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pain in left-upper abdomen: pancreas or gallbladder (or something else) ?
I have a long history of "stomach" problems for last 7 years - now I am 33. Most of the problems went away when bacteria was discovered and treated with antibiotics.
However for last 10 months I am feeling pain/pressure in my left upper abdomen. Initially it was an occasional feeling of pressure that came and go (there could be whole week of feeling ok). In last 3-4 months the pressure changed into pain and the pain is almost all the time there.
I will list my symptoms:
- pain/pressure in left upper abdomen. There is hardly an hour when I do not feel it. Sometimes it lasts for minutes, sometimes for hours. On 1 to 10 scale I would say it is around 2-3.
- the pain may go to my back (left side mainly) or to be close to my left shoulder
- in last 2 months the pain is more intense - I wake up during the night several times
- my stool is loose and a little bit yellow. I am mostly on vegeteranian diet, but when I eat meat the stool floats. I rather tend to have constipation, but anyway the stool is loose.
- I am not sure if my pain is related to eating - maybe a little bit, but I am feeling it so often that maybe I do not notice the regularity
- from total of about 10 hours pain per day I may have one or two minutes pain on my right side (under ribs or under right shoulder)
- sometimes in the evening I feel itching
- about 2 years ago I had very strong attack of pain (I would say 8 in 1-10 scale) on left side of my abdomen, that went to the middle. However in ER the doctor did not diagnose it as pancreatitis - he said gastritis. I never had that strong pain again.
Tests that were performed in last 6 months:
-gastrocopy: normal
-colonoscopy: normal
-ultrasound: sludge-like deposits in gallbladder
-gallbladder contraction test: contracts in 32%
-CT scan: normal
-MRI scan: normal
-endoscopic ultrasound: normal, however the doctor said that my pancreas consistency is more solid than usually in my age
-some blood tests showed bilirubin 1.9, but another one showed 0.4
-any other blood test was normal
My first gastroenterologist (did only gastroscopy and X-ray) said it was irritable bowel syndrome caused by my spine that is not perfectly straight.
My second doctor was telling me that it was gallbladder problem and sent me to a surgeon.
Surgeron said that my symptoms can not be explained by gallbladder and sent me for additional test.
Now I wait for appointment with the 4th doctor.
I was taking stool softeners and citrucel, but it did not help. I also was takin hyocamine (against spasms), but it neither helped. Taking advil (9 per day) helps, but without it I can hardly focus on my job.
I have following questions:
- should I remove gallbladder or not ?
- can a gallbladder cause stool to be loose, clay-like in color and make it float ?
- are there any other tests that should be done ?
- what do you suspect to be the most probable cause of problems ?
Sincerely,
Jerzy B.
However for last 10 months I am feeling pain/pressure in my left upper abdomen. Initially it was an occasional feeling of pressure that came and go (there could be whole week of feeling ok). In last 3-4 months the pressure changed into pain and the pain is almost all the time there.
I will list my symptoms:
- pain/pressure in left upper abdomen. There is hardly an hour when I do not feel it. Sometimes it lasts for minutes, sometimes for hours. On 1 to 10 scale I would say it is around 2-3.
- the pain may go to my back (left side mainly) or to be close to my left shoulder
- in last 2 months the pain is more intense - I wake up during the night several times
- my stool is loose and a little bit yellow. I am mostly on vegeteranian diet, but when I eat meat the stool floats. I rather tend to have constipation, but anyway the stool is loose.
- I am not sure if my pain is related to eating - maybe a little bit, but I am feeling it so often that maybe I do not notice the regularity
- from total of about 10 hours pain per day I may have one or two minutes pain on my right side (under ribs or under right shoulder)
- sometimes in the evening I feel itching
- about 2 years ago I had very strong attack of pain (I would say 8 in 1-10 scale) on left side of my abdomen, that went to the middle. However in ER the doctor did not diagnose it as pancreatitis - he said gastritis. I never had that strong pain again.
Tests that were performed in last 6 months:
-gastrocopy: normal
-colonoscopy: normal
-ultrasound: sludge-like deposits in gallbladder
-gallbladder contraction test: contracts in 32%
-CT scan: normal
-MRI scan: normal
-endoscopic ultrasound: normal, however the doctor said that my pancreas consistency is more solid than usually in my age
-some blood tests showed bilirubin 1.9, but another one showed 0.4
-any other blood test was normal
My first gastroenterologist (did only gastroscopy and X-ray) said it was irritable bowel syndrome caused by my spine that is not perfectly straight.
My second doctor was telling me that it was gallbladder problem and sent me to a surgeon.
Surgeron said that my symptoms can not be explained by gallbladder and sent me for additional test.
Now I wait for appointment with the 4th doctor.
I was taking stool softeners and citrucel, but it did not help. I also was takin hyocamine (against spasms), but it neither helped. Taking advil (9 per day) helps, but without it I can hardly focus on my job.
I have following questions:
- should I remove gallbladder or not ?
- can a gallbladder cause stool to be loose, clay-like in color and make it float ?
- are there any other tests that should be done ?
- what do you suspect to be the most probable cause of problems ?
Sincerely,
Jerzy B.
Dear Jerzy B.,
I have had the same symptoms for years. It seems to be worse
lately and I've developed a lump on my back where it is always
hurting. I have constant pain under my front left rib and right
next to my left shoulder blade. I'm constantly scared because it
also makes it hard to breathe. My doctor doesn't find anything
and I don't have the financial means to find an answer. I'm told
I'm just under alot of stress. I just figure that someday with
the pain I have, something bad will happen and I'll end up in the
hospital and then someone will believe me.I also have chronic
trapped gas, can't burp, can hardly expel gas,and a clogged
potatoes-in-the-throat feeling, dry cough, symptoms are never
ending. On mornings when I'm having this problem, my chest and
back are so stiff and I can't expel the gas, I'll lay there for
hours trying to relieve gas(which hardly ever works)because when
I stand up it will go behind my left rib and cause constant
pressure. I wish you luck on your diagnosis and if it's helpful
please pass it on.
Sincerely,
Cindy C.
I have had the same symptoms for years. It seems to be worse
lately and I've developed a lump on my back where it is always
hurting. I have constant pain under my front left rib and right
next to my left shoulder blade. I'm constantly scared because it
also makes it hard to breathe. My doctor doesn't find anything
and I don't have the financial means to find an answer. I'm told
I'm just under alot of stress. I just figure that someday with
the pain I have, something bad will happen and I'll end up in the
hospital and then someone will believe me.I also have chronic
trapped gas, can't burp, can hardly expel gas,and a clogged
potatoes-in-the-throat feeling, dry cough, symptoms are never
ending. On mornings when I'm having this problem, my chest and
back are so stiff and I can't expel the gas, I'll lay there for
hours trying to relieve gas(which hardly ever works)because when
I stand up it will go behind my left rib and cause constant
pressure. I wish you luck on your diagnosis and if it's helpful
please pass it on.
Sincerely,
Cindy C.
Same thing here----
I have battled the upper left abdomen / unexplainable pain for years....been thru every test - abdominal scans, GI series, ultra sounds, colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc..etc...
recently had another ab scan...all normal as can be---am scheduled for another endoscop in a few weeks....am sure nothing will be found..
I keep saying DOC----something has gotta be wrong !! something is being overlooked....it's right by/under the rib cage & it's always there...sometimes it gets soooo bad I could scream----have never figgured out if food related or anything---no pattern anywhere..
F R U S T R A T E D !!! arghhhhhh
take care...Rob
I have battled the upper left abdomen / unexplainable pain for years....been thru every test - abdominal scans, GI series, ultra sounds, colonoscopy, endoscopy, etc..etc...
recently had another ab scan...all normal as can be---am scheduled for another endoscop in a few weeks....am sure nothing will be found..
I keep saying DOC----something has gotta be wrong !! something is being overlooked....it's right by/under the rib cage & it's always there...sometimes it gets soooo bad I could scream----have never figgured out if food related or anything---no pattern anywhere..
F R U S T R A T E D !!! arghhhhhh
take care...Rob
Hi Jerzy -
I have similar pain for the past 2 months (and also have been predominately vegetarian for the past 20 years) as do lots of us in another threaded discussion here (see "Upper Left Quadrant Pain" below).
It's very frustrating, and also scary living with the pain, but as long as your tests keep coming back okay, keep pushing them (the Drs.) to look further if you can. I just spoke with a friend who is an osteopath who said the myriad of possibilities in diagnosing abdominal pain is endless, anything and everything from intestinal parasites to toxoplasmosis to Crohn's to IBS, etc etc, and it just takes a persistent doctor (s) to get to the root of it. Since your tests returned negative, is sounds like most of the life-threatening things have been ruled out.
I'm sorry I have no experience with gall bladder problems. I hope the Doctor who answers these questions responds to you soon, as I am curious about her/his professional response.
Good luck and check out the other posts below, as I mentioned. We're all hoping someone has some success with diagnosis so that we can share the info!
Carol D.
I have similar pain for the past 2 months (and also have been predominately vegetarian for the past 20 years) as do lots of us in another threaded discussion here (see "Upper Left Quadrant Pain" below).
It's very frustrating, and also scary living with the pain, but as long as your tests keep coming back okay, keep pushing them (the Drs.) to look further if you can. I just spoke with a friend who is an osteopath who said the myriad of possibilities in diagnosing abdominal pain is endless, anything and everything from intestinal parasites to toxoplasmosis to Crohn's to IBS, etc etc, and it just takes a persistent doctor (s) to get to the root of it. Since your tests returned negative, is sounds like most of the life-threatening things have been ruled out.
I'm sorry I have no experience with gall bladder problems. I hope the Doctor who answers these questions responds to you soon, as I am curious about her/his professional response.
Good luck and check out the other posts below, as I mentioned. We're all hoping someone has some success with diagnosis so that we can share the info!
Carol D.
Dear Jerzy,
It would be presumptuous of me to make suggestions regarding surgery without taking a history and doing my own physicial examination. With regard to your other questions:
1) blockage of the common bile duct by stones, even if the blockage is only temporary, can cause clay colored stool;
2) given the question of a possible pancreas problem, additional evaluation of the pancreas with ERCP may be helpful
I am afraid that specific diagnoses can not be offered based on the information provided
It would be presumptuous of me to make suggestions regarding surgery without taking a history and doing my own physicial examination. With regard to your other questions:
1) blockage of the common bile duct by stones, even if the blockage is only temporary, can cause clay colored stool;
2) given the question of a possible pancreas problem, additional evaluation of the pancreas with ERCP may be helpful
I am afraid that specific diagnoses can not be offered based on the information provided
I HAVE PAIN AND LOOSE STOOLS SINCE MY GALLBLADDER WAS REMOVED IN JANUARY 1999.I HAVE HAD SOME OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS YOU HAVE. THE PAIN SOMETIMES IS UNBEARABLE.I HAVE CHANGED DOCTORS AND I HAVE ANOTHER ERCP NEXT WEEK.I ALSO HAVE NAUSEA TOO. CERTAIN MEALS AND EVEN SOUP MAKE ME HURT.
jerzy I have some of the same problems as you if you get any answers let me know ok kb
I have had this same pain for about 20+ years, off and on. I have been reading on the use of antacids, for the most part these do not help in my situation. I have been looking at he possible idea of NOT enough stomach acid as a real possibility. I have just finished a course of antibiotics for Broncitis. Ever since taking the antibiotics I have had another bought with this pain. I am quite aware of the need to replenish the bacterial flora after there use. One thing that has helped more than anything is the use of digestive enzymes and acidophilis.
If I take fairly high doses of acidophilis every morning before putting anything in me stomache for about 5-7 days and then use 2-3 caps of digestive enzymes every time I eat I find that the pain subsided. I have just recently been using this and it is about the only thing that has helped.
As to the use of any acid blocker, it is my understanding that a doctor should NEVER perscribe this type of medication unless there is clear evidence to indicate it,ei:Ulcers etc. It is necessary to the digestive process. Possible lack of stomache acid, causing putrification of undigested food can be the culprit?
It was suggested years ago that it is a pancreatic problem but all tests rule this out.
Maybe this info will be of use to someone.
If I take fairly high doses of acidophilis every morning before putting anything in me stomache for about 5-7 days and then use 2-3 caps of digestive enzymes every time I eat I find that the pain subsided. I have just recently been using this and it is about the only thing that has helped.
As to the use of any acid blocker, it is my understanding that a doctor should NEVER perscribe this type of medication unless there is clear evidence to indicate it,ei:Ulcers etc. It is necessary to the digestive process. Possible lack of stomache acid, causing putrification of undigested food can be the culprit?
It was suggested years ago that it is a pancreatic problem but all tests rule this out.
Maybe this info will be of use to someone.
This is the first site I have found where people are complaining about up back pain.I have had all the same symptoms for a few years. I too, have been through many tests and have been told it is stress related or maybe lactos related. The pain is mainly in the mid to left side of my stomach and goes to the left side of my back. The pain in my back is almost constant. I find that a heating pad helps me sleep. I feel like there is a lump in my throat, but it doesn't stop me from eating. I have no energy by the end of the day and some times it feels like my right kidney hurts. I was taken to the hospital last April with terrible pain in my lower back and right side. After many tests they desided I was passing a kidney stone. I did have blood in my urine and ended up with a nasty bladder infection the next day. Which cleared up with anti-biotics. The kidney stone (if there was one) has never been found.
Carol -
you really need to be the squaky will with the medical system and press for further testing for your daughter. Is she losinbg weight because she isn't eating, or is she eating normally but losing weight? You are entitled to a second opinion of you have na HMO - I just recently found this out.
I would think the pepcid would be to treat reflux (from which I also suffer bouts of), but the reflux pain is usually dead center between my ribs where the end and it is usually a sharp stabbling pain. I have asked my doctor if the pain in my left side could be related to my reflux and she doesn't think there's a relation. Fortunately my docotor is willing to p[ursue all the test routes until she comes up with an answer. You need to be assertive on your daughter's behalf and insist that your Dr. pursue further tests if the Pepcid treatment doesn't produce any positive results.
Good luck - let us know how it goes -
Carol D.
you really need to be the squaky will with the medical system and press for further testing for your daughter. Is she losinbg weight because she isn't eating, or is she eating normally but losing weight? You are entitled to a second opinion of you have na HMO - I just recently found this out.
I would think the pepcid would be to treat reflux (from which I also suffer bouts of), but the reflux pain is usually dead center between my ribs where the end and it is usually a sharp stabbling pain. I have asked my doctor if the pain in my left side could be related to my reflux and she doesn't think there's a relation. Fortunately my docotor is willing to p[ursue all the test routes until she comes up with an answer. You need to be assertive on your daughter's behalf and insist that your Dr. pursue further tests if the Pepcid treatment doesn't produce any positive results.
Good luck - let us know how it goes -
Carol D.
I am experiencing similar symptons except they are more in the middle top part of my stomach and on both the left and right sides and it goes around to my back. I have already had my gallbladder out. Point me in the right dorection as to what you think the diagnosis might be
Dear Jerzy, I can only suggest the same to you as I did to Kimberly.WHOLE HUSK PSYLLIUM.Make sure its fresh and keep it in the fridge after you open it.If your gassy or have diariah or constipation It will make you regular again.People go there whole lives with gallstones and never have problems.There are so many things that cause many of these symptoms.I think anyone who's having gastric type problems should probably try to stay away from problem foods such as hard alcohol,spicy foods,garlic,lemons,limes(there go my gin & tonics)anything with citric acid,caffien (ya right)high fat meals ,chocolate etc.& especially eating too fast or too much at at a time.I tend to have gallbladder like attacks if I overeat due to a spatic asophagus. Its better to eat many small meals instead of 2or 3 large ones for poeple like us.I always make sure to keep snacks with me like bananas,protien bars or shakes.I was serprised to find that anything with peppermint,like Altoids,really killed me.Hope this helps!.
Dear Jerzey,
I have the exact same symptoms that you describe. I posted many months back under upper left quadrant pain if you want to hear my whole story. The only difference is that in the last month or so my pain has moved to mostly the right side. My second GI MD has given me a 'presumptive' diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. He can't officially diagnose me as it is so hard to diagnose in the early stages and every test has so far been negative. It is very frustrating. He did start me on pancreatic enzymes-8 with every meal and before bed. The pain has improved with them but is still there. Some days it is so bad I do take pain meds but in general I try to stay away from them.
Take care and don't give up!!
Elizabeth
I have the exact same symptoms that you describe. I posted many months back under upper left quadrant pain if you want to hear my whole story. The only difference is that in the last month or so my pain has moved to mostly the right side. My second GI MD has given me a 'presumptive' diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. He can't officially diagnose me as it is so hard to diagnose in the early stages and every test has so far been negative. It is very frustrating. He did start me on pancreatic enzymes-8 with every meal and before bed. The pain has improved with them but is still there. Some days it is so bad I do take pain meds but in general I try to stay away from them.
Take care and don't give up!!
Elizabeth
A related discussion, Upper left abdominal pain and back pain with wet sensation was started.
I am actually going thru this problem right now.....the pain under/by my left and right rib cage comes and goes, I feel it in my back too! I has a ct scan done and it was all normal. I am very scared and having a endoscopy and a colonoscopy performed. Hope is all good!
A related discussion, Upper Abdominal Spasms was started.
A related discussion, abdominal pain was started.
I've had the same problem for a few years of bloating, lots of gas, constipation/loose stools alternatively, pain in ULQ under the ribs. Went to some docs and they found nothing.
I read through the posts on this thread and another website and decided to try a home treatment for candida yeast overgrowth in the colon. It seems to have helped so I wanted to pass it on - some of it has been mentioned already. I use a herbal candida remedy from the health food store that contains caprylic acid (there are also stronger prescription medicines for this), psyllium husks w/water and a probiotic of acidophilis and bifido bacterium (acidoph. is for small intestine, bifido is for large intestine - where the problem really is).
The idea is you're killing/ retarding the yeast growth in your colon with the fungicide, pushing it out with the psyllium and replenishing the the colon with good bacteria which keep the yeast down. You may have to alter your diet as well.
At first I started with just the probiotics, but found that the combo of all three worked best. The fungicide stopped the gas almost immediately.
If you lookup candida on the web you will find that it can cause lots of other symptoms as well as affect your liver. This worked for me anyway. Hope it helps someone out there. Good luck!
I read through the posts on this thread and another website and decided to try a home treatment for candida yeast overgrowth in the colon. It seems to have helped so I wanted to pass it on - some of it has been mentioned already. I use a herbal candida remedy from the health food store that contains caprylic acid (there are also stronger prescription medicines for this), psyllium husks w/water and a probiotic of acidophilis and bifido bacterium (acidoph. is for small intestine, bifido is for large intestine - where the problem really is).
The idea is you're killing/ retarding the yeast growth in your colon with the fungicide, pushing it out with the psyllium and replenishing the the colon with good bacteria which keep the yeast down. You may have to alter your diet as well.
At first I started with just the probiotics, but found that the combo of all three worked best. The fungicide stopped the gas almost immediately.
If you lookup candida on the web you will find that it can cause lots of other symptoms as well as affect your liver. This worked for me anyway. Hope it helps someone out there. Good luck!
I've had the same problem for a few years of bloating, lots of gas, constipation/loose stools alternatively, pain in ULQ under the ribs. Went to some docs and they found nothing.
I read through the posts on this thread and another website and decided to try a home treatment for candida yeast overgrowth in the colon. It seems to have helped so I wanted to pass it on - some of it has been mentioned already. I use a herbal candida remedy from the health food store that contains caprylic acid (there are also stronger prescription medicines for this), psyllium husks w/water and a probiotic of acidophilis and bifido bacterium (acidoph. is for small intestine, bifido is for large intestine - where the problem really is).
The idea is you're killing/ retarding the yeast growth in your colon with the fungicide, pushing it out with the psyllium and replenishing the the colon with good bacteria which keep the yeast down. You may have to alter your diet as well.
At first I started with just the probiotics, but found that the combo of all three worked best. The fungicide stopped the gas almost immediately.
If you lookup candida on the web you will find that it can cause lots of other symptoms as well as affect your liver. This worked for me anyway. Hope it helps someone out there. Good luck!
I read through the posts on this thread and another website and decided to try a home treatment for candida yeast overgrowth in the colon. It seems to have helped so I wanted to pass it on - some of it has been mentioned already. I use a herbal candida remedy from the health food store that contains caprylic acid (there are also stronger prescription medicines for this), psyllium husks w/water and a probiotic of acidophilis and bifido bacterium (acidoph. is for small intestine, bifido is for large intestine - where the problem really is).
The idea is you're killing/ retarding the yeast growth in your colon with the fungicide, pushing it out with the psyllium and replenishing the the colon with good bacteria which keep the yeast down. You may have to alter your diet as well.
At first I started with just the probiotics, but found that the combo of all three worked best. The fungicide stopped the gas almost immediately.
If you lookup candida on the web you will find that it can cause lots of other symptoms as well as affect your liver. This worked for me anyway. Hope it helps someone out there. Good luck!
I can't believe I stumbled upon this site through the Internet. I have spent the last half hour reading all your comments and it is nice to know I am not the only one suffering from these symptoms. I have exactly what all of you are explaining here. I have had left upper quadrant pain radiating around to under my should blade with ocassional nausea and palpations. I mostly experience the pain though on a daily basis varying in the sharpness. I, too, have had every test in the book. I had a CT Scan a few days ago and tonite when I got home I had a message from my doctor saying they want to see me to discuss my test and order further testing. I can't image what it could be but I am scared and anxious to find out. I have had these symptoms for the last 13 months. I am 33 years old and do not drink or smoke. I am in good health but am really tired of living with this pain and to be told my test are normal when I still do not feel like myself. I, too, have been placed on Prilosec with no relief. Not only do I have the left sided pain but terrible gas and bloating on a daily basis no matter what I eat. I hope to talk to my doctor tomorrow and I will definitely let all of you know what I find out. Who knows - it may be something that could help all of you too.
Well I assumed I had a peptic ulcer for years. The pain used to go with Zantac, for a while. But now I have a pain that moves from the left ribs to the left upper back. Sometimes it feels like there is something in my left sholuder area or back, something that catches, even a bit spiky. I have been horified it could be radiating from some kind of pancreas cancer (with no evidence for that of course), and have not felt able to write it off just as IBS or something. But this forum is reassuring- at least none of us have reported back with any nasty diagnoses. If I ever find out anything I'll let you know.
I cannot believe how many people are suffering from the same pain and there isn't any clear answer as to why. Stress could be a contributing factor, but PAIN is real. I am a 46 yr old female who has had stomach problems in the past. I recently was diagnosed with GERD which I do not experience heart burn, but acute acid larangitis; a hital hernia (which I am told does not cause the pain in the upper left abdomen). I have had the upper GI; upper endoscopy; sonogram and now my gastro spec wants me to have a small bowell series & if this is negative as all the others, go to a surgeon. He advised me that the surgeon would do an exploratory to try to figure out what may be going on. Surgery is pretty serious if you ask me - has anyone been given this advice from their doctor? Sorry, but glad to read that I am not along with this mysterious pain. Thanks
I am a 21 yr. old female and i am somewhat overweight. the other night, after eating dinner, i experienced a strange pain. at first the pain was mild, but irritating, then the pain got worse and i told my boyfriend that i thought i have food poisoning and to call my mom immediately. by the time she got there, the pain had become so bad, that i thought i was having a heart attack. i was experiencing pain under my sternum(right under and in line with my breasts)as well did it feel on the left and kinda the right. i began to get short of breath along with the stabbing pain and pressure. because i was short of breath, i became really upset and started to hyperventalate. my parents rushed me to the ER. when i got there, the tiog nurse took my BP(144/80...normal for me) and i was running a fever of 100.2(extremely rare for me b/c i always run below normal) when the pain went away, it seemed to slowly ease off and the nausea set in more than it was before. of coarse, i couldn't vomit. the doc said my urine test was fine, but some of my liver counts were abnormal. he felt sure it was gall stones. i had an ultrasound the next day which showed nothing..... well, the hepatitis tests were negative too.....i'm going to the doc today and feeling really discouraged about it b/c of responces i have had from him in the past...as i see some of you are too! i'm the kind of person who has constipation all the time, but lately....i have been having loose stools( light or yellow-brown in color)in fact during my "attack" i was upset on my stomach and having loose stools. i know how it is to go to the doc and have him think you are crazy. off and on, for over a year, i have been having UTI symptoms 1 or 2 times a month. only, nothing shows up on tests or cultures. out of this year, i had been 5 times and NOTHING, no bacteria, NOTHING...yeah right! i guess the burning and pain was all in my head! i went to a urologist and he scoped my bladder, diagnosing me with chronic cystitis....(from having an infection for a year) FRUSTRATING!!! anyone have any idea or wanna chat with me, IM me or e-mail me with ideas.
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I am sitting here in awe that someone has the same symptoms as my self, I have been dealing with Pain on my left side below my rib cage for almost 2 years, the pain circles around my rib cage under my arm, radiating into the back, I also experience pain in my left arm and center of my chest almost all the time. There is however a variation in severity. I left work today after having a spell which has the symptoms of a Heart Attack. I am a 26 Yr old Female. I have had all sorts of tests. My doctor thinks I am a Hypocondriac. Today I am also experiencing horrible gas pains. I am currently seeing a chiropractor who says that the pain is due to a rib slipping out of place and since I already have digestive problems inflamation of the stomach and other areas push on the rib causing this pain, the pain has lessened itself until today. I would love to put a name to this....PLEASE HELP!
Hi all hopefully i wont feel so crazy knowing all you people have the same problems. 1ST OF ALL JERZEY gall bladder is on the right so if your pain is left sided look for other answers. I'm 32 have suffered stomach problems my whole life. Stay awake most nights in so much pain. Had my gall bladder removed at 22 (which i'm told is young for those kinds of problems- gall stones) but syptoms never really improved severe abdominal pain left sided near ribs mostly but sometimes it seems to be right in the middle by belly button. My bowels are never right either i'm constipated or i have diarherra.I suffer from nausea daily. @ yrs ago with through upper & lower gi series lots of bloodwork and finally an endoscopy. The endoscopy showed what the dr called acute chronic gastritis and explained that my stomach doesnt empty properly also said the problem with bowels "could be"irritable bowel syndrome. Been taking Prilosec and varying doses of reglan for 2 yrs with little to no relief ( although reglan only med that helps nausea even a little ) back in Feb so bad ended up in er had been vomitting for hrs tried to explain my history with my stomach they told me it was the flu and sent me home. saw my internist later that same week and he ordered an abdominal catscan and more bloodwork. They came back normal so he stuck with original diagnosis. So i finally went for 2nd opinion. This doctor seems to think i have gastroparesis and ordered a stomach emptying test.I'll have the results in a few days. In the meantime i cant find any info that explains the difference between the 2 (gastritis & gastroparesis) They are both stomach ailments which have to do with the stomach emptying and they are both treated with reglan so i'm at my wits end.
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