On the weekend I woke up with a terribly sore back (around my rib cage) and really bad pain in the upper part of my stomach - not over to the right hand side but right in the middle, in the soft curve between the ribs. My pain pretty much stayed the same throughout the day. I vomited a couple of times but that night I started having excruciating pains in the middle upper of my stomach which made me violently throw up (like I never have before). And it felt like I had a belt wrapped around my ribs. This went on for about 2 hours and then I managed to get some sleep.
I woke up in the morning in pretty much no pain although my stomach was a little tender to touch.
I've been to the Dr and had blood tests and he's sent a referral for an ultrasound to look at my gallbladder. Today I have felt extremely nauseous with a foul taste in my mouth and diarrhoea on and off.
I get twinges of pain in the middle of my stomach every now and then but nothing like what I experienced in the weekend.
I've read that gallbladder issues usually hurt on the right hand side but mine was smack back in the middle.
Does this sound like it could be a gallbladder issue?
By the way, both my mum and my sister have had theirs removed.
Hi Kelly. Your pain sounds very similar to what I have. When I get an "attack" I get cramping like pain exactly in the middle of my stomach area 2/3 inches above the belly button with lasts for hours and does not allow me to stay straight! The next day I feel as if I didn't have anything. I don't throw up, however symptoms varies between person to person. I also occasionaly get the "sore ribs" feeling. The doctors plan to remove mine. I read that you are more susceptable to a bad gallbladder if one of your family members had one. In my case my fathers was removed too. Hope you get better!
Hi Kelly. I had pain in the upper middle too. No right side pain. Was nauseous for months. The pain would last about 2 days then I would have a couple of good days then it was back for a couple of days. Had a US and it showed gallstones and sludge. I wanted more proof that it was my gallbladder since at that time I was mostly having just bad nausea.( I was in denial) I waited a few months and the pain got worse and the Dr requested a hida scan. It showed my gallbladder was functioning at 4%. Then my food started to just sit at my upper stomach right under my breast bone and didn't digest. Because I was still in denial the Dr ordered a gastric test for gastropareisis. Test was negative. So after pain continued I finally saw,a surgeon and had it removed. That was 2 1/2 weeks ago. The pain and fullness is pretty much gone. Just feel like I'm getting over the stomach flu. But it's improving everyday. I'm sure my body just has to adjust. I waited 9 months practically stuck in bed like I had the flu. I hope you don't wait that long. My dad and brother both had theirs out. I just wanted to be sure. Loosing one of your organs is something you need to be sure that that is what is causing your problem.
Wishing you the best!
Hi Kelly,
What you had was a gallbladder attack. Each person has somewhat different symptoms because each person is different. While you're waiting to find out what's wrong, eat small low fat meals frequently, and stay away from acidic foods and caffine. Some people find that avoiding dairy and gluten also helps. Keep yourself hydrated with tea and water.
Best of luck to you. Please let me know how you get on!