Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass Forum - What tests diagnose stomach vs. gallbladder problems?

I have a discomfort in my left up under my rib cage. Sometimes it feels like a lump when I lay on that side. I have had this since I was in my early twenties, but recently it has been more pronounced and very irritating. I have been told that I have an irritable colon. I have a problem with constipation and have been told to take metamucil every morning. This seems to make matters worse. Somestimes when I eat, I get stomach cramps and diarrhea. I have had lots of different tests over the years and none of them seem to show anything wrong. I am at my wits end with this. I need to know what to do and where to go from here. The last time I went to the Dr. I was told that maybe my Gall Bladder wasn't working correctly. Should I go back and have him check it? Help!

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on April 12th, 2007

Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass, and Colon Disorders Answ

The best diagnostic procedure for examining the stomach is a gastroscopy. The gallbladder can be examined via an ultrasound scan and HIDA-scan. Ultrasound scan detect gallstones and the HIDA is used to evaluate the gallbladder’s function. In addition, a microbiological examination of the stool is necessary to exclude gastrointestinal infection. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder that can be diagnosed when all the other possible reasons (infections, tumors, peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia…) for such symptoms have been excluded.

DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.

This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc