Stomach pain, took pepto bismol, alka seltzer, applied heating pad, removed gallbladder.  Recommendations?
Patient: I am having a weird pain in my stomach. I took some pepto bismal and drank an alka seltzer and applied a heating pad, bu nothing seems to help. I also feel kind of shaky. The pain I'm feeling is similar to how I felt when I used to have gallbladder attacks, before I had my gallbladder removed. The pain seems to lessen slightl when I stand. Doctor: Hi ! Good morning.I would like to know if you consume alcoholic beverages or not. If you do, then I Would suggest you to get an ultrasound done to know the state of pancreas, and also go for a serum amylase and serum lipase test to support the diagnosis. If doubt exists, you may have to go for a CT scan as well.With a history of gall stones in the past, I would also like to know if there is no fresh formation of stones/calculi in the common bile duct, which may give rise to such pain not getting relieved with medicines. This can also be diagnosed with the help of an abdominal ultrasound. If diagnoses, I would refer you to the emergency room of a hospital if the pain is severe enough to disrupt your daily activity. If the pain is mild, then I would refer you to a general surgeon/gastro enterological surgeon for further management.In the mean time, you can start with a proton pump inhibitor, a prokinetic drug, and a probiotic. In case the pain was due to hyper acidity, these drugs will give you relief. Also, I will advise you to stop consumption of alcohol and stop smoking if you do. Avoid spicy and fried food specially from outside.I hope this information will help you out. Thanks for using healthcare magic for your health query. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.