Intense Right Abdominal Discomfort with No Diagnosis
Hello everyone, I'm a 30-year-old man. This past year has brought some ups and downs regarding my health, but one constant has been the issues with my digestive system. Just yesterday, I visited the emergency room due to a persistent, dull ache on the right side of my abdomen, specifically where my gallbladder is located. Taking a deep breath sends a jolt of pain through me. Since Saturday, my stomach has been uncomfortable, but in the last day, the pain has intensified and spread to my abdominal area. Every time I attempt to eat or even sip water, it feels as though my body is about to collapse from the pain. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life. While I haven't had a heart attack, I can only assume that the sensation is similar. The emergency room physician suspected a gallbladder issue; however, the ultrasound revealed no abnormalities. A subsequent CT scan also showed no significant findings. He referred me to a gastroenterologist, but mentioned that it would be quite unusual for my symptoms to indicate gastritis, especially with the shortness of breath and the intense pain when trying to breathe deeply. What are your thoughts, Reddit? Could this possibly involve an ulcer?
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 4:30:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a significant and concerning level of abdominal pain, especially given its intensity and the impact it has on your ability to eat or drink. It’s understandable to feel worried, especially after several tests showed no clear diagnosis yet.
Explanation:
Abdominal pain, especially in the area of the gallbladder, can arise from various issues. Even in the absence of visible abnormalities on imaging, pain can sometimes be due to conditions such as muscular strain, digestive issues like gastritis or ulcers, or even referred pain from other areas. Shortness of breath alongside abdominal pain can also cause concern, as it may indicate involvement of other systems like the lungs or heart.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Pain Diary: Track the pain's intensity, frequency, and what seems to trigger or alleviate it. This will be valuable information for your gastroenterologist.
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Dietary Adjustments: To reduce discomfort, consider a bland diet that is gentle on your stomach. Foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce are typically easier to digest. Avoid fried, spicy, and acidic foods until your symptoms improve.
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Hydration: Stay well-hydrated but sip fluids slowly, as large amounts at once might exacerbate the pain.
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Gentle Movement: Sometimes light movement (like walking) can help with digestion and may ease discomfort, but avoid any activities that worsen your pain.
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Follow Up with Your Gastroenterologist: Be sure to attend your appointment, and share your observations from your pain diary. They may consider further investigations, such as endoscopy, to evaluate for ulcers or other gastrointestinal issues.
If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe shortness of breath, high fever, or spreading pain, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. You're doing the right thing by monitoring your symptoms closely. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for more support as needed.
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