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I have sharp pain left side of back and into shoulder blades and in flank about every 1-2 months. I sometimes have nausea in the morning. I take Zantac 2x/day. I also get full easily and burp a lot. Could this be gall bladder related? Or an ulcer?
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 54
Hello, welcome to Justanswer, I will try to assist you with your medical question, and any medical information you seek
Does anything make it better or worse?
Well actually, I just noticed today the pain got worse after I ate pizza
Okay, then this may be a sign of an ulcer
You may consider trying ompeprazole, which is stronger
the fact that pain is on left side, does this rule out gallbladder? I did use the above drug before I went to the dr. I had been eating tums nightly when I would get up to go to the bathroom. that is when he prescribed the zantac.
Yes, pain on the left side makes the gall bladder less likely
Ok, a friend of mine at work recently had the same symptoms as I have (except a stone was found when she had testing done). the surgeon told her left side pain with gallbladder disease isn't all that uncommon. I was just wondering what your opinion was on this.
It is possible, but I think what you have described is more likely to be an ulcer
What is the treatment for an ulcer. Are there test to diagnose an ulcer?
Drugs like omeprazole are used for treatment, a Urease breath test or endoscopy are used for diagnosis
That is OTC?
Yes, omeprazole is OTC
Ok, my husband takes Nexium. I took one of those today but it didn't help.
It usually takes 3-4 days of taking it to help
In addition to the Zantac
Should I stop the Zantac if I start the omeprazole?
If you take nexium or omeprazole, you don't need zantac
OK, thank you so much. Just out of curiosity, what is the difference between and ulcer and gallbladder symptoms ?
AN ulcer is in the stomach or duodenum, the gall bladder is a different organ
I understand that. My question is the difference in symptoms
The symptoms are often similar, but the gall bladder pain is usually on the right, and ulcers on the left or middle
Ok. thank you for the clarification. since i have pain/nausea so sporadically, i guess I will start the OTC medication and see if I have any more "attacks". You have been very helpful. I appreciate your time and advice. i will be sure to give you the "Excellent Service" rating.
Thank you, I'm glad I could help
Thanks again. Have a good weekend :)
You're welcome
Experience: U.S. Licensed Physician, general surgery and internal medicine experience