Experiencing Severe Discomfort - What Are My Options?
Age: 35, Height: 5'2", Weight: 61 kg. I have been suffering from intense discomfort located beneath both of my ribs, particularly a sharp pain deep under my left rib cage. A significant medical event occurred on November 25 when I underwent gallbladder removal. This morning I experienced diarrhea, which has since improved after taking loperamide. However, about an hour ago, I was abruptly awakened by significant pain radiating under my ribs. Additionally, I've experienced minor nausea that hasn’t alleviated my symptoms. I took co-codamol roughly three hours ago for pain relief, but it has proven ineffective against the current level of pain I'm enduring. What might be causing these symptoms? I live in the UK and I'm hesitant to utilize emergency services unnecessarily. Yet, given that co-codamol hasn't alleviated my discomfort, and I have a demanding 12-hour shift ahead tomorrow, what steps should I take next?
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 11:00:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling concerned about your current symptoms, particularly after your recent gallbladder surgery. Your pain under the left rib cage, along with nausea and a prior episode of diarrhea, suggests that it could be related to several factors, including post-operative complications, digestive issues, or possibly other conditions like gastritis or pancreatitis.
Explanation
Since you've recently had your gallbladder removed, some discomfort can be normal as your body adjusts. However, sharp pain, especially if it's intense and persistent, should be taken seriously, particularly if it's radiating or accompanied by other symptoms like nausea. The fact that co-codamol hasn’t provided relief is also concerning, as it indicates that the pain may not simply be due to mild post-operative recovery.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close watch on your pain levels, any changes in nausea, or the development of new symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, or worsening diarrhea. Try to note when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any potential triggers.
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Try Non-Opioid Pain Relief: If you feel it’s safe and you aren't experiencing severe symptoms, consider taking an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen, if you have no contraindications to its use. This can sometimes provide better pain relief for abdominal discomfort.
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Dietary Considerations: Stick to a bland diet for the time being. Foods like toast, rice, or bananas can be easier on the stomach and might help if digestive issues are a part of your symptoms.
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Rest and Hydration: Ensure you stay well-hydrated, especially following diarrhea. Rest as much as possible today to prepare for your shift tomorrow.
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Evaluate Emergency Services: If at any point the pain significantly worsens, becomes unmanageable, or is accompanied by severe symptoms (like chest pain or fainting), do not hesitate to reach out to emergency services. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially given your recent surgery.
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Follow-Up: If your pain persists or does not improve, it’s important to follow up with a healthcare professional to assess your symptoms in more detail.
Remember, your health and comfort are important, and it's okay to seek help when feeling unwell. If you have any other questions or need clarification, feel free to ask.
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