Upper abdominal discomfort, pain radiating around sides, bruised feeling on deeper breathing. Treatment?
Patient: Hi, I ve been experiencing discomfort in my upper abdomen especially when I take a deeper breath. I already suffer from gall bladder problems but this feels slightly lower. The pain/discomfort is also radiating around my sides and slightly in my back, although not as sharp as the usual gallbladder pain. It s almost a bruised feeling upon taking a deeper breath. Doctor: Dear friend, welcome to HCM!  With a gall bladder problem, such constant pain on deep breathing could be due to a gall bladder pathology or others like early pancreatitis.  Especially if it is increasing with deep breathing, dull aching, constant pain, also going to the back,  we should look at the pancreas.  You will need a good physical exam and labs (like serum lipase, LFTs) and USG to elucidate the cause. Is there any nausea, fever, fast heart rate?  Please be guided by your doctor if there are positive clues.  Take care and please keep me informed of your progress.  Good Luck! I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily. Thank you!