Gallbladder Symptoms?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am 22 years old. I have had my appendix removed. For about 2 weeks now I have been experiencing sharp, shooting pain in the lower right hand side of my stomach. The pain usually occurs right after eating. The pain often shoots up through my lower stomach into the upper, middle of my back. This pain is usually accompanied by nausea and chills. I have also been feeling exhausted after eating and I often throw up my food even if it is a small meal. Sometimes it also feels like the bottom right hand side of my stomach is burning but not in the same region as "heartburn." I have been taking Nexium to help but it does absolutley nothing to stop the pain. Could this be my gallbladder?

Dear Julian: It is possible that you have stone within your gallbladder causing you to experience these symptoms. Other possibilities should also be ruled out including pancreatic disease, kidney disease or stomach condition such as an ulcer. An ultrasound can easily identify gall stones whereas a CT scan and other tests may needed to rule out the other conditions. You should see you family physician who will perform a thorough clinical examination adn evaluation.