right shoulder blade pain that gets worse after eating
Has anyone experienced severe right shoulder blade pain that gets worse after eating, along with digestive symptoms? We are desperate for answers.
My wife is 57, extremely fit, healthy, and athletic. About two weeks ago, she developed pain in her right shoulder blade seemingly out of nowhere. We initially assumed it was a pickleball injury, but then digestive symptoms started appearing.
Our first trip to the ER happened when she developed chest tightness. They suspected a muscular issue and sent her home with medication. Since then, she has tried muscle relaxers, Prilosec, gas medications, and Tylenol. Absolutely nothing has touched the pain.
Last Monday night, the pain became so severe she could barely stand, so we returned to the ER. They performed a gallbladder workup and suggested she might be developing an ulcer.
Nothing improved.
Wednesday, we saw another doctor who thought it was indigestion. Thursday, we submitted stool samples. Friday, we saw yet another doctor who was concerned enough to send us straight back to the ER.
They performed a CT scan with contrast, additional blood work, and more testing. Everything came back normal.
Meanwhile, she is still in excruciating pain.
Here is what makes this so confusing:
- The pain is primarily in her right shoulder blade and upper back.
- Eating seems to trigger or significantly worsen the pain, even with small amounts of food.
- She burps constantly.
- The pain can become absolutely unbearable.
- Muscle relaxers, stomach medications, and even pain medications given in the ER have provided little to no relief.
- Her blood work, CT scan, and initial gallbladder testing have all been reassuring.
Today, she finally took a Norco because she simply couldn't tolerate the pain anymore.
She is now afraid to eat because eating makes the shoulder pain so much worse.
We have been to multiple doctors and emergency rooms, and we still have no answers.
Has anyone experienced anything like this, especially severe right shoulder blade pain triggered by eating?
We are wondering about gallbladder dysfunction that doesn't show up on standard imaging, digestive issues causing referred pain, or something else entirely.
If you've experienced something similar, what was your eventual diagnosis? What testing finally gave you answers?
We are exhausted, worried, and just want her to get some relief.