Help! Severe pain!

[bradsgirl007 12]

This is the second time in the last week that this has happened. I start feeling pain directly below my sternum (and behind the lower portion of it). In a matter of one to two minutes, it becomes so severe that it is difficult to breath, I can't get comfortable, I start sweating, and the pain feels like it branches out (like tree limbs) from that area to my abdomen and to my back. It literally feels like someone has stabbed me and is pulling my insides out. There is pressure near the stomach and sternum and feels like my upper back is breaking. I know this sounds dramatic but I am 100% serious. The first time it happened (about a week ago) it went on for over 30 minutes before I had my husband go get some gas x, by the time he got back, I had taken a phenergan (anti-nausea) and a Vicodin I had left from my hand surgey. When he got back, about 30 minutes later, it ha started to ease up (or it could have been the above mentioned meds??). I went ahead and took two gas x and laid down. Tonight, I felt it coming on an in less than 5 minutes it was so severe I had to have him look for the gas x. About 10 minutes went by and the pain continued to get worse so I had him take me to the er, about half way there the pain started easing up so I made him turn around.

So, my conclusion is it is gas but from what??? I hadn't eaten in about 4 hours but I had just had a Protein Shake. I have two of these a day and never have a problem with them. I don't know if I had had a shake before the incident a week ago, but I do know that I hadn't eaten for at least an hour before, maybe longer.

If anyone knows what is going on or has ANY ideas, please let me know. I saw my surgeon last week for my 3 month post op and told him about it and he said it could be that I didn't chew my food well enough, but I didn't have a lot of details to give him and didn't think much about it.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

It could be a gall bladder attack. do you have your gall bladder?

A lot of people have to have their gall bladder out after WLS.

[bradsgirl007 12]

I still have my gallbladder. Would gas x help a gallbladder attack?

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

No, but in the beginning gall bladder attacks don't last very long until your gall bladder gets worse. then the pain will not let up.

[VSGKirk 855]

This happened to me a week ago Saturday and I spent a little time in the Urgent Care, getting IV pain meds and X-rays. Then an hour or two later - I was back to normal!

[petra1124 33]

Gallbladder pain is horrible, it feels like you are having a heart attack. I would go and have an ultrasound of your gallbladder just to be sure. Also, if you press down right under your ribs on the right side of your body, if it is tender then it is most likely gallbladder! I had mine removed 3 years ago and what you are describing sounds similar to what I went through. Horrible back and chest pain!! I thought I was having a heart attack! This is especially common in women around the age of 30 who have recently lost weight.

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,146]

Gall bladder pain hurt worse than labor. And it only got worse. I'd suggest seeing a doc for an ultrasound.

[SleeveNZ 219]

Its your gallbladder .... cant believe your doctor didnt pick that up at your 3 month check up from your symptoms!

[bradsgirl007 12]

Soooo....after having two more "attacks" I finally had my gallbladder out. Just thought I would update everyone. Thanks for all your input!

[Vixynne 695]

Glad you finally got your answers---I wish you a speedy recovery! (And no more scary pain attacks!)

[bradsgirl007 12]

Its your gallbladder .... cant believe your doctor didnt pick that up at your 3 month check up from your symptoms!

He did say that could be it, but at the time I had only had one attack. He did order an ultrasound and that was it. As soon as he got the results he said I needed to get it out. He's a really great doctor. It was just difficult because I moved out of state after that first attack. But he answered every email within minutes. He's pretty great.

[bradsgirl007 12]

Glad you finally got your answers---I wish you a speedy recovery! (And no more scary pain attacks!)

Thanks!!

[Nicolanz 1,484]

Same thing going on with me too! Currently on Vicodin. I have an ultrasound Friday. It's happened twice in a week!

[Nicolanz 1,484]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to have surgery but after doing research, it's not lookin good

[SleeveNZ 219]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to have surgery but after doing research' date=' it's not lookin good [/quote']

Im still hanging onto mine!! Hehe. I want to keep my buddy!