My stomach pain was a 9. It lasted for about 45 minutes. I wasn't doubled over. It felt better to cross my arms in front with my hands wrapped around my belly in sort of a front-hug. The pressure helped or something...not quite sure. The pain radiated up through my back and shoulders as if someone was squeezing my shoulders together. My buddy brought me some Pepto-Bismol and Gas-X (too much info, I know...but it was a possibility). Eventually the pain subsided. But I had another attack at about 6 that night. Lasted for about 30 minutes.
Since then, I've had an almost constant gnawing pain in my gut, usually a 2. After I eat, it climbs to a 4, whether it's fatty food or not. Today after lunch, it went to a 6. If I remained seated, it was 6. If I stood up, it lessened a bit to a 5, as if stretching out helped.
From what I've heard and been told, it sounds like my gallbladder. Gas was obviously ruled out since it's lasted so long. I was scheduled for an appointment next Friday. When I called on Monday after the first attacks, I figured I'd wait a few weeks and see if it got better, worse, or what. I wanted to try to get a feel for what was going on. But with today's onset of pain as well as the constant minor pain that I've been dealing with for the past week and a half, I didn't want to wait anymore.
I went to the doctor and saw a resident who told me before I even got the first sentence out, "Well, that's not gallbladder pain. It's gallbladder pain when....blah blah blah." When I was researching this, I read that not all people experience the same symptoms. Yet for everything I said, he had an argument to refute it. I thought to myself, "Dude, I'm here to rule out gallbladder problems. But give me a chance to give you my full history first." So, when we were done going back and forth, I said, "Okay, if it's not cholelithiasis, what is it?" Well, he didn't know. Said it might be gas or gastritis. Mmmmkay. Yeah, well. I need an answer and a treatment.
So he leaves and goes to talk to the attending. Comes back a few minutes later with a totally different attitude. "We're going to send you for an ultrasound. The radiologist should be able to tell you if he sees stones or if the wall of your gallbladder is thickened." Okay, now we're talking. You can't just rule out something like this with a talk. If over-the-counter remedies don't work, you know it's something more serious. That's why the labels say, "If symptoms persist for longer than X number of days, see your physician." Liver enzymes, bilirubin level, scans...I know the drill.
Soooo...to make a long story short (sorry, guys, I rambled), I have an appointment for my ultrasound in the AM. Please say a little prayer for me. If the radiologist sees stones, I can deal with that. Treatable...possible surgery...no biggie. Gastritis...could be a bigger deal, but still treatable. Gas...okay, you guys can rib me up one end and down the other if that's it, but who really has it for TWO weeks???? If it's not one of those three, then I'm at a loss. Everyone I've talked to and everything I've read points to either stones or Beano time.
With the exception of allergies and an occasional flu bug or upset stomach (spicy Texas food!), I'm in good health, low maintenance, and very carefree. I know that this is sooo minor compared to what so many other people are going through. But it's stressing me nevertheless.
So could you guys say a quick one for me, please? Thanks!
I will be thinking of you. 
God Bless 
