I'm wondering about this 17 mm stone in my gall bladder that I recently found out about. I'm not in any pain right now, even though it's pretty big. I'm 42 years old and a bit unsure about what to do. Should I get the surgery done right away, or is it okay to wait a year or so since I'm not feeling any discomfort at the moment? I understand surgery is necessary eventually, but I'm curious if there's any harm in waiting a bit given my current situation.

Dr Kareemulla Shaik

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 0+ Yrs

Consult Now

Based on your symptoms, it's possible that you're experiencing a combination of musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal issues. Here's a breakdown:

Possible Causes

1. Musculoskeletal issues: The discomfort in your left arm, shoulder joint pain, and wrist pain could be related to:
   • Poor posture
   • Muscle strain or overuse
   • Tendinitis or bursitis
2. Gastrointestinal issues: The left-side chest pain that comes and goes, accompanied by burping, might be related to:
   • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
   • Acid reflux
   • Stomach ulcers or inflammation
3. Other possibilities: Although less likely, given your previous heart checkup results, other potential causes could include:
   • Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone)
   • Precordial catch syndrome (a benign condition that causes chest pain)

Recommendations

1. Consult your doctor: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms.
2. Gastrointestinal evaluation: Your doctor may recommend:
   • Upper endoscopy
   • Barium swallow
   • Ambulatory acid probe test
3. Musculoskeletal evaluation: Your doctor may suggest:
   • Physical therapy
   • Stretching exercises
   • Pain management medication
4. Lifestyle changes: Consider:
   • Improving your posture
   • Avoiding heavy lifting or bending
   • Managing stress
   • Avoiding trigger foods that can exacerbate acid reflux

Answered 04/07/2025