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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Gall Stones
Question: I was prescribed a steriod (methylprednisolone) for pain in my right shoulder and pain in my right abdomen. The immediated care thought that it could possible be pluracy (sp?), However, I now think it is some kind of gallbladder problem. It initially took away the severe pain, but the third day in I am starting to feel the pain again. however not quite as severe. I also have soreness in my right lower back now. Should I not be taking a steriod if it is a gallbladder problem. Will it make it worse? I have a doctors appt. on monday, 5 days from now, when my health insurance will be back in place. Do I need to go in now to the doctor or will Monday be okay?
Brief Answer:
This seems to be gallstones symptoms indeed, steroids are not the best idea
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
You should not decide about quitting steroids without your doctors consult.
Its quite surprising idea of giving steroid for abdominal and shoulder pain. It would be understandable if the steroid were injected directly into the joint (shoulder), but its hard to guess what was the idea of giving it in tablets.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with steroids, but as this medicines can cause serious side effects, we try to use safer medicines first (like NSAIDs - nonsteroidal ainti-inflammatory drugs - Diclophenac for example; Sulfasalazin etc.).
Upper right abdominal pain along with back pain and even right shoulder pain is quite characteristic symptom of gallstones indeed. Nausea can be present as well as lack of appetite, bitter taste.
Steroids should not make gallstones worse, if there is no inflammation. But in case of inflammation, steroids, which do cause immune suppression, can cause lack of inflammation symptoms and delay immune system response to it. So in conclusion, it is not a good idea to take steroids if gallstones are possible.
If the pain stays the same for few days now, it is not very intense, no dark urine, no whitish stools, no fever, you can wait with it till Monday. In a meanwhile you should avoid any fatty foods, spicy foods, fried foods, coffee, alcohol. Boiled meat, rice, boiled vegetable, light soups should be your diet right now.
For pain relief you may try hot bath.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
This seems to be gallstones symptoms indeed, steroids are not the best idea
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
You should not decide about quitting steroids without your doctors consult.
Its quite surprising idea of giving steroid for abdominal and shoulder pain. It would be understandable if the steroid were injected directly into the joint (shoulder), but its hard to guess what was the idea of giving it in tablets.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with steroids, but as this medicines can cause serious side effects, we try to use safer medicines first (like NSAIDs - nonsteroidal ainti-inflammatory drugs - Diclophenac for example; Sulfasalazin etc.).
Upper right abdominal pain along with back pain and even right shoulder pain is quite characteristic symptom of gallstones indeed. Nausea can be present as well as lack of appetite, bitter taste.
Steroids should not make gallstones worse, if there is no inflammation. But in case of inflammation, steroids, which do cause immune suppression, can cause lack of inflammation symptoms and delay immune system response to it. So in conclusion, it is not a good idea to take steroids if gallstones are possible.
If the pain stays the same for few days now, it is not very intense, no dark urine, no whitish stools, no fever, you can wait with it till Monday. In a meanwhile you should avoid any fatty foods, spicy foods, fried foods, coffee, alcohol. Boiled meat, rice, boiled vegetable, light soups should be your diet right now.
For pain relief you may try hot bath.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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