Hi, I'm 28, male, non-drinker, former smoker. In August, I developed a dull ache in my left side, along with sporadic back pain, gas/gas pains, painless muscle spasms, floating stools, achy joints, and fatigue. No nausea or vomitting, but I do notice that fattier foods seem to aggravate the problem (causing sharper abdominal pains and general sick feeling).
My doctor immediately ordered a Spiral CT scan w/contrast and amylase/lipase blood tests. Everything came back clean/normal. A hepititis and stool test (for parasitic infection) came back clean as well.
Interestingly, about five years ago, I had the same left-sided abdominal pain and some back pain, went to my then-doctor who ordered an upper GI w/barium, came back clean, and he put me on Prilosec. It kind of helped the heart burn, but not the pain, which eventually seemed to go away on it's own, with an occasional flare-up. I wonder if this is possibly related?
Lastly, my doctor is stumped, and has sent me to a gastro doctor, my appt in a few weeks.
For now, trying to collect as much info as I can. Learned that my symptoms (includ. the floating stool & muscle spasms are evidence of malabsorption of nutrients and fats),pain, etc. can be linked to chronic pancreatitis. Also found out that if I've in fact been experiencing mild discomfort due to this condition over the past five years when it began, neither the lipase/amylase levels or CT Scan would necessarily show much.
For anyone experienced with this, any suggestions on what tests to pursue? Any input or suggestions would be great. Thank you!!!