Lower left pain & radiating... - Digestive Disorders Message Board

Brandy Lee · 05-20-2006, 12:27 AM

Hi. I'm hoping someone can shed some light. About 3 weeks ago, I thought I had a bladder infection. I went to the doctor; he said the test showed no infection but that since I was having symptoms, he prescribed a 3-day dose of Cipro. I completed it and felt better for a day or two. Suddenly, though, I started having pain in my abdomen -- lower left. I've had a total hysterectomy, so it's not ovarian pain etc. The pain is a constant cramping throughout my abdomen and really concentrated in the lower left. After a few days of this, the pain started radiating around to my back. Naturally, I thought it was a kidney infection. I went back to the doctor only to be told that the test still shows perfectly clear. At that time, the doctor (totally unconcerned, it seems) gave me a prescription for something to treat IBS! Ummm...I don't have any #2 problems whatsoever and told him so.... Anyway, I was frustrated and decided to just see if the pain passed (without taking the medicine suggested). Another week later -- three weeks into this thing -- the pain is more intense, although less in the back area. It is now along the whole left side of my abdomen, and since it has remained consistent, I've started journaling. I've noticed that for about an hour before a BM, it hurts very little. Afterward, within a few minutes, though, it hurts real bad and gets very intense for about an hour. There is no problem/difference in the #2 area. Aside from what I've described, I have a burning that accompanies the cramping, and it radiates up through the center of my abdomen. I am hopefully going to be seeing a GI specialist in the near future, but I'm very curious in the meantime. Any ideas?

MamaQuack · 05-23-2006, 08:06 AM

I have no explanation but suffer the same symptoms. I too saw my m.d. on 2 occasions and also took Cipro - since I had an acute pancreatic episode in late March I am very paranoid - this however is very different - doctor was very casual about it all and did not think it alarming - repeatedly asked me if it could be gas? My blood work both times showed nothing. I see a gastro guy in 2 weeks.

divadebi · 05-24-2006, 12:53 PM

My friend is having the same type of stomach/abdominal pain and has had several tests including ultrasound, CT scans, HIDA scans all in the direction of trying to rule out gall bladder, but I think it is some sort of pancreatitis, but it has lasted a long time and she is very frustrated because the doctors say her pancreas looked fine on the images and same with gall bladder, etc.

She is in so much pain she is taking pain meds, so the prognosis is very dim, and she is beside herself thinking she has to live in this condition for the remander of her life. She is 55 years old and has borderline diabetes, which to me was an indicator that the pancreas was acting up, but the doc says no.

I told her it could possibly be a parasite and I told her to look into some naturopathic remedies, ie. taking colloidal silver to kill the parasite if she has that bacterial infection can't remember the name helio something. At any rate I read an article by a Dr. Douglas G. Adler who is a specialist in the pancreatic cancer area and he said that unless you have the test where they run the tube down with the light on it into your pancreas, that it is difficult to see whether or not your pancreas is in trouble. Some endoscopy or like that. I feel sorry for my friend because the past doc's demeanor was very insulting to her and she was angry and frustrated that they didn't want to open her up and see what the problem is. The area is palpable and she feels there is something really wrong, but it just won't bear out on any tests.

MamaQuack · 05-24-2006, 01:15 PM

I am sorry to hear of your friend's woe - pain severe enough for meds is not a good sign. I am 54, and up until March felt like I was in great shape - low bp, low cholestrol, ideal weight and most thought I 'looked' 10 years younger - then the pancreatitis attack and Zoweeeeee - I felt like everything changed over night. One thing I have learned, at least in my case, my family doctor was quick to send me for diagnostic tests, label me and pass me off. I lost a tremendous amount of respect for him - someone we have seen for over 20 years. He was very matter of fact - almost blunt and with no information, sympathy or reassurance - I felt like I had received a death sentence until I began reading, researching and talking to others. I may still have unpleasantness with the gastro doc but I will keep trying and I hope your friend does too. Believe it or not, the best advice and help I have received was on a weekend when I had the pain along with a low fever and went to a "walk in weekend facility" - most of the staff were ER folks who quickly size things up. Hope your friends spirits will lift if she can pursue other help.

divadebi · 05-25-2006, 05:44 PM

THANKS FOR YOUR KIND REPLY. I'LL SURE PASS IT ON!