QuestionI have been having pain in the upper right quadrant for the last week. The pain can be quite severe with sneezing and lifting. Even walking hurts. I suspected an incisional hernia from a previous gall bladder surgery and saw a nurse practitioner yesterday. She referred me for a CT today. It was with barium and IV contrast. The scan was done without the Valsalva and a results were negative. They are suggesting wearing a support belt for a week.
I am 46, female and not overweight. I'm fairly active and in good shape. There is also slight redness over the most tender spot and palpation is extremely painful. No fever.
I would appreciate any input on this. I'm trying to decided what to do next. Thanks!
AnswerThat is a pretty good test, but not perfect for diagnosing a hernia. There can be different levels of muscle injury.... a strain that will be painful, or a big strain that produces a hernia. Since the CT was normal, I think the reasonable choice is to wait and watch......
