April7
11-27-2007, 01:49 PM
Hi everyone.
First off, I have a history of ibuprophen use in high doses. I have had 3 knee surgeries and always have relied on it for pain.
At the end of September I started to feel what I thought was indigestion. It would only ever happen late at night around bedtime. I would eat a lot of Tums and it would seem to help. I had never had indigestion before so it was strange to me, but I tried to let it go.
Mid-October it was increasing a lot so I started taking Prilosec OTC. I took it for 14 days with no relief. The indigestion was frequent and I was getting worried. Tums and Rolaids offered no relief at this point.
November 11th I went to a pot luck and ate some chicken wings, rice, chips and queso dip, and a beer. I started to get indigestion and we left early. An hour later I was in the worst pain of my life. Burning, terrible pain in the middle of my upper stomach. It hurt worse than anything I ever felt. I never went to the ER because honest to God the pain was too bad for me to get off of my couch to wake my boyfriend to drive me there. I thought I would die. It stopped suddenly at about 5 am, and then I just felt a dull ache in my entire abdomen area.
The next morning I went to the doc and they put me on Nexium and ordered an ultrasound to see if I had gallstones. I had none. Since the first episode I started having chronic indigestion-type burning that could be very intense.
2 days later I saw a GI. She ordered an upper endoscopy with biopsy. With my use of ibuprophen she thought ulcer or gastritis. The following Sunday, after having been on Nexium for 5 days, I had another episode and went to the ER. They did nothing for me, just gave pain meds and said follow up with GI. GI put me on Bentyl 30 minutes before I eat. It does help a bit with the constant burning and makes me more able to eat. I strictly began adhering to an ulcer/gastritis diet.
Last week I had my endoscopy. I have some mild redness but no ulcers, lesions, GERD, etc. Just some minor irritation that they believe would not cause this kind of pain. He suggested a HIDA scan. Found out yesterday the biopsies were all normal.
Was in the ER again this Sunday and the doctor did an ultrasound and saw no gallstones. She did however think I need a HIDA scan. She made sure my GI ordered one immediately. I will be having that tomorrow.
Symptoms tend to be a chronic burning in my very upper abdomen. This can be very intense. I have pain in both the upper left and upper right quadrants. It is worsened by eating. My pain is doubly worsened by eating anything with fat in it, or by eating until I am full. I need to eat small quantities of fat free foods, and make sure I don't eat too much. Otherwise it seems like I have pain. I have lost 10 pounds since 11/11 because I have mostly eaten white rice and oatmeal because they are 2 things that fill me up and don't cause bad pain. When I am having an episode, I do feel pain radiating to my back. Also, when you push on my stomach the only places that are tender are the upper middle abdomen and the upper right abdomen under my ribs. Mostly the upper middle though. Blood work has been all normal.
So, does anyone have any ideas at all?
I'm so upset and frustrated. And hungry. It hurts so much to eat and it's really starting to bring me down.
First off, I have a history of ibuprophen use in high doses. I have had 3 knee surgeries and always have relied on it for pain.
At the end of September I started to feel what I thought was indigestion. It would only ever happen late at night around bedtime. I would eat a lot of Tums and it would seem to help. I had never had indigestion before so it was strange to me, but I tried to let it go.
Mid-October it was increasing a lot so I started taking Prilosec OTC. I took it for 14 days with no relief. The indigestion was frequent and I was getting worried. Tums and Rolaids offered no relief at this point.
November 11th I went to a pot luck and ate some chicken wings, rice, chips and queso dip, and a beer. I started to get indigestion and we left early. An hour later I was in the worst pain of my life. Burning, terrible pain in the middle of my upper stomach. It hurt worse than anything I ever felt. I never went to the ER because honest to God the pain was too bad for me to get off of my couch to wake my boyfriend to drive me there. I thought I would die. It stopped suddenly at about 5 am, and then I just felt a dull ache in my entire abdomen area.
The next morning I went to the doc and they put me on Nexium and ordered an ultrasound to see if I had gallstones. I had none. Since the first episode I started having chronic indigestion-type burning that could be very intense.
2 days later I saw a GI. She ordered an upper endoscopy with biopsy. With my use of ibuprophen she thought ulcer or gastritis. The following Sunday, after having been on Nexium for 5 days, I had another episode and went to the ER. They did nothing for me, just gave pain meds and said follow up with GI. GI put me on Bentyl 30 minutes before I eat. It does help a bit with the constant burning and makes me more able to eat. I strictly began adhering to an ulcer/gastritis diet.
Last week I had my endoscopy. I have some mild redness but no ulcers, lesions, GERD, etc. Just some minor irritation that they believe would not cause this kind of pain. He suggested a HIDA scan. Found out yesterday the biopsies were all normal.
Was in the ER again this Sunday and the doctor did an ultrasound and saw no gallstones. She did however think I need a HIDA scan. She made sure my GI ordered one immediately. I will be having that tomorrow.
Symptoms tend to be a chronic burning in my very upper abdomen. This can be very intense. I have pain in both the upper left and upper right quadrants. It is worsened by eating. My pain is doubly worsened by eating anything with fat in it, or by eating until I am full. I need to eat small quantities of fat free foods, and make sure I don't eat too much. Otherwise it seems like I have pain. I have lost 10 pounds since 11/11 because I have mostly eaten white rice and oatmeal because they are 2 things that fill me up and don't cause bad pain. When I am having an episode, I do feel pain radiating to my back. Also, when you push on my stomach the only places that are tender are the upper middle abdomen and the upper right abdomen under my ribs. Mostly the upper middle though. Blood work has been all normal.
So, does anyone have any ideas at all?
I'm so upset and frustrated. And hungry. It hurts so much to eat and it's really starting to bring me down.
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April7
11-27-2007, 04:04 PM
I know this was long, but any insight would be helpful. Thank you in advance.
ZoeGirl
11-27-2007, 05:47 PM
When you get the HIDA make sure they do the CCK (hormone) injection. With just the contrast mine appeared OK, but the CCK showed that my gallbladder wasn't emptying at all.. it just sat there (and caused me pain during the scan, but bearable!).
I'm hungry too! I have a fear of food now and I've lost 15lbs in the last couple of months.
I know how frustrating it is getting good results back when you feel lousy. Hang in there, they'll find it. Also two years ago before they said I had crohn's I was sick 5 months! Very sick, couldn't function, but I find this time around that I have to keep going and keep busy even if I feel bad.. or I'll get depressed and feel worse. I know it's hard, but try to keep a positive attitude, I do believe it helps they way you feel!
I'm hungry too! I have a fear of food now and I've lost 15lbs in the last couple of months.
I know how frustrating it is getting good results back when you feel lousy. Hang in there, they'll find it. Also two years ago before they said I had crohn's I was sick 5 months! Very sick, couldn't function, but I find this time around that I have to keep going and keep busy even if I feel bad.. or I'll get depressed and feel worse. I know it's hard, but try to keep a positive attitude, I do believe it helps they way you feel!
Collector167
11-27-2007, 11:05 PM
Pain under the ribs, usually right side, with pain in the back or shoulders are classic gallbladder symptoms.
Sounds like you are on the right road, by having the HIDA scan which is the definitive test for gallbladder function.
The ultrasound can detect gallstones, but frequently it is not be able to detect crystals/very small stones aka "sludge."
Foods containing fat are frequently causes of pain for those with gallbladder issues; in my case spices also created problems.
Let us know how it turns out.
Sounds like you are on the right road, by having the HIDA scan which is the definitive test for gallbladder function.
The ultrasound can detect gallstones, but frequently it is not be able to detect crystals/very small stones aka "sludge."
Foods containing fat are frequently causes of pain for those with gallbladder issues; in my case spices also created problems.
Let us know how it turns out.
mizzaj
11-27-2007, 11:15 PM
Pain under the ribs, usually right side, with pain in the back or shoulders are classic gallbladder symptoms.
Sounds like you are on the right road, by having the HIDA scan which is the definitive test for gallbladder function.
The ultrasound can detect gallstones, but frequently it is not be able to detect crystals/very small stones aka "sludge."
Foods containing fat are frequently causes of pain for those with gallbladder issues; in my case spices also created problems.
Let us know how it turns out.
As I've mentioned in previous posts, I had a HIDA scan, but no CCK injection. I guess the doctor didn't order it, or the techs forgot to do it. At any rate, I switched docs and ended up with one who believes that a HIDA scan is "worthless". How do I convince him/what can I say to urge him otherwise? It may not change his mind, but I'd like to ask him in a way that sounds knowledgeable and forceful so that he'll at least consider it. If not, I'm changing docs when my new insurance kicks in come January.....
Sounds like you are on the right road, by having the HIDA scan which is the definitive test for gallbladder function.
The ultrasound can detect gallstones, but frequently it is not be able to detect crystals/very small stones aka "sludge."
Foods containing fat are frequently causes of pain for those with gallbladder issues; in my case spices also created problems.
Let us know how it turns out.
As I've mentioned in previous posts, I had a HIDA scan, but no CCK injection. I guess the doctor didn't order it, or the techs forgot to do it. At any rate, I switched docs and ended up with one who believes that a HIDA scan is "worthless". How do I convince him/what can I say to urge him otherwise? It may not change his mind, but I'd like to ask him in a way that sounds knowledgeable and forceful so that he'll at least consider it. If not, I'm changing docs when my new insurance kicks in come January.....
ZoeGirl
11-27-2007, 11:23 PM
My doctor told me if they had not injected the CCK my scan would have looked normal. With the injection they saw the gallbladder fill, but not empty (I have no visible stones) - it just sat there. I guess I'll let you know if I feel better after I get it out, but I'm betting the attacks at least stop! I've never heard of anyone saying a HIDA scan is worthless. I researched it pretty good before/after I had it and it sounds pretty legit to me!
Good luck!
PS I do not have pain on the right side at all! It's all central/left sided. Everyone presents different.
Good luck!
PS I do not have pain on the right side at all! It's all central/left sided. Everyone presents different.
mizzaj
11-28-2007, 05:35 PM
My doctor told me if they had not injected the CCK my scan would have looked normal. With the injection they saw the gallbladder fill, but not empty (I have no visible stones) - it just sat there. I guess I'll let you know if I feel better after I get it out, but I'm betting the attacks at least stop! I've never heard of anyone saying a HIDA scan is worthless. I researched it pretty good before/after I had it and it sounds pretty legit to me!
Good luck!
PS I do not have pain on the right side at all! It's all central/left sided. Everyone presents different.
Hey Zoegirl,
I've done research too and from what I've read, those who don't have visible stones but have a low functioning gb and get it removed have every bit as good of a recovery as those who had stones. Meaning that their pain goes away, etc. The thing for me is that I don't get "attacks". I have chronic pain, bloating and fullness, some achiness in my chest. It may not be my gb at all. But I at least want to know, you know? If the test comes back with a 75% ejection rate, hallelujah! It's just wanting to rule something else out. It sucks when the docs won't do that at the very least.
How weird that you have central/left sided pain. I hope your surgery goes well and that it gets rid of the pain and attacks for you!
Good luck!
PS I do not have pain on the right side at all! It's all central/left sided. Everyone presents different.
Hey Zoegirl,
I've done research too and from what I've read, those who don't have visible stones but have a low functioning gb and get it removed have every bit as good of a recovery as those who had stones. Meaning that their pain goes away, etc. The thing for me is that I don't get "attacks". I have chronic pain, bloating and fullness, some achiness in my chest. It may not be my gb at all. But I at least want to know, you know? If the test comes back with a 75% ejection rate, hallelujah! It's just wanting to rule something else out. It sucks when the docs won't do that at the very least.
How weird that you have central/left sided pain. I hope your surgery goes well and that it gets rid of the pain and attacks for you!
ZoeGirl
11-29-2007, 12:17 AM
Hey Zoegirl,
I've done research too and from what I've read, those who don't have visible stones but have a low functioning gb and get it removed have every bit as good of a recovery as those who had stones. Meaning that their pain goes away, etc. The thing for me is that I don't get "attacks". I have chronic pain, bloating and fullness, some achiness in my chest. It may not be my gb at all. But I at least want to know, you know? If the test comes back with a 75% ejection rate, hallelujah! It's just wanting to rule something else out. It sucks when the docs won't do that at the very least.
How weird that you have central/left sided pain. I hope your surgery goes well and that it gets rid of the pain and attacks for you!
My main symptoms were constant grawing pain in my stomach with cramping on the left side. I had attacks, I guess, for as long as I can remember. I always associated them with bowel movements/bad food, etc. That's what it feels like to me (labor pains).
I got my gallbladder out today -surgery went well and I was feeling pretty good so they took my IV out to send me home. They had also had me eat a graham cracker. I then had severe pain on my right side.. sharp and short but over and over. They put the IV back in and admitted me. I'm in my room right now! I feel OK again, but they again had me eat something for dinner (I ate 3 slices of pear, 5 grapes and a roll). 20 mins later that pain came back! It's gone again so I'm hoping it goes away!
Good luck with getting a scan with CCK. I think it would be fairly simple, I just asked for one and got it.
I've done research too and from what I've read, those who don't have visible stones but have a low functioning gb and get it removed have every bit as good of a recovery as those who had stones. Meaning that their pain goes away, etc. The thing for me is that I don't get "attacks". I have chronic pain, bloating and fullness, some achiness in my chest. It may not be my gb at all. But I at least want to know, you know? If the test comes back with a 75% ejection rate, hallelujah! It's just wanting to rule something else out. It sucks when the docs won't do that at the very least.
How weird that you have central/left sided pain. I hope your surgery goes well and that it gets rid of the pain and attacks for you!
My main symptoms were constant grawing pain in my stomach with cramping on the left side. I had attacks, I guess, for as long as I can remember. I always associated them with bowel movements/bad food, etc. That's what it feels like to me (labor pains).
I got my gallbladder out today -surgery went well and I was feeling pretty good so they took my IV out to send me home. They had also had me eat a graham cracker. I then had severe pain on my right side.. sharp and short but over and over. They put the IV back in and admitted me. I'm in my room right now! I feel OK again, but they again had me eat something for dinner (I ate 3 slices of pear, 5 grapes and a roll). 20 mins later that pain came back! It's gone again so I'm hoping it goes away!
Good luck with getting a scan with CCK. I think it would be fairly simple, I just asked for one and got it.
April7
11-29-2007, 03:45 PM
I hope you find some relief, Zoe, and the surgery is successful.
I'm finding that I have been feeling better the last few days, because my most recent trip to the ER 4 days ago landed me a RxN for Vicodin. I've taken it once per day for the last 4 days and have felt great. However, yesterday they switched me from Nexium 40 mg twice per day to Protonix, same dosage. They also upped the Bentyl from 20 mg to 40 mg 2-3 times per day. I have stopped the Vicodin because I want to see how the Protonix works, and if I'm pain free how can I tell? I want to be able to evaluate how I'm feeling accurately.
I had the HIDA yesterday with CCK. Problems with the analysis have me worried. She did an analysis right in front of me. It does not seem accurate to me. What they do is visualize the GB on the monitor. Using a mouse they draw a circle outlining the GB and then they run the analysis. If you moved a lot during the test, the GB will also move on the screen. If it moves outside of that circle, the test is inaccurate. So, she ran it the first time and I guess I was fidgety because you could see the GB bouncing back and forth on the monitor. The EF was 52%. She went back and drew a larger circle, one that would contain the entire image of the GB even when it moved back and forth. That EF was 38% (a drop of 14%). See how sensitive that is? It entirely related to how she drew the circle with her mouse. It makes me nervous because my final EF could be inaccurate. But that's how the analysis is done.
She said that was not her final analysis. She would run it again and get the report to my doctor. I am waiting impatiently.
If I'm right on the verge of abnormal vs. normal, I won't know what to do. I have some GB symptoms (chronic indigestion and then these attacks that are terribly painful and make me feel like I am going to die). I've had 3 since 11/11/07. The other tests are normal. I don't have sharp pains under my ribs. I'm so medicated it's hard to tell what is what. The Nexium gave me diarrhea so I had cramps from it. The Bentyl made me constipated so I had those issues to contend with. It's hard to rule out what is what, you know? Mostly I have chrnoic burning not helped my antacids. A GERD/gastritis/ulcer diet didn't yield much results but my low fat to virtually fat free diet did.
I guess I'm just confused and frustrated.
I'm finding that I have been feeling better the last few days, because my most recent trip to the ER 4 days ago landed me a RxN for Vicodin. I've taken it once per day for the last 4 days and have felt great. However, yesterday they switched me from Nexium 40 mg twice per day to Protonix, same dosage. They also upped the Bentyl from 20 mg to 40 mg 2-3 times per day. I have stopped the Vicodin because I want to see how the Protonix works, and if I'm pain free how can I tell? I want to be able to evaluate how I'm feeling accurately.
I had the HIDA yesterday with CCK. Problems with the analysis have me worried. She did an analysis right in front of me. It does not seem accurate to me. What they do is visualize the GB on the monitor. Using a mouse they draw a circle outlining the GB and then they run the analysis. If you moved a lot during the test, the GB will also move on the screen. If it moves outside of that circle, the test is inaccurate. So, she ran it the first time and I guess I was fidgety because you could see the GB bouncing back and forth on the monitor. The EF was 52%. She went back and drew a larger circle, one that would contain the entire image of the GB even when it moved back and forth. That EF was 38% (a drop of 14%). See how sensitive that is? It entirely related to how she drew the circle with her mouse. It makes me nervous because my final EF could be inaccurate. But that's how the analysis is done.
She said that was not her final analysis. She would run it again and get the report to my doctor. I am waiting impatiently.
If I'm right on the verge of abnormal vs. normal, I won't know what to do. I have some GB symptoms (chronic indigestion and then these attacks that are terribly painful and make me feel like I am going to die). I've had 3 since 11/11/07. The other tests are normal. I don't have sharp pains under my ribs. I'm so medicated it's hard to tell what is what. The Nexium gave me diarrhea so I had cramps from it. The Bentyl made me constipated so I had those issues to contend with. It's hard to rule out what is what, you know? Mostly I have chrnoic burning not helped my antacids. A GERD/gastritis/ulcer diet didn't yield much results but my low fat to virtually fat free diet did.
I guess I'm just confused and frustrated.