[48M] Experiencing sternum burning and radiating pain post-gallbladder removal

Patient Description

A 48-year-old male reports a persistent dull burning sensation in the sternum for 8 weeks following gallbladder removal surgery. The burning is not meal-related and radiates to the shoulders, arms, and back, with associated dull pain and tingling in the upper arms described as numbness. The patient also experiences a deep cough with greenish-yellow phlegm and a sour taste in the throat at night, ongoing for 4 weeks. There is a history of a heart stent placement 12 weeks ago. Current medications include Plavix, aspirin, Atorvastatin, and Pepcid. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

Postcholecystectomy Syndrome: This refers to the persistence of symptoms after gallbladder removal. The symptoms can include abdominal pain and indigestion. The sternum burning and the sour taste in your throat could be related to this condition.
- Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms. Medications to reduce stomach acid may be helpful. In some cases, further surgery may be necessary.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest. The sour taste in your throat is also a common symptom of GERD.
- Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, prescription medications or even surgery might be an option.
Musculoskeletal Pain: Pain in the sternum, shoulders, arms, and back could be due to musculoskeletal issues, possibly related to strain or injury during your gallbladder surgery.
- Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and pain relievers.

Please note that these are possible explanations for your symptoms, but only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform further tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
Try to identify any triggers for your symptoms and avoid them if possible.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

Severe chest pain or pressure, especially if it radiates to your arm, jaw, or back
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Sudden, severe headache
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Severe abdominal pain

Remember, this advice is intended to be helpful and informative, but it's not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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1 yr ago

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