Chest Pain?

[Dajones 46]

I need some advice. I had the sleeve surgery on October 10, 2014. I had all the required pre-surgery testing and everything came back fine. On January 6, 2015, I had a pain that started in my back, around my rib cage and radiated toward the front and centered in my chest. I felt nauseous as well and started sweating profusely. I was taken to the ER by ambulance and tests came back indicating no heart attack.

I've since had 3 more episodes (as I'm calling them), each several months apart. I went back to my surgeon for another follow-up and he sent me for a gallbladder ultrasound and a HIDA Scan. The ultrasound was fine but the HIDA Scan said my gallbladder was only "ejecting" 25% bile and 34% is ideal. I'm not willing to undergo another surgery and have it removed because I figure 25% is better than 0%!!

He also sent me for a full cardiac work up that included an ultrasound of the heart and a stress test. I passed both with flying colors. The cardiologist actually said he wished his results were as good as mine. So, my chest pains are not cardiac related.

Has anyone else experienced this type of pain and had results similar to mine? If yes, what have you done/would you do? I had another episode on Tuesday so they seem to be coming on a little more frequent. By the way, it's more of a discomfort rather than pain. I'm not hitting the floor doubled over in pain.

Any advice??

In advance, thanks!

[OKCPirate 5,323]

Did they check the gallbladder? Very close to same symptoms and pain as a heart attack. My mom had the same run-in, three trips to the ER before they figured it was gallstones. We are at increased risk, it was in the fine print.

Edited October 16, 2015 by OKCPirate

[liannatx 897]

Gosh, if they think it is Gallbladder... just have it taken out.

[pr_pitbullgrl 1,039]

listen to be quite honest - it's probably gas. people think it's like haha gas but no, it can feel like a heart attack and the "pain' moves around as you described. i'm literally having chest pains as we speak but i know it's gas cuz i've had gastritis for years. i too went to the ER pre-op thinking i was having a heart attack due to chest pains.

acid reflux and gas CAN feel like a heart attack. just a thought.

[Daisee68 2,493]

@@Dajones - Curious if you made any decisions on this. I have been having pain on my right side (which is sometimes up higher and sometimes lower and sometimes moves around to my back) off and on for months. CT scan and ultrasound were normal. Going for a HIDA scan tomorrow but GI dr says he doesn't think it is gallbladder but said it could just be adhesion or something from by bypass.

[TMG1980TMG 136]

I get a pain in chest if I eat a big bite, take a big drink or have a food that my pouch doesn't like- that pain is how I now I have to vomit usually--- once I get to the bathroom the food/liquid comes back up and my chest pain has resolved.

My pain is sharp almost burning feeling. It is uncomfortable but it is my body's way of saying that wasn't a good choice!

[Dajones 46]

I've had to learn my pains and what they mean. If I eat too quick or a bite too much, I get a pain at the very top of my chest, really at the top of my throat. I force myself to throw up a little and it's all mucus and I'm better. This other pain starts in my rib cage in my back area on both sides and radiates to the front and centers itself in my chest, between my breasts. I also feel nauseous and start sweating a bit. I haven't had an "episode" now for about 3 weeks so I'm not doing anything about it. I can handle one a month and it's not debilitating pain. It's uncomfortable, but I'm not lying on the floor doubled up in pain. I had one in church a couple of months ago and I just sat there until it wore off. The feeling lasts about 10-15 minutes.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what you've done.

[BamaNurse 16]

I am a little over 2 weeks post op and I have had pain right in the middle of my back. It lasts for several hours. Both times I have experienced the pain was right after eating some deli sliced turkey breast. My surgeon cleared me to eat what I can tolerate. Apparently, the turkey ain't working. It goes away after a while but I am miserable for several hours. I had myself convinced that I have a leak earlier today. But I'm not having any fever, abdominal pain or nausea. Just the chest pain.

[kemahaney 14]

I get them when I eat to much. They pulled my gall bladder out at the same time as the sleeve. Mine was full of stones.