I would agree with surgeon's suggestion of a CT scan being a reasonable next step. The "gnawing" pain may also be indicative of dyspepsia - i.e. upper GI discomfort caused by GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the esophagus or stomach.
Pancreatic cancer would be unlikely, however the CT scan can evaluate this.
I would suggest an upper GI workup, including upper GI series and/or upper endoscopy. The upper endoscopy would comprehensively evaluate for any inflammation or ulcers that may be causing your symptoms.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
I've had an ultrasound and I'm waiting on results. Can anyone tell me how reliable ultrasounds are versus CT Scans in pancreas diagnosis?
One more thought:
I did have a sonogram on my abdomen a year an a half ago as my first IBS test. Nothing came up except for a slightly enlarged spleen.
I would consider further evaluation, and I'd think a good place to start would be CT scan of the abdomen. If nothing shows there, then, because of the change in bowel habits, I'd suggest colonoscopy. The list of possibilities is long at this point, and would indeed include pancreatic cancer although it's more likely to be something less serious. Nevertheless, it seems it's time to investigate further, rather than to continue to treat symptoms only.
Other thoughts:
Doc said it wasn't H. pylori.
And I've been saddled with some gas and an uncommon amount of belching recently.
If you could posit some other less severe possibilites, I'd certainly appreciate it. It'd certainly make me feel better.
You're right: I overlooked the colonoscopy a year ago, so it's not a priority. But as stated, CT scan would be a good first step in the further evaluation. Most back pain is musculo-skeletal in origin, meaning muscle strain, pinched nerve, etc. So it well could be unrelated to the other issues.
You think I should have another colonoscopy within about a year of the first one?
Do you have any thoughts as to what the upper back pain is? It is getting bad today....