lower abdominal suffering - help!

12-07-2006, 10:31 AM

I'm so frustrated with doctors! Since May '06 (I even remember the day!), I've been dealing with lower abdominal/pelvic pain that is daily, constant, and interfering with life. The pain resembles menstral cramps and ranges from heavy to dull cramping/pain and is centered below the bellybutton and above the pelvic bone. I have no lower right quadrant pain but the pain does move to the left lower quadrant and on occassion the left flank. Strangely, I also have occassional shooting pains in the vaginal area.

I've had:
CBC (normal)
pelvic ultrasound (normal) - June
abdominal/pelvic CT (normal) - June
MRI of the spine (normal) - July
cytoscopy for bladder (normal) - June
colonoscopy (normal) - August
laparoscopy (normal gynecological findings but did find adhesions from my small intesting to rt. ovary covering my appendix [which had obviously had inflammation because they said it was "neucrotic" and enlarged"]). Removed appendix - October

I've tried two gastro docs, my gynecologist, my internist, my urologist, and no one knows what to do now. The gastro doc says I've had "the billion dollar work up" and doesn't see what else he can do. Some have said, well, it must be IBS, but the last gastro doc I saw says I exhibit none of the classic signs (i.e. pain assoc. with bowel movements).

I feel stuck. Healthwise, I'm good in every other area of my life. However, this is absolutely making me crazy. Daily pain is something I'm not going to "live with."

Does anyone have any suggestions??? Please???

12-07-2006, 12:32 PM

Has anyone considered a kidney stone? I walked around with one for three months (no severe pain, just discomfort and cramping), also had many urinary tract infections because of the stone blockage. Finally, my doctor decided to do an ultrasound for stones. Voila!!! Had it blasted, no more discomfort, no more infections! Just a thought, mostly because that's where my pain was. Good luck.

12-07-2006, 12:44 PM

Hi katydid, I suffer from the same cramps but only when I eat certain foods that don't agree with my sensitive stomach. I have IBS and GERD and in the last few years I've come to find out that I cannot tolerate eggs, peppers, and fruit. The last attack actually landed me in the ER. My gastro thought in was diviticulitis and I had a cat scan done but thankfully it showed nothing. But getting back to the pains, they are just like severe menstrual cramps. I'm guessing my pains are severe gas pains. Good luck

12-07-2006, 03:56 PM

You know, I was thinking of going back to my urologist, but they did ultrasound my kidneys prior to the cytoscopy and they looked clear. Interesting thought, though. Thanks!

12-07-2006, 03:58 PM

Yeah, sounds like gas pains to me. I think I'm becoming an expert in everything I DON"T have! Ha! I just wish I could figure out why they pain is constant. That is what gets me. Thanks so much for replying!

12-07-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

laparoscopy (normal gynecological findings but did find adhesions from my small intesting to rt. ovary covering my appendix [which had obviously had inflammation because they said it was "neucrotic" and enlarged"]).Removed appendix - October

If you had an appendicectomy where there were adhesions with an enlarged and necrotic appendix present, it wouldn't be unusual to expect that you might still be experiencing some post-operative discomfort.....its only been (about) 2 months since your operation....and when all is said and done, a laparotomy is a major surgical invasion....you need time to heal. It may nothing more long-lasting than protracted post-op pain, however you may still have some adhesions causing pain.
I would suggest speaking to your GP for a physiotherapy (physical therapist) referral....they may be able to give you some advice.
HTH

12-10-2006, 06:39 PM

Thanks for the msg.! Initially, I thought the pain might just be "extra" pain from the appendectomy + adhesions. However, as time has passed it seems that the pain is back to being exactly what it had been before the surgery.

I'm going to a pain management specialist in my internist's office. I guess she's going to look for nerve issues? Maybe abdominal wall? I don't know, but it's worth a shot. I'll ask about the physical therapy!

01-17-2007, 04:31 PM

I went to the hospital with abdominal pain so bad that i could stand up. All tests were clear. My white blood cell count was elevated only slightly. I thought it was my kidneys because I've had several problems before. All tests came back negative. All they could do was put me on a high dosage of Levaquin (antibiotic). My pain was gone in 3 days. I'm on here today because i am having similar symptoms today but more sharp and radiating what seems like, the path of my ureter. I have already had 3 stones.

hopefully if I can get levaquin again it will go away

01-18-2007, 06:01 AM

i know someone who had some of the same symptoms as you do and she had to go to a gluten free diet and all her troubles disappeared....google it and see if you think it fits your problems.......peace

01-18-2007, 07:39 PM

peace-
guess what! I have been on the gluten free diet for 3 yrs. now. So. . .I guess that's not it this time! It is a lifesaver, though. My aunt and cousins are celiac, too. thanks for the idea, though.

01-19-2007, 10:03 PM

I was going to say maybe endometriosis, but if you had a lap probably not. You are very fortunate to have doctors who are so agressive though. Mine act like I'm crazy and my pain has been chronic for over a year. Not only that, but my GYN says I may have endo, but they won't do a lap to find out.

lower abdominal suffering - help!

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