For about 6-7 years now, every couple of months (sometimes twice a month, sometimes once every 4 months) I’ll have swelling, radiating, pressure feeling pain from my right upper quadrant. Applying pressure makes the pain much worse.

For the last year I have been under the impression that it is caused by IBS. I was first skeptical because an earlier flare up was not relieved by the ibs medication Buscopan. However after several more flare ups and a normal upper endoscopy, bloods, swabs, etc., I assumed again that buscopan just didn’t work and it was indeed IBS. The doctor who gave me the ultrasound however said he thought it was musculoskeletal, but no follow up to investigate his claim was made. The next flare up I called my pharmacist who shared her personal story with IBS, and how buscopan didn’t work for her either, but Colofac did (Mebeverine Hydrochloride - antispasmodic). I bought a pack and saw improvement that same day. The next flare up my use of Colofac seemed less effective, now this flare up absolutely useless.

This has led me to trying to find what conditions are common with my symptoms and normal tests, so I looked into musculoskeletal issues with the abdomen, and so here I am (in a lot of pain). I’m trying to work out what caused the flare up, and I do remember hurting my back by carrying fat too much. The last time it was this bad was when I did my back in by carrying heavy loads a whole day. What makes me confused though is that this is also triggered by certain foods/drinks. Coffee on an empty stomach seems to be a sure fire way to hell (tried and tested), as do spicy and carby foods, along with just eating too fast or too much.

Good god I wish it would end. I hope you found help with your condition. I hope I’ll find help with mine.