Liver hemangioma / Digestive problems / Dizziness
Dear internist,
I am reaching out to you in hopes that you can guide me in a systematic way to help me and my doctors determine the causes of my symptoms. Of course, a solution would be greatly appreciated as well, but I see that as secondary for now.
I am male, 40 years old, 1.76m tall, slim, weigh 63kg, no alcohol, non-smoker, have comprehensive vaccination protection (including Hepatitis) due to travel.
My problems started 8 months ago:
Chills, dizziness, tremors, pressure under the right rib cage area and on the right side under the ribs, yellow stool, dark urine, a feeling as if adrenaline is constantly being released into the pit of my stomach (similar to the feeling when startled - but then the sensation subsides), at night I could only sleep with an elevated upper body, pressure on the chest in a supine position and feeling like the heart is out of rhythm or feeling nauseous in a prone position. Additionally, my gut constantly rumbles and I often have slightly elevated temperature (37.5°C), especially in the evenings, which is usually accompanied by fatigue and a hot head.
I also feel like my eyes often focus on 'nothing' (daydreaming) - even though I strongly fight against it. In the beginning, I also had the sensation of inhaling menthol: my lungs felt ethereal.
A CT scan with contrast revealed a 6cm liver hemangioma in liver segment VI. Ultrasound also found some gallbladder polyps, with the largest being 9mm. Blood tests were normal.
In the hope that a gallbladder obstruction was the cause of my condition and due to the suspicion of polyps, I had my gallbladder removed 4 months ago.
Surgical report:
"Intraoperatively, a gallbladder filled with several smaller concrements was observed. No evidence of gallbladder polyps was found. Mildly chronic-necrotizing cholecystitis as well as cholesteatosis of the gallbladder mucosa. Cystic duct with chronic-necrotizing inflammation in the detachment area."
The surgery relieved the pressure on the right side of my rib cage and my urine became lighter - so it was a partial success. I do not regret the surgery.
Remained symptoms:
- Pressure and slight pain on the right side, laterally and also on the back under the ribs (approx. 3rd rib from the bottom). The pain comes in waves and is not constantly present.
- Feeling as if I am on drugs (dizziness + vertigo), with the condition tending to worsen, and sometimes feeling fearful of fainting. (Squatting is enough to prevent this)
- Belching, bloating, and loud rumbling in the gut,
- When startled, the adrenaline sensation hurts severely... much stronger than normal
- Yellow stool
