I was a heavy drinker until two weeks ago when I quit. Two days ago I started experiencing intense pain middle/right side of ribs that radiated to my back. I went to urgent care and had bloodwork and the only strange thing was high WBC. They diagnosed me with gastritus and gave me prilosec. I felt better upon waking this morning (before I even took the medicine) but after I ate a protien shake I felt slight discomfort again and started to have diarrhea. My PCP gave me an exam today and because I didn’t have sharp pain when she pushed on my organs she said to continue with the prilosec and stick to a liquid diet. I am very low energy and am sleeping constantly, not sure how I’ll manage a 10 hour day at work tomorrow. Any insight into this? Should I push for an ultrasound and more labs?
High WBC? With those symptoms that might be a blocked duct or pancreatitis. I would push for more labs. Did you have hepatic bloodwork with differential done?
if youd rather not wait there are many local places that do private US usually next day (£70-£90). Ultrasound Direct have facilities in most places. They are set up for pregnancy scans but most do mens upper ab scans too. Usually the sonogropher is an extremely experienced former / current NHS specialist.
I did that many times to see if there was a change in circumstance. Good thing about it they will discuss results with you immediately and send copy to your doc.
I found a place 20 minutes from my house that will do one for $190 so I’m going to ask my doc to refer me there. That cost would be worth it to me to know my guts are ok. 
I’m not exactly sure what bloodwork they ran according to that lingo but they took two vials. I’ll take a look at it again. Thanks for the comment.
Congratulations on quitting drinking! Yes, you should tell your Doctor that you want a Cat Scan of your stomach, looking at your gall bladder area as well, remembering that not all Doctors read radiology tests the same. If your Doctor does not find anything on this scan, take this scan to a GI Specialist. Sometimes we must hunt & shop for the right Doctor before we find answers. I’ve dealt with many Doctors over the years, and they are just like anything else in life . . . We must research, visit them, question them, and after working with them, we must decide if they are able to help us or not, and move on if not. Best wishes to you.
Thanks so much for this thoughtful reply.
Update: I insisted on an ultrasound (4 days after initial symptoms) and they found sludge in my gallbladder. Waiting to hear back from my doctor on the plan.
I had high WBC count and sudden prolonged RUQ pain after eating a cheesy pasta dish back in November, presumably high in saturated fats. Turned out to be acute cholecystitis - infection and inflammation of GB caused by presence of many small stones. Needed lots of anti-biotics to clear it up. From what I’ve read some alcohol consumption can actually prevent formation of gallstones, so I’m just wondering if suddenly stopping drinking may have been a factor in causing your symptoms? Sudden weight loss can also have the same effect. I’m definitely not saying go back to drinking, as you have done well to quit. I too hardly drink any alcohol now, and am trying to stick to a low fat diet. Lost over a stone in weight so far. Both help, if your GB is full of stuff that shouldn’t be in there. You got your US quick! Lots of waiting around on the NHS in UK…
Very interesting things to think about. I’m having surgery to get it taken out next Friday, from there on out hopefully everything will run smoothly! Take care.
You are very welcome. Warm wishes to you. From a Grandma who cares about others.
Best wishes & blessings on your upcoming gall bladder surgery. I had my surgery 3 years ago, and I’ve found something really helpful for when Eat dairy, fatty, spicy foods on occasion. The Company is called Wellness Resourses and they create their supplements in the best manufactured way so that the body actually absorbs them properly. I take various supps. that I order from them and they actually help & work. “Digestive helper” is the one I take for my non existent gall bladder complications when it flairs up or when I eat foods I should not be consuming, and it really does help. I also take their Vit D, Muscle Mag, Hyaluronic acid-(which is extremely better than all on the market), , Relax Mag, & others. If you order their catalog you can read about how exceptional their supplements are and they’ll fully explain why. Best wishes again.