Anyone with similar symptoms or an idea of what is going on? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

misamisa · 06-19-2008, 11:24 AM

I really hope someone here can help me. I have had 3 attacks of severe abdominal pain in the past 6 weeks (starts with burning pain that turns to sharp stabbing pain). These attacks have lasted 2-3 hours, I am unable to do anything but writhe in pain, then it lets up and I am very tender for 2 days after. The pain in near and around my navel, but felt all over my abdomen, and I feel it in my back. Between attacks I feel fine. I have a touch of IBS, but that's been present for a long time and has not changed.

My doctors have done upper GI, RUQ ultrasound, and bloodwork and found nothing notable. Some suggestions on the cause include:

- Crohn's disease (suggested by Internal Medicine doctor)
- Gallbladder problem (suggested by GI doc)
- Small intestine problem (suggested by GI doc)
- kidney stone (but no protein in urine)
- Pancreas problem (but no markers on blood work to indicate)
- adhesions from C-section last July

My GI doc is working at a snail's pace. His advice to me was to go to the ER during an attack to have imaging done then, because he felt nothing might show up between attacks.

How likely is it that something serious is going on, but no tests indicate it? Any ideas of what's going on, or input would be much appreciated!

libloom · 06-19-2008, 12:46 PM

Has anyone suggested appendicitis? Is your white cell count okay? Any fever, nausea, loss of appetite? Have you had a CT scan or barium enema, both of which would show an inflammed appendix.

We have to be our own advocates (unfortunaely) these days, and to suggest you head to the ER during another attack is probably what you are trying to prevent! IMO, I'd get another opinion.....

Good luck,
Linda

misamisa · 06-19-2008, 01:21 PM

libloom - thanks for your response
No one has suggested appendicitis - could that go on for so long? My WBC count is slightly elevated, but not 'out of range'. I'm going to get a copy of my most recent blood test results on Monday to see the actual levels. No fever, only nausea during an attack due to the severity of the pain, and the same with appetite (suppressed during and for a little while after an attack only).

Haven't had a CT scan or barium enema yet, but the doc mentioned doing a CT scan soon (I have an appt Monday). If I'm not satisfied with this doc after my Monday appt, I'm going to look for someone else. I have a 1-year old daughter to take care of, and during an attack, which I have no warning for when its going to hit, its impossible. And yes, I would like to avoid the ER if possible.

libloom · 06-19-2008, 01:31 PM

Sure hope you get some answers...and soon.

I'm not sure if appendicitis pain can present off and on during a 6 week period....it's just that's what your symptoms suggested. I'd also ask about having a stool sample checked for some sort of bacteria.

Good luck....
Linda

hopesprings2 · 06-20-2008, 06:34 AM

depends on what part of your tummy it hurts
upper could be pancrease ,ulcers
side right side galbladder
ect ect