Epigastric Pain

Hello @kaylabrooks326 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Your situation sounds so very difficult! Pain like you describe tends to take all of your energy and focus, doesn't it?

If you could share a bit more it might help to connect you with others who have had a similar problem. For example, you describe this pain as epigastric. Could you be a bit more specific such as near the ribs or just on one side or the other? Also, when the pain goes to your back what side does that occur on? Did the pain begin after eating a meal that was rich in fats or spicy?

Is the specialist you will see on Thursday a Gastroenterologist (GI) specialist?

Hi @kaylabrooks326 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I have been in your shoes and the hike is not fun! I woke up in 2007 with the worst pain I have ever felt.

"The mildest and most common symptom of gallbladder disease is intermittent pain called biliary colic. Typically, a patient experiences a steady gripping or gnawing pain in the upper right abdomen near the rib cage, which can be severe and can radiate to the upper back." --- Gallbladder Disease: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gallbladder-disease

Can you answer a couple of questions? Is the pain continuous or does it come and go? When they did the CT did they do it with or without contrast?

The pain is pretty constant, but it will ease up a little bit every once in a while. The CT was done with contrast!

The pain is occurring in the upper middle abdomen right under my ribs. The pain in my back is kinda all over but it is a little more on my right side. The pain just suddenly started. For dinner before the pain, I just had a plain sandwich with just ham and cheddar cheese. I do see a Gastroenterologist specialist. If it helps, I am 21 years old and have never had any problems like this before.

I certainly wish you the best at your appointment, @kaylabrooks326 .

Just wondering, has anyone in your family had a similar problem with either pain or gastric issues? Any constipation and/or nausea? Any known food allergies?

If you are comfortable doing so, will you post an update after your doctor's appointment?

Hi I don’t know if this is the right place to post this. I have GERD, asthma, and allergies. Lately I’ve had pain when swallowing, not terrible pain but it’s achy and heavy when swallowing. I’ve also noticed I get a squeezing feeling in my upper abdomen randomly throughout the day, maybe a few times during the day. I also can trigger this, very weirdly, by taking my right arm and behind it behind my back, almost if you were to scratch the middle of ur back. I’m on Omeprazole and take tums when needed. I haven’t had an endoscopy in 3 years.

Hi @cjfutrell, sorry to hear about your recent discomfort when swallowing. You definitely picked the right group to post to. As you can see, I did move your post to a discussion regarding epigastric pain so that you could connect with members like @kaylabrooks326 and @hopeful33250.

Here is some further information that you might be interested in reading. "Epigastric pain is felt in the upper abdomen, below the ribcage but above the ... difficulty breathing or swallowing; intense pressure or squeezing pain in the ..." -- Epigastric pain: Causes, treatment, and diagnosis: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320317

ABC of the upper gastrointestinal tract: Indigestion: When is it functional?: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1121753/

Where in your upper abdomen is it uncomfortable and squeezing?

Hello @cjfutrell

I read your post about the pain you are experiencing. You mentioned that you have a diagnosis of GERD and are taking a PPI medication currently. From that information, I'm assuming that you have had an upper endoscopy. Is that correct?

Since you are taking a PPI medication, are you following other guidelines to help with symptoms of GERD? I'm thinking of dietary recommendations, weight loss, sleeping with the head of your bed elevated, etc.? Those are all important considerations when you have GERD. Has this discomfort followed a heavy meal or a meal where there was a high-fat content?

If this is a relatively new symptom, I would certainly recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor to investigate the cause.

I certainly hope that you find the reason for this new problem. Will you post an update as you can?

update: I have gotten an ultrasound and met with the doctor. The ultrasound results came back normal. We still are not sure where my pain is coming from ):

Hello @kaylabrooks326

I am sorry to hear that you are still having pain and do not yet have a diagnosis or a treatment plan. I know how frustrating that can be. Has your doctor offered any other suggestions for you in finding a cause?