Ongoing Discomfort in Upper Abdomen with Palpable Mass
Hello everyone, I’m a 26-year-old woman seeking some insight into a persistent issue. For the last couple of months, I have been experiencing repetitive discomfort just beneath my ribcage, near the upper part of my abdomen. Additionally, I’ve detected a small mass in that region, and the pain often spreads to my sides. I underwent medical imaging focusing on my kidneys and gallbladder, where a significant kidney stone was identified. The healthcare professionals attributed the discomfort to this discovery, which is why they did not conduct a specific examination of my stomach. However, the results returned normal overall. One peculiar aspect of my situation is that eating alleviates the pain temporarily, but it resurfaces approximately three hours later unless I consume more food. This pattern has remained consistent throughout. Has anyone gone through a similar experience or have any thoughts on what might be happening? I feel worn out and am just looking for guidance. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 4:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing discomfort and the challenges you're experiencing. It's clear that you're actively seeking to understand your symptoms and find relief.
Main Points:
- You have a palpable mass and ongoing discomfort in your upper abdomen.
- Eating brings temporary relief, but pain returns a few hours later.
- A significant kidney stone has been found, which might be contributing to your symptoms.
Explanation: Your symptoms—discomfort beneath the ribcage, the presence of a mass, and the pattern of pain related to eating—are concerning and can stem from various causes. Although the kidney stone may be a factor, the combination of your symptoms suggests there could be additional complications, potentially related to your digestive system. Conditions that could cause similar symptoms include gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even issues related to the pancreas or gallbladder, even though those were assessed previously. The food intake and temporary alleviation of pain further suggest a possible digestive element.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms—when they occur, their intensity, what you eat, and how you feel afterward. This information can provide valuable insights.
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Diet Adjustments: Consider whether specific foods might be worsening your discomfort. Focus on a bland diet (e.g., bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and observe if that helps. Avoid high-fat, spicy, or acidic foods, which may aggravate symptoms.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, which can support kidney function and may help with pain management.
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Physical Examination: Given that there is a palpable mass and persistent discomfort, it might be beneficial to follow up with a healthcare professional who can perform a thorough abdominal examination and possibly recommend further imaging or assessments specifically targeting your abdominal mass and digestive health.
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Assess for Other Symptoms: Monitor for any new symptoms like significant changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or severe pain episodes, which would warrant immediate attention.
It's understandable to feel worn out dealing with these symptoms. Remember that you’re taking positive steps by seeking information and tracking your health. If your symptoms worsen or you feel increasingly concerned, don't hesitate to reach out for more specific guidance. Take care!
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Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.