Abdomen pain since 3 months

Dear Doctor,

I have been having mild pain in front upper central/right quadrant of my abdomen for the past 3 months. The pain is mild and usually comes and goes. Here is my history.

March'2006 - blood work Performed 3 times over span 3 weeks showed mildly elevated pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase.
April'2006 - Abdomen ultrasound normal results shown.
April'2006 - Abdomen Catscan IV contrast. Normal results shown.
May'2006 - Was on Prilosec OTC for 3 weeks. I felt the pain reduced when I was taking prilosec.
June'2006  - Scheduled for EGD with my Gastroenterologist.

I do NOT have have bloody stools, vomiting, constipation or diarahhea.

My GI said intially(back in march/april) that it could be pancreatitis or gallstones. But later after ultrasound and
CTScan came normal he thinks the pain may be related to an ulcer. I still have some mild pain/discomfort that comes and goes but intensity is lot less compared to what I had back in March. Some times the pain radiates to the back. Could this be ulcer pain or something else, does it take so long for an ulcer to heal.

Please help
Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the possibility of an ulcer.  Inflammation of the upper digestive tract as well as GERD remain possibilities.  The negative CT scan and ultrasound would indeed make gallstones on pancreatitis less likely.  

The EGD is the most comprehensive test to evaluate for this possibility.  An upper GI series can be considered if the EGD is too far out (normally this can be more easily scheduled).

I would also consider tests for H Pylori - a bacteria that is associated with ulcers or inflammation.

The time for an ulcer to heal would depend on the severity - it can range from weeks to months.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[abdpain1]

By the way, I'm 29 year old male with no lpast illnesses

[tina1212]

i have been having this pain under my right rib and it gets real tigh like a muscle or somthing and it hurts till i rub it out .if i sneeze all man it hurts what is this? thank you

[quenga]

Hi I am 33 Years old, and 7 years ago after I had my Last child I have been experiencing Major medical problems.From having blackouts, to loosing 5 pounds a week until I was to weak to care for my infant, and of course major Pelvic pains. I have had all TEST done on my that you could think of. I have had FIVE operations within a 2 year period, all from different diagnose and the major one was when they removed my Ovaries and Uterus at the age of 26 becuase they informed me that I had Ovarian Cancer. I was still having MORE if not WORSt problems after the fact. I was then Diagnose form EIGHT different Doctors with "Chronic Pelvic Pain". After all the procedures, all the clinics and Hospitals that I have been to, I am still back to square one. The pain is so severe it starts from the lower pelvic area and works its way to my back. I have been thru so much and all they have been giving me are different types of Pain Killers. My Body is immune to it all, that I now just don't deal with the pain.I was recently diagnose with Coronary Artery Disease. I am only 33 years old, I have 4 Beautiful kids and I have been Married for 14 years. I wish to live longer if possible but my body feels like giving up.

DIAGNOSES that I was informed by my physician:
*STRESS
*DEPRESSION
*CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN
*INTESTINAL PROBLEMS
*HEART PROBLEMS
*ANXIETY

My NEW syptoms (symptoms) that I am Having on a daily bases are:
*Major Headaches
*Body Weakness
*Hard time Breathing
*Ringing in my Ear
*Worst pelvic pain from the front going towards my back area lik someone is stabbing me.
* shaky fingers for no reason
<b>I don't know what to do anymore. What could be ym problem? What can I do to get to the bottom of my illness? Its hard when I can't work because all the above syptoms (symptoms) hit me daily, then its sad because I can't join my family in gatherings because I am afraid of feeling the pain while I am out. PLEASE HELP ME I would take any advice you have to give.</b>

I am a Pacific Islander
there is CANCER, HEART PROBLEMS and DIABETES that runs in my Family.