Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen During Movement
30-year-old male. Currently taking propranolol at a dose of 10 mg and cholestyramine at 4 g daily. Underwent gallbladder removal surgery in March. Medical history includes chronic daily migraines, also known as status migrainosus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and conditions related to depression and anxiety. Diagnostic imaging included a CT scan with contrast and an abdominal ultrasound, revealing the gallbladder was filled with sludge prior to removal. Additionally, tests indicated fatty liver. The CT scan confirmed the presence of fatty liver and a slight enlargement, while the results from the FibroScan showed significant fat accumulation in the liver without any fibrosis present. Laboratory tests were largely normal, except for a calcium level of 10.3; liver enzymes were within normal limits, although there was a spike in ALT levels for three weeks post-surgery. Bilirubin levels were normal as well. Pancreatic function has also remained stable during initial evaluations. Alcohol use consists of approximately 20 drinks on weekends. Since the gallbladder surgery in March, I've experienced discomfort in my upper right abdomen, particularly in the area where the gallbladder previously was. This sensation intensifies with certain twisting or stretching movements and when bending forward. Additionally, I've been having unusual diarrhea, with stools appearing to have a higher fat content (notably floating), and there's an overall sense that my body is not functioning as it should. I'm open to providing any further details if necessary.
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 6:50:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing discomfort in your upper right abdomen after gallbladder removal, alongside digestive issues like unusual diarrhea. This can be concerning, but there are ways we can focus on improving your situation.
Key Points:
- Possible Causes: Post-surgical pain in the upper right abdomen and changes in bowel habits can be related to several factors, including bile salt diarrhea, post-cholecystectomy syndrome, or even tension in the abdominal muscles from movement.
- Lifestyle Changes: Addressing your diet and alcohol intake may help reduce symptoms associated with fat malabsorption and liver health.
Explanation:
After gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), some people experience abdominal discomfort and changes in digestion. The gallbladder's role is to store bile, which helps digest fats. Without it, bile continuously drips into the intestines, which can sometimes lead to excessive fat in the stool (steatorrhea) and abdominal discomfort when consuming fat-rich foods.
In your case, the elevated alcohol intake combined with fatty liver may be contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, anxiety and stress can impact digestion and exacerbate discomfort, especially in someone with a history of anxiety.
Next Steps:
-
Dietary Adjustments: Temporarily reduce your intake of fatty foods and alcohol. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help alleviate discomfort.
-
Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water, as it can aid digestion and help reduce stool consistency issues.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when discomfort occurs and any dietary triggers. This can help identify patterns and improve management.
-
Physical Activity: Engage in gentle physical activity such as walking or stretching to improve digestion and reduce discomfort. However, avoid movements that exacerbate your abdominal pain.
-
Stress Management: Explore stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or talking to a therapist, which may help alleviate your overall symptoms.
If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you notice other concerning signs like severe pain, blood in your stool, or significant changes in your weight, consider reaching out for further evaluation for targeted management options.
Related Questions
Shoulder Discomfort and Asymmetry: Seeking Insight
I'm a 22-year-old female, standing at 5'2" and weighing 115 pounds, with no noteworthy health issues in my past. My current medications include 90 mg of Cymbalta, 25 mg of Metoprolol, birth control pills, and vitamin D supplements. I've noticed that I tend to suffer from various injuries more often than most, although I won't delve into specifics. I lead a relatively active lifestyle, which could contribute to this, combined with my excessive flexibility that may lead to overextension during workouts. Recently, I underwent an X-ray of my back and was relieved to discover that scoliosis is not an issue for me, especially since it's affected my mother's and siblings' lives. However, I am perplexed as to why one of my shoulders appears markedly lower than the other. I consulted with a physiotherapist regarding my shoulder pain, and they mentioned that my shoulder is positioned incorrectly, although I'm uncertain what exactly that entails. They provided me with a series of exercises to follow. While the discomfort is manageable at the moment, I still experience occasional flare-ups. During these times, the sensation is akin to my shoulder feeling "saggy" or unsupported, and if I let it hang too long, the pain intensifies, making it necessary for me to support it on something like a table. I've scheduled another physiotherapy session, which also includes acupuncture for my facet joints, but that's not until several months from now. In the meantime, I can't help but wonder if the pain I'm experiencing might be contributing to the visible difference in my shoulder height. Does anyone else recognize these symptoms or have insights to share? Thank you for your help!
Concerns Raised After Radiology Report
A 36-year-old female, approximately 5'5" tall and weighing around 200 pounds, is currently prescribed sertraline, Wegovy, and vitamin D supplements. Recently, she began experiencing significant discomfort in her lower back, which was particularly severe upon waking but tended to ease somewhat as the day progressed. She also noticed some pain radiating to her hips, all without any preceding injury. Due to unavailability with her primary care physician, she consulted a nurse practitioner (NP) at the same practice. The NP recommended ice therapy and prescribed methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant. Despite the NP's belief that an X-ray would not alter her treatment approach, she agreed to proceed with the imaging. Upon reviewing the X-ray results, the NP indicated mild arthritis and suggested continuing the use of ice. However, upon exploring her medical chart further, she found the radiology report which identified some degenerative changes but was not discussed by the NP, leaving her uncertain about the implications. The report detailed: "The lumbar curvature is preserved, with a 2 mm retrolisthesis at L4 on L5. No defects are visible in the pars on the oblique views. The heights of the vertebral bodies remain normal. There is minimal narrowing of the disk space at L4-L5, accompanied by small endplate spurs, as well as minimal facet joint disease. The surrounding soft tissues appear normal." Given this information, she is now questioning whether these findings might worsen over time and whether it would be prudent to seek a consultation with an orthopedic specialist.
Navigating Complex Medical Challenges: A Call for Guidance
This post includes sensitive topics and is tagged NSFW. Currently, I find myself overwhelmed by an array of medical challenges that seem to confound even my healthcare providers. To say this past year has been tumultuous for my health is an understatement; it has truly been one of the most difficult periods of my life. At present, I rely heavily on a wheelchair and a cane for mobility. To summarize my medical history: I have experienced a staggering 24 kidney stones in my right kidney alone and one in the left, leading to two surgeries and the placement of two stents. I have also suffered from two transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Additionally, I was struck by a vehicle back in April while outside my own car. My history includes several anaphylactic responses, as well as a severe kidney infection resulting in sepsis earlier this year. Overall, I have been unable to experience a sense of physical wellbeing for more than a year now. Notably, I sometimes endure complete paralysis in my right leg when pain levels escalate; as an ER doctor explained, excessive pain can lead the brain to effectively disable a limb. My current diagnoses include: - Levoscoliosis - Significant bulging of the L4-5 disc - Degenerative disc disease - Chronic multilevel facet hypertrophy in the lumbar spine - Postoperative pain from an open hip surgery - Bilateral occipital neuralgia - Functional neurological disorder - Complex regional pain syndrome I have undergone the following surgical procedures: - Mastectomy in December 2023 - Total hysterectomy (including both ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix) in October 2023 - Repair for a hip tendon tear in November 2024 - Kidney stone extractions in January 2025 - Colonoscopy and endoscopy scheduled for May 2025 My current regimen of medications and supplements is as follows: - Toradol IM (15mg/ml, three times daily or oral 10mg three times daily) - Baclofen (oral 10mg three times a day) - Ipratropium (nasal spray twice daily) - Testosterone (0.6ml weekly) - Pepcid (20mg twice daily) - Lidocaine (4% applied to the back of my head three times a day) - Magnesium gummy (one nightly) In terms of substances consumed in the last year, I have tried cocaine five times and ketamine seven times. I am experiencing a range of symptoms regularly, including but not limited to: - Fluctuating fevers (often above 101°F) - Frequent chills - Daily hives on my arms (currently itchy as I write this) - Significant pain in my right kidney area (rated 7/10 every day) - Persistent pain from mid-back radiating to mid-right thigh (constantly between 6-9/10) - Neck pain during conversation or prolonged sitting/standing - Diarrhea upon each bowel movement - Unintentional weight loss of around 80 pounds over a two-month span - Episodes of fainting (at least three times a week) - Continuous weakness in my right leg - A recurrent headache since January 2021 (constant occipital neuralgia) - Daily upper back discomfort - Constant lack of appetite, though I force myself to eat - Often remaining awake for five consecutive days, recently treated with baclofen - Frequent kidney stones averaging 3-4 per month, with spikes (eight in January) - Continuous abdominal bloating - Occasional blood in stool (once daily) - Nighttime shoulder pain - Increased hair loss, particularly during recent weight loss Regarding allergies, all of which have surfaced through anaphylactic reactions unless stated otherwise, I am allergic to: - Cantaloupe - Honeydew melon - All nuts - Coconut - Ginger root - Mango - Pineapple - Daridexorant - Cipro (causing full-body hives) - Azithromycin - Sulfa drugs - MRI contrast The specialists I consult and their focus areas include: - Urologist for recurrent stones - Primary care provider for overall health management - Neurologist for addressing occipital neuralgia - Neurophysical therapist for functional neurological disorder and complex regional pain syndrome - Upcoming appointment with physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist - Allergist for allergy management - Gastroenterologist for gastrointestinal symptoms including blood in stool - Sleep specialist for sleep-related issues It is worth mentioning that my hip tendon tear and spinal disc problems are suspected to have originated from sexual activity in March 2024. In additional context: - I am fully vaccinated against various diseases. - I lack any psychiatric diagnoses, having been evaluated multiple times to rule out psychosomatic conditions. - Hormone replacement therapy has been verified as unrelated to my health issues. - I have contracted COVID-19 six times. - I have undergone numerous tests, including CTs, MRIs, blood work, and urinalyses, and have access to results if required. I can’t shake the feeling that something is fundamentally off with my health status. With so many intertwined issues, I find myself at a loss as to how best to proceed. Is there a specific path or area I should investigate further? Moreover, how can I effectively communicate with my primary care provider to express the severity of my back and leg conditions? I am currently unable to walk more than 20 feet or stand for more than five minutes. I feel disheartened and uncertain about how to move forward. Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Lingering Ankle Injury
I’m a 25-year-old woman, weighing around 140 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches. Back in late October 2024, I stumbled and lost my balance while navigating a short flight of stairs. In an attempt to regain my footing, my foot rolled forward, making a rather loud popping sound. After visiting the emergency room, I was reassured that there were no fractures; however, my ankle has been a source of ongoing discomfort. Every time I stand for more than a few minutes, it swells noticeably, and it often feels unstable, as if something is being pinched. I find myself hesitant to run or even to walk on uneven terrain due to this issue. I’m quite concerned about the possibility of needing surgical intervention; could there be a way to improve this condition through specific exercises? To manage the swelling during long periods of standing or working, I regularly use a compression sleeve. I’ve also tried an ankle brace, but I find them quite uncomfortable, as they can rub against my skin and are not easy to fit into shoes.
Bright Red Appearance of the Second Toe
I’ve noticed that the second toe on my left foot gets very red whenever I walk. I'm a 45-year-old woman, post-menopausal, currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy, but this issue began before I experienced menopause. It occurs during any season and regardless of the type of footwear I use, whether it’s flip-flops, athletic shoes, or boots. Could this indicate a circulation issue? Is it something I should worry about?