lemoneko
05-09-2005, 02:58 AM
Hello,
I am posting this to help my boyfriend. For six weeks now, he has been in constant pain in his lower abdomen. There is never a time where the pain is completely gone, and at times its so severe that we've ended up at the ER but the doctors there won't do further tests or help him. Hhe says that it feels as though there is a meat grinder going through his insides at times when it's severe. He's lost close to 30 lbs now, is fatigued easily and has a minor fever at times. He hasn't worked for the six weeks either. There seems to be no pattern to the peaks in his pain.
He's on buscopan and that seemed to help for a while. But it's not doing anything anymore. Pain killers, antacids and sulcrate hasn't helped either. We've been given the runaround so many times that we're trying herbal remedies now. I've given him some sage tincture lately, but that doesn't seem to help.
He's been tested with blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, gastroscopy, and a barium GI and an ultrasound and everything has come back normal. The doctor he is seeing now says he's a "mystery" and seems to gave given up. When I mention that ultrasounds only show 95% of gallstones, or that IBS doesn't account for the weightless, he seems to avoid it. Whenever I mention that to any of the doctors we've seen, they seem to avoid it.
We're trying with the doctors again tomorrow, he's tempted to see a vet if they don't do anything proper. Talk about incompetent doctors, we seem to have all them here in SK.
We're starting to think it's Crohn's or Ulceritis, but he doesn't have diarrhoea. He has had minor constipation though. No blood in the stools, or mucus, he says. Does UC or CD always have diarrhoea as a symptom? Could someone out there please shed some light on our little problem here?
I'm also considering a parasite, like a tapeworm. Does anyone know any info about this senario?
Thank you muchly.
I am posting this to help my boyfriend. For six weeks now, he has been in constant pain in his lower abdomen. There is never a time where the pain is completely gone, and at times its so severe that we've ended up at the ER but the doctors there won't do further tests or help him. Hhe says that it feels as though there is a meat grinder going through his insides at times when it's severe. He's lost close to 30 lbs now, is fatigued easily and has a minor fever at times. He hasn't worked for the six weeks either. There seems to be no pattern to the peaks in his pain.
He's on buscopan and that seemed to help for a while. But it's not doing anything anymore. Pain killers, antacids and sulcrate hasn't helped either. We've been given the runaround so many times that we're trying herbal remedies now. I've given him some sage tincture lately, but that doesn't seem to help.
He's been tested with blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, gastroscopy, and a barium GI and an ultrasound and everything has come back normal. The doctor he is seeing now says he's a "mystery" and seems to gave given up. When I mention that ultrasounds only show 95% of gallstones, or that IBS doesn't account for the weightless, he seems to avoid it. Whenever I mention that to any of the doctors we've seen, they seem to avoid it.
We're trying with the doctors again tomorrow, he's tempted to see a vet if they don't do anything proper. Talk about incompetent doctors, we seem to have all them here in SK.
We're starting to think it's Crohn's or Ulceritis, but he doesn't have diarrhoea. He has had minor constipation though. No blood in the stools, or mucus, he says. Does UC or CD always have diarrhoea as a symptom? Could someone out there please shed some light on our little problem here?
I'm also considering a parasite, like a tapeworm. Does anyone know any info about this senario?
Thank you muchly.
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michaelfloyd
05-09-2005, 03:33 AM
Has he had a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy? Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy are the tests done to diagnose those diseases. If he hasn't had either of those then I would recommend that.
chigs489
05-09-2005, 11:16 AM
from what I've seen and read, inflammatory bowel disease (UC or Crohn's) almost always involves major diarrhea, sometimes bloody, but there are rare cases when it doesn't. The other major symptom is stabbing abdominal pain, which obviously applies here. Weight loss is another issue, although if he is feeling lousy, he's probably not eating as much.
I'm not a doctor, but I suspect Diverticulosis here. My cousin had it bad, and had similar symptoms. He needed a colonoscopy to get a diagnosis. He had surgery to correct it, and he's 100% fine now.
Get a colonoscpy for sure to figure out what's going on. Also get a IBD antibody test to totally rule out IBD, since Crohn's affects the small intenstine as well.
But my suspicion is Diverticulosis, or maybe even a bad case of IBS, since the latter also causes big time gas pains around the clock in some people.
I'm not a doctor, but I suspect Diverticulosis here. My cousin had it bad, and had similar symptoms. He needed a colonoscopy to get a diagnosis. He had surgery to correct it, and he's 100% fine now.
Get a colonoscpy for sure to figure out what's going on. Also get a IBD antibody test to totally rule out IBD, since Crohn's affects the small intenstine as well.
But my suspicion is Diverticulosis, or maybe even a bad case of IBS, since the latter also causes big time gas pains around the clock in some people.
lemoneko
05-09-2005, 04:06 PM
No, he hasn't had a colonoscopy or a sigmiodoscopy. He was supposed to go for a colonoscopy, the GP referred him to a specialist for one, but the specialist doctor switched it to a gastroscopy.
Does IBS account for the weightloss? I can't remember reading anything that does, but IBD does. (He's eating almost twice as much as me, and has been eating healthier since he moved in here four weeks ago. That's why I also think maybe he has a parasite or something ^^; ) We're seeing the doctor tomorrow, we're trying to get a colonoscopy booked sooner, or maybe get the tests done in the ER (it's a month wait for the referral, probably two month for the test. The pain's getting worse, we can't really wait that long.)
Thanks, we'll ask for an IBD antibody test tomorrow.
Does IBS account for the weightloss? I can't remember reading anything that does, but IBD does. (He's eating almost twice as much as me, and has been eating healthier since he moved in here four weeks ago. That's why I also think maybe he has a parasite or something ^^; ) We're seeing the doctor tomorrow, we're trying to get a colonoscopy booked sooner, or maybe get the tests done in the ER (it's a month wait for the referral, probably two month for the test. The pain's getting worse, we can't really wait that long.)
Thanks, we'll ask for an IBD antibody test tomorrow.
FireWoman
05-09-2005, 05:21 PM
From what I understand UC and Chron's usually present with diarrhea and blood. He may need an actual colonoscopy, not just a barium enema, for a more accurate diagnosis. He may have diverticulitis or IBS. I have IBS and suffered weight loss, but that was because the pain caused me to not want to eat.
lemoneko
05-10-2005, 08:19 PM
The doctor's trying to get him in sooner for a colonoscopy. Hopefully he can talk the specialist into it. And then even so, I'm not too sure if he wants to see the same specialist cause all the specialist cares about is the money in his pockets. He's thinking about going to the ER again.
Yeah, he's eating quite a bit, I doubt it's IBS, same with his family doctor. All other doctors we've seen say it could be IBS, but when I ask about the weightloss, they don't give me an real answer.
I don't know if this is relevant, but the pain is usually on the left side, with sharp pains on the right side sometimes. The doctor told me today that CD is usually on the right, have others experienced pain on the left with CD (or even UC?)?
I asked for an IBD antibody test today, and he wouldn't do one. The doctor said it wouldn't help in a diagnosis.
Yeah, he's eating quite a bit, I doubt it's IBS, same with his family doctor. All other doctors we've seen say it could be IBS, but when I ask about the weightloss, they don't give me an real answer.
I don't know if this is relevant, but the pain is usually on the left side, with sharp pains on the right side sometimes. The doctor told me today that CD is usually on the right, have others experienced pain on the left with CD (or even UC?)?
I asked for an IBD antibody test today, and he wouldn't do one. The doctor said it wouldn't help in a diagnosis.
chigs489
05-10-2005, 08:33 PM
I'm not a doctor, but I don't know why an antibody test wouldn't help in diagnosis.
Judging by the severity of his symptoms, he should receive a colonoscpy tomorrow! It is irresponsible for these doctors to be giving him the run around.
IBS can cause a lot of pain, so it could still be that. And I still suspect diverticulosis. The colonoscopy will reveal that if it is an issue.
My cousin had bad diverticulosis that required surgery, and he said the pain was like having to urinate really, really badly all the time. It was in his lower abdomin, and was similar to appendix pain. Ask him if this rings a bell.
Judging by the severity of his symptoms, he should receive a colonoscpy tomorrow! It is irresponsible for these doctors to be giving him the run around.
IBS can cause a lot of pain, so it could still be that. And I still suspect diverticulosis. The colonoscopy will reveal that if it is an issue.
My cousin had bad diverticulosis that required surgery, and he said the pain was like having to urinate really, really badly all the time. It was in his lower abdomin, and was similar to appendix pain. Ask him if this rings a bell.
daylilycat
05-11-2005, 12:12 AM
I belong to many Crohns groups many dohave constipation with crohns Its not always diareah. I have crohns myself have for about 35 years. The weight loss and fever sure sounds like its Crohns. Get him in for a Colonscope as soon as possible. I don't have pain in any specific side just hurts all over. is he having alot of cramping? And Joint Aches?
mari13
05-12-2005, 03:42 PM
You asked about a parasite. There is one called Helicobacter Pylori or better known as H. Pylori which is a parasite in the stomach which can travel into the intestines. Symptoms are similar to IBS. I'm telling you from exp. My doctors told me I had IBS for about a year with trying to cope with stress therapy, yoga, nothing helped until I got a second opinion which led to a simple blood test to test for the parasite then 2 weeks later after the two weeks dose of Medicine I was cured. Now I am in the processes of getting checked to see if it causes any ulcers. This parasite is #1 cause of them. If prolong of the parasite it may in a few cause cancer. I am not saying he has it but i doesn't hurt to find out.
lemoneko
05-12-2005, 09:24 PM
Thank you all for your replies. *hugs*
He got a referral for an colonoscopy sooner now, the 24th instead of the 7th of June. Apparently there are only 2 specialists in the city and they're all booked solid for 6 months.
We also went to the ER again today, the doctor on call said he was really backed up in his colon, and that there was still barium from a Barium Gi he had about three-four weeks ago. So he gave him something to "cleanse" his colon. We don't know if it's helped yet.
We also got a result from the GP we saw a few days ago, and he's really deficeint in vitamin B12. I don't know what other vitamins were tested (my doctor told be only B12 could be detected with a blood test, but his doctor said they could test others). He's also been very cold at times. Chills come and go, and he's felt like ice at times. Yesterday, for instance, everywhere else he felt hot, but his hands and upper forearms were just cold.
Yeah, I've heard of H. Pylori as the parasite that causes ulcers. He was tested for that particular evil when he first started to get sick and it came back negative.
Yes, there are joint aches too. Mainly in his legs and elbows. He says it goes off and on since he's gotten sick, and hasn't been that bad, save for one time (yesterday). The pain in his stomach is situated all around his lower torso. There's no pain going into his back and none up in his stomach.
So far, the only worthwhile diagnosis we've gotten is that it's not cancer ^^;;
He got a referral for an colonoscopy sooner now, the 24th instead of the 7th of June. Apparently there are only 2 specialists in the city and they're all booked solid for 6 months.
We also went to the ER again today, the doctor on call said he was really backed up in his colon, and that there was still barium from a Barium Gi he had about three-four weeks ago. So he gave him something to "cleanse" his colon. We don't know if it's helped yet.
We also got a result from the GP we saw a few days ago, and he's really deficeint in vitamin B12. I don't know what other vitamins were tested (my doctor told be only B12 could be detected with a blood test, but his doctor said they could test others). He's also been very cold at times. Chills come and go, and he's felt like ice at times. Yesterday, for instance, everywhere else he felt hot, but his hands and upper forearms were just cold.
Yeah, I've heard of H. Pylori as the parasite that causes ulcers. He was tested for that particular evil when he first started to get sick and it came back negative.
Yes, there are joint aches too. Mainly in his legs and elbows. He says it goes off and on since he's gotten sick, and hasn't been that bad, save for one time (yesterday). The pain in his stomach is situated all around his lower torso. There's no pain going into his back and none up in his stomach.
So far, the only worthwhile diagnosis we've gotten is that it's not cancer ^^;;
lemoneko
05-13-2005, 03:04 PM
I just remembered something else, when we were at the ER yesterday, when the doctor was checking his abdomen with the stethescope, he said he could hear the intensine spasming.
chigs489
05-13-2005, 08:51 PM
spasming is indicative of IBS. It use to be known as "spastic colon."
I don't think this is an indication of inflammatory bowel disease.
He may just have IBS.
I don't think this is an indication of inflammatory bowel disease.
He may just have IBS.
daylilycat
05-13-2005, 10:02 PM
Please let us know what the colonscope turns up. All the symptoms do point to either Crohns or Colitis. Especially the weight loss.IBS you don't have such a rapid weight loss or none at all. Spasming which is just another word for cramping is common in either disease as is abnormal bowel sounds. I have to take a daily antispamatic Bently for that.Fever joint aches. All point to either.
I hope its not. Good luck.
I hope its not. Good luck.
lemoneko
05-26-2005, 08:40 PM
Well, he had his colonoscopy today, and the doctor said that there was nothing in the colon. However, he did say that there was something outside the colon. He didn't say anything else about it. I think sometimes inflammations can go through the inner lining to the outside, but the doctor said that there was nothing inside. I'm wondering if it could be a tumor-like thing maybe. Does anyone have any insights?
Oh, the doctor also said that he heard something around his heart. He didn't delve into deeper details though.
Oh, the doctor also said that he heard something around his heart. He didn't delve into deeper details though.
lemoneko
05-29-2005, 01:17 AM
Has anyone experienced something like this before?
Mazrose
05-29-2005, 04:51 PM
hmmm not sure what it is,, and no I havent had anyhting like what u descibed.
BUT I would ask for more information from the doctor.. Why didnt he ask what sort of thing was on the outside of the colon? And is it affecting him? And are they going to be doing anyhting?? etc etc.. U need more info..
Best of luck
Maz
BUT I would ask for more information from the doctor.. Why didnt he ask what sort of thing was on the outside of the colon? And is it affecting him? And are they going to be doing anyhting?? etc etc.. U need more info..
Best of luck
Maz
lemoneko
05-31-2005, 09:27 PM
Thank you muchly for the reply. The doctor said he basically didn't know what it was, and didn't know if it was the source of the problem. Anything I've said is all we know, unfortunately.
Yeah, if only the doctors would persue this. The X-ray came back normal. The doctor who ordered it doesn't want to persue anything else. He's just sending him back to his family doctor, who is actually gone until the end of June. The receptonist basically told me that because the doctor can't figure it out, he's just not going to bother. The doctor said that there was something on the colon, and now he's basically changing his story, it seems.
Every test he's had done has come back negative:
Gastroscopy, Ultrasound, Colonscopy, biospy in the stomach cells and the colon cells, barium Xrays (one in the upper, one in the colon), blood tests, urine tests. The white blood cell count is also normal. The only thing that has said something was the B12 defeciency.
Yeah, if only the doctors would persue this. The X-ray came back normal. The doctor who ordered it doesn't want to persue anything else. He's just sending him back to his family doctor, who is actually gone until the end of June. The receptonist basically told me that because the doctor can't figure it out, he's just not going to bother. The doctor said that there was something on the colon, and now he's basically changing his story, it seems.
Every test he's had done has come back negative:
Gastroscopy, Ultrasound, Colonscopy, biospy in the stomach cells and the colon cells, barium Xrays (one in the upper, one in the colon), blood tests, urine tests. The white blood cell count is also normal. The only thing that has said something was the B12 defeciency.
feelzcrazy
06-04-2005, 10:32 PM
I had this same exact thing happen to me. The constant pain, and also burning sensation in my stomache. I had to go to the intermediate care facility, and they sent me to the emergency room. After serveral cat scans, and an ultrasound, and a 6day stay in the hospital, I was diagnosed with Pancreatis. My amylease count was high in my blood. Thats how they knew.
kahne9
06-11-2005, 02:59 PM
I've had crohn's for 12 years and just had my 4th small bowel resection. I was DX with a small bowel follow through. It took them 4 years to finally get to that point. My pain in usually in my right lower quadrant.
kahne9
06-11-2005, 03:08 PM
hi daylilycat! I too have crohn's and my weight loss came from severe vomiting. I couldn't eat anything without it coming back up. Also have terrible joint pain. And just had my 4th small bowel resection.