What is this discomfort on the right side of my body?!

Simple blood tests will show the doctor if this
may be a liver or gallbladder/biliary problem.

The doctor orders the following blood tests:
1) liver enzymes which will show if the liver
cells or the biliary cells have become damaged.
2) liver function tests will show if the liver cells
are able to perform some of the functions the
liver does as a whole.
3) liver viral tests will show if a virus has entered
the body and is using the liver cells to replicate
itself (like Hepatitis A,B,C)
4) liver cancer test known as alpha feto protein.

It only takes a couple vials for all these tests.

If the doctor suspects a liver/biliary problem from
the blood work done. Then he may order an
ultrasound or Ct scan. This is to look at the
area directly. If the liver cells are damaged,
the liver would start to enlarge in size.
They can see if there are any growths or
tumors, how the blood is flowing through the
organ, if there is infection or stones in the
gallbladder or obstruction/malformation/infection
of the bile ducts. These tests are just like having
an Xray taken, no pain. The only pain may be if
they use contrast, then you may have another needle
stick.

If this is a problem in this area, ask to be referred to
a specialist: gastroenterologist or hepatologist.

It is best to not let this go. If there is inflammation,
if caught early on, the problem can be reversed.
Once the liver cells may die off, then it becomes
more serious because scar tissue will form inside
the liver (liver cirrhosis).

Best wishes to you. Hope this information is
of some help.

caregiver to a liver transplant patient