Toot Toot
06-12-2006, 02:14 AM
Hi. I really hope I'm not being insensitive by posting here. I know you're all dealing with diagnosis', surgeries etc.. My heart does go out to all of you!
At this point, I'm hoping to get some input from someone -- anyone. I've been getting the run-around by doctors for over a month now, and all the while, I've had pain. I'll try to be as succinct as possible:
*First, let me point out that I've had a total hysterectomy, so "female issues" are not an option*
I'm 38. Over a month ago, I started having pain in my abdomen, the lower left portion. It sort of throbbed, and it cramped. When it started, it radiated somewhat to my chest and my back. I went to Urgent Care (over a month ago now), and once I said it radiated to my chest, I was sent to ER. There, they did blood work (to check for what, I'm not exactly sure), an EKG, X-rays (again, what this looked at, I'm unsure), and a urinalysis. I was told that everything was fine and sent home. At that time, I was told that a pelvic exam was not necessary because I have no uterus, ovaries etc.
The pain continued, so a week later, I went to my doctor. He barely looked at me; he was obviously otherwise occupied. He said I likely have IBS and tried to give me a prescription for some thing or other. I pointed out that I have no constipation, diarrhea etc, but he was adamant. I threw the prescription away and started doing my own research. In the meantime, the radiating pain has stopped, and the pain and discomfort has become pretty consistent. It is fixed in the lower left portion of my abdomen, and I have cramping throughout. Some days, my lower-left back hurts (feels like my kidney), and some days, like yesterday, the cramping is almost unbearable. I still have no constipation etc.
Two weeks ago, I had blood in my stool for the first time (I've had it several times now since). There is none on the toilet paper, but I see it in the toilet (is this possible? That I could have blood in my stool but show none on the paper? I can't imagine what else it could be in the toilet if not blood). So, when I had it for the first time, I got scared and went back to Urgent Care (mentioning nothing of chest pain etc.). The doctor there was pretty attentive, although it turned out that he is unable to order tests etc. because he's not my primary. Uugh! All he could do is give me pain medication. I called my primary doctor again (ready to fight). He referred me to a GI specialist, but that appointment isn't for another week.
So, I'm having this lower-left abdominal pain, blood in my stool (but none on the toilet paper), my breasts are sore beyond belief (and have been throughout this ordeal -- probably the weirdest "symptom" of all), and I've been extremely tired (I have next to no energy). I am not constipated, and I don't have diarrhea. My appetite has been all over the board, but mostly it's been decreased (I've lost 6 pounds without trying, especially considering I've done NO exercise due to no energy).
I know this is super long, and I apologize. I would so appreciate any ideas, though, about what this could be. I know a week (at this point) isn't so long, but I know that it's just the beginning. There's still going to be the waiting for tests etc.
I'd just like to add, too: please don't mince words. Please give me the benefit of whatever your experience (symptoms in the beginning etc.) and whatever knowledge you have. I really appreciate your time. Thanks again!
At this point, I'm hoping to get some input from someone -- anyone. I've been getting the run-around by doctors for over a month now, and all the while, I've had pain. I'll try to be as succinct as possible:
*First, let me point out that I've had a total hysterectomy, so "female issues" are not an option*
I'm 38. Over a month ago, I started having pain in my abdomen, the lower left portion. It sort of throbbed, and it cramped. When it started, it radiated somewhat to my chest and my back. I went to Urgent Care (over a month ago now), and once I said it radiated to my chest, I was sent to ER. There, they did blood work (to check for what, I'm not exactly sure), an EKG, X-rays (again, what this looked at, I'm unsure), and a urinalysis. I was told that everything was fine and sent home. At that time, I was told that a pelvic exam was not necessary because I have no uterus, ovaries etc.
The pain continued, so a week later, I went to my doctor. He barely looked at me; he was obviously otherwise occupied. He said I likely have IBS and tried to give me a prescription for some thing or other. I pointed out that I have no constipation, diarrhea etc, but he was adamant. I threw the prescription away and started doing my own research. In the meantime, the radiating pain has stopped, and the pain and discomfort has become pretty consistent. It is fixed in the lower left portion of my abdomen, and I have cramping throughout. Some days, my lower-left back hurts (feels like my kidney), and some days, like yesterday, the cramping is almost unbearable. I still have no constipation etc.
Two weeks ago, I had blood in my stool for the first time (I've had it several times now since). There is none on the toilet paper, but I see it in the toilet (is this possible? That I could have blood in my stool but show none on the paper? I can't imagine what else it could be in the toilet if not blood). So, when I had it for the first time, I got scared and went back to Urgent Care (mentioning nothing of chest pain etc.). The doctor there was pretty attentive, although it turned out that he is unable to order tests etc. because he's not my primary. Uugh! All he could do is give me pain medication. I called my primary doctor again (ready to fight). He referred me to a GI specialist, but that appointment isn't for another week.
So, I'm having this lower-left abdominal pain, blood in my stool (but none on the toilet paper), my breasts are sore beyond belief (and have been throughout this ordeal -- probably the weirdest "symptom" of all), and I've been extremely tired (I have next to no energy). I am not constipated, and I don't have diarrhea. My appetite has been all over the board, but mostly it's been decreased (I've lost 6 pounds without trying, especially considering I've done NO exercise due to no energy).
I know this is super long, and I apologize. I would so appreciate any ideas, though, about what this could be. I know a week (at this point) isn't so long, but I know that it's just the beginning. There's still going to be the waiting for tests etc.
I'd just like to add, too: please don't mince words. Please give me the benefit of whatever your experience (symptoms in the beginning etc.) and whatever knowledge you have. I really appreciate your time. Thanks again!