigger this feeling by slouching and twisting to either side. I initially hesitated to mention this to my primary care physician because I had other matters to discuss and the sensations were not consistent at that time. Recently, while at hot yoga, we performed a forward bend posture, reaching my left hand to the ground and extending my right arm upwards. It was during this pose that I felt the most intense version of that shifting and popping sensation yet, leaving my right side sore for the last couple of days, especially when I cough or laugh. Given my gallbladder is no longer there, I can't help but be anxious about what might be causing this. My thoughts have drifted to worse-case scenarios, such as the possibility of a tumor or something akin to what my father went through with scar tissue (albeit he had an open cholecystectomy). I'm also considering the likelihood of a hernia, though I haven’t noticed any visible bulge in the area. Additionally, I have contemplated the idea that my surgical clips could somehow be catching on adjacent tissues. Could anyone provide insights into what might be occurring? I visited my doctor about four weeks ago, so I’m hesitant to return if this isn’t serious, but I find my anxiety escalating due to this new soreness and my concerns over a potential mass nearby.
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 9:01:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some discomfort in your right upper quadrant after gallbladder removal, accompanied by a popping sensation that intensifies with movement and specific activities. Given your medical history and current health status, it is understandable to have concerns about what might be causing these sensations.
Explanation of Potential Causes
-
Post-Surgical Changes: After gallbladder surgery, the body undergoes adjustments, and it's possible for sensations, including shifting or popping, to result from changes in internal structures or scar tissue.
-
Muscular or Ligament Strain: Engaging in activities like jiu-jitsu, hot yoga, and weightlifting can sometimes lead to muscle strain or ligament issues, especially if movements are deep or twisting. This can create sensations in the area you're experiencing discomfort.
-
Hernia: Though you haven't noticed a bulge, it's still worth considering a hernia, commonly known to occur in the abdominal region post-surgery.
-
Scar Tissue: Adhesions—bands of fibrous tissue that can develop after surgery—might cause sensations as they interact with surrounding tissues.
Next Steps
To address your concerns and manage the sensations in your right upper quadrant, consider these prioritized actions:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of when the sensations occur, their intensity, and any associated activities. Note any changes in your symptoms, such as increased pain or new sensations.
-
Adjust Activities: Given the triggering nature of some movements, try modifying your exercise regimen temporarily to see if avoiding certain activities (like deep twisting or forward bends) alters your symptoms.
-
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle core exercises and stretches that focus on improving flexibility without straining your abdominal area. Consider consulting a physical therapist for tailored recommendations.
-
Reduce Anxiety: Engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to help manage anxiety regarding your symptoms. Stress can exacerbate physical discomfort.
-
Follow-Up with Your Physician: Even if your last visit was recent, it’s important to discuss your new symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen. It's completely reasonable to seek clarity if your anxiety is increasing due to physical sensations.
It's good to hear that your recent health assessments have been normal, which is reassuring. However, communication with your healthcare provider regarding these new symptoms is essential to rule out any serious conditions. Your health journey is unique, and prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is vital.
Related Questions
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!