What causes lower right abdominal pain that's tender to the touch?

My gallbladder area *right side behind my rib cage* is very tender when I touch?

• I have a drs appt on the 23rd next wednesday, so a part of me just wants to wait and see if the pain gets worse. Typically only if I touch the right side rib cage its very tender, slow burning pain sensation comes and then goes away right after I release. Only about 3 times a day will I have a shooting pain sensation. I can sleep fine but if I toss on my right side aggressively I can feel the pain. I googled my symptoms and what came up is "inflamed gallbladder" I do not have a fever so I know if I do get one to go to the hospital. I just don't want to go there and have them say nothing is wrong and me waste a bunch of money since my insurance isn't that good. 5 days I have a drs appointment so from experience if anyone can tell me some advice? I know if the pain gets worse I will for sure drive to the ER but until then do you think i'll be okay waiting it out?

• Answer:

  Firstly, you cannot be sure that the pain is coming from your Gall Bladder as that is not the only Organ in the upper right quadrant (imagine it divided in 4) of your stomach. The Liver is also right next to the Gall Bladder, Intestines run all over the Stomach, and your right Kidney (you have 2) is located towards the back. Not to mention there is Tissue that may not be part of those Organs all over the area as well. In addition, sometimes Organs that may not be exactly there, just close-by, can produce swelling that would make it appear as though it is another Organ. A Physical Examination, Blood Tests, and maybe imaging from an MRI or X-Ray would be the only way to confirm what the problem is so I would not attempt to diagnose this unless your Symptoms were more clear. Go to the Hospital if your pain increases, or you suddenly develop other Symptoms. Check your Stool to see if it appears Black/Tarry, or if your Urine appears brown as those are Signs of Internal Bleeding. If you Vomit Blood (which looks like Coffee grinds), then that is a Sign of obvious Internal Bleeding as well. Any new Symptom is reason enough to go to the ER, otherwise you are about to be treated regardless.