Anyone else with these symptoms?? Please read!

Hi...my history is long and a bit complicated so please bear with me. In March of this year I started having abdominal pain that would not go away, not unbearable, however it was starting to get to me. Along with this pain, I also had band-like rib cage pain on both sides (the left side being the worst side.) I had a blood test for H. pylori, which came back positive. Yeaaaah...a treatable reason for the pain. Hmmmmm...well, I started on Helidac therapy (which I might add is nasty!) and after my 14 days of treatment, I still had abdominal pain. Finally got brave enough for an ultrasound, which showed gallstones!! So....on Tuesday (5-07-02) I had laparoscopic removal of my gallbladder. I was told by my doctor that the left-sided rib and back pain could be referred pain from the gallbladder, so naturally I was hoping that once the "culprit" was gone, so would my pain. Wrong again!! So my question is this...what is causing this left sided pain. It seems worse since having surgery. I should mention that my abdominal ultrasound showed normal kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen. My liver panel was also normal. Please, please...if anyone is experiencing the same symptoms or has in the past, I would be ever so grateful for some insight into what is wrong with me!! Thanks!

[Lor]

Chronic pancreatitis doesn't always show up on blood test. Your stomach pain could also be from Sphincter of oddi dysfunction. Which in my case did give me on and off stomach pain you discribe. I had other pain along with it. SOD can mimic a gallbladder attack. If you have bile trapped in your bile duct it can back up into your liver and pancreas. My liver didn't show signs for a year. All my lab work and CT's were normal.

[emotions327]

hey i have similar symtoms (symptoms). If it is pancritis, which i have it may not show up on a blood test but it will inevitable show up on an endoscopy procedure with biopsies. I think either that or a colonoscopy is a must for u to finally get a good look from the inside and see whats going on.

[Lynn28]

I have the same EXACT pain. It's most likely due to gastritis if you were treated for HP. H-Pylori causes gastritis and once it's treated it takes some time to heal. You should be on PPI's if you were treated for this bug. If it was your pancreas you would KNOW IT!!!! The symptoms of gastritis are general abdominal pain. Pain also under left and right rib and sometimes back pain, but not to the point of going to the ER, like pancreatitis would cause. It's more like an ANNOYING pain, than actual "Pain, Pain." Also, the center of your abdomen, up high in the PIT of the tummy area will also be VERY sore with gastritis. There is also some burning as well. Most EVERYONE that has ever been infected with HP has some form of gastritis as this is what HP leaves behind. Have you ever been checked for this as well as any ulcers? It's best to ask your doc to perform the following.
Endoscopy is very important as this will show gastritis and any ulcers, but it does not show pancreatitis. Also having a colonoscopy. Things wrong with the intestines will cause a lot of abdominal pain. Ask about an endoscopy. It's the best way. Keep us posted ;)

-Jennifer

[auntfufu]

Hello Steph64,
I really am not as informed as you think I am.  I have just done alot of asking questions and research myself because, like you, they can't seem to find out why I still have the pain.  I was HP- yet they treated me with two different antibiotics totaling 2000mg a day.  That didn't work.  Berrium exray's showed diverticulosus, two weeks later a colonoscopy showed none.  I had my gull bladder removed 9 months ago and have been trying every sence to get this taken care of.  It sounds to me like you are suffering from the same kind of problem only you did test +HP.  From the research that I have done I was convinced that my pancreas was acting up.  But, the symtoms (symptoms) are so much like the sphinter of oddi.  These symtoms (symptoms) are so simular.  But, that is because they are related.  I believe that I will have the doctor check for these.  I really don't have the answer's with these conditions.  Wish I could help you more.  Anyway, sence our symtoms (symptoms) are so much the same I would like for you to keep me informed.  My personal E-mail is ***@****
Thanks,  Hope I helped some.

[Steph67]

Jenn...thank you so much for your insight into my problems!!  I had a follow up with my surgeon today and he didn't have any good answers regarding my left back/side pain.  He did say that I could have a CT scan to check my pancreas, but I am just not convinced that this problem is due to my pancreas.  I've always heard that pancreatitis causes excruciating pain and after almost three months, I have not had that!  My pain is basically in my back (at about the bra line)and sometimes radiates around to the front ribcage.  Abdominal pain on the left is minimal!  Sometimes I'll have mid-epigastric pain up into my chest.  TODAY...most of my pain is on the right side!!  Geeze...go figure!  I'm just getting so tired of this, but your kind words did reassure me a bit and I thank you for that.  

p.s.  What PPI works best for you and how do you feel about probiotics?

THANKS AGAIN!!

[Steph67]

Thank you so much for your reply.  Any advice I can get is greatly appreciated.  If you'll read my reply to Jenn today you'll see that I saw my surgeon today and he had no answers for me!  The only worthwhile thing he did for me is to say that I can't return to work until next Monday!  Wooohoooo!  ;o)  I think for now, I'm just gonna heal up from my cholecystectomy and see how I feel after that.  At this point, I'm extremely tired of all of the tests that aren't getting me anywhere.  Thanks again and I'll keep you posted!!

~S~

[Abbey]

Steph67....PLEASE PLEASE E-mail me. We have exactly the same symptoms. I have been sick for 3 months and have gone for various tests. I go for an MRI of my liver on Thursday. I was told I have lesions on my liver. that shocked me because I rarely drink. Everything you described is happening to me.

***@****

[Lynn28]

How did they find the lesions on your liver when they were first discovered? Did you have a CT-Scan?

[Lynn28]

I use keifer. It's a probiotic "Drink." I blend it with berries and drink it about three times a week. Go to your healthfood store. I aslo take protonix for my gastritis. It's just another PPI. but it's GOOD! Did you ask your GI about the gastritis? Are you taking anything for it?

Jenn

[ladyl]

3yrs ago i complained about stomach, side, and back pain.I went to DR after DR. after DR...Finally my ob-gyn went to take a look and found a lot of female trouble. He corrected this problem, but my pain and fatigue got worse. Again no one had any answers. About 81/2 mos after surgery, i woke and could not get out of bed. I called my family DR, and he did blood work to check my thyroid, because I had Graves Disease. About six days later, I was told I had Leukemia, (CML). I was sent to houston, texas to md anderson cancer center. But my pain is still there. I have had thousands of dollars worth of tests. Finally, I was sent to see a surgeon. He pulled all my MRI'S, CT SCAN'S, ULTRA SOUNDS, X-RAY'S, ETC. He said he saw nothing, and agreed to keep looking before surgery. He ordered a hida scan, and it showed my gallbadder was only working at about 6%, which he said is really nothing. Before he does anything surgery, he wants me to see my gastroentist? again. He has done upper and lower test, now i go back to him. He said he can answer more of my question and give me more information. Well I really don't know what to expect. How serious is this problem with my gallbadder not working. Can i have some other form of cancer, is this associated with my liver. I don't know anything, and i'm about to lose my mind. I was thinking the pain was in my head. I hurt so much from my treatments and medicine for my leukemia, that I was beginning to think that it is just somthing i have to live with. If anyone can give me some information, please, please, please help me understand what is going on now.
I have read other comments and i see myself in so many comments. My pain is in my left side, all the time, and can be so bad sometimes. The back pain, under my shoulder blades, and onto my right side. I take pain pills, but I don't want to get depended so I only take when I just can't bear the pain any longer.

NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Steph67]

Hi Jenn...thanks for the info.  I'll look for some kiefer tomorrow.  Does it come in pill form?  I've tried Nexium and Prevacid and neither seem to make much of a difference.  Maybe I should try again.  How long did it take for you to notice a difference after being on protonix?

[Lynn28]

I don't think it comes in pill form, but you can go to a GOOD health food store and just ask for their best probiotic. (Pill)
It took about two HARD weeks of protonix before I felt better. I took 40mg in the am and 40 at bed for the first two weeks. On the third I cut it down and only take 40. I have zero burning and am finally able to eat. Does the gastritis bother you? Are you able to eat ok?

Jenn

[Steph67]

Ok...I'm definitely going to be faithful about taking the prevacid or nexium I have at home.  Now...which one should I take (I have both at home)!  Guess I'll just pick one and go with it!!  I actually am able to eat and my pain seems diminished for a short while after I eat...it's brief, but welcome!  I definitely do notice that coffee (anything with caffeine) makes it worse.  Dang...I miss my coffee!!  :o(  

[celtica]

Has anyone else got bowel 'hiccoups'! as I have. I have read masses of info about hypothyroid (which I have) and all the ascociated problems but this constant visible hiccouping in my lower right side is driving me mad . I have a combination of watery along with solid movements .Im very worried as no one else seem to mention having had the same. my gp whom is young simply calls it irritable bowel but it's more than that I'm sure. Any feedback would be apprecated.

[Lynn28]

WOW, that sounded just like myself. Whenever I would drink coffee, and I take mine black w/ suger, the worst......the pain in the PIT of my stomach would KILL!! I too miss it. I cheat with a few sips at times. I steal it from my fiances cup ;)
Are your symtpoms more pain or burning? Also, where is it located?

Jenn

[Abbey]

Hi everyone,

I am SO glad I found this forum because I can relate to the problems experienced by most everyone that posts here.

Let me just start by stating that before February I was(and hopefully will be again) a very healthy woman who only went to the doc's once a year for my yearly physical, mamograms, etc. I started out having a virus along with my hubby. Soon after I believe I strained myself either by lifting something heavy or while having a bowel movement...who knows. Shortly after that I started having GERD which by the way I never had before. I didn't know what heartburn was let alone GERD.

What prompted me to visit the doc's was a ache on my right side towards  the side along with ribcage pain mostly on the right side as well. He at first thought I had a kidney infection and put me on heavy meds which is used for anthrax. It didn't work. I also have herniated disks in my neck and upper back so when I started experiencing pain in my upper back along with chest muscles they thought it might be back related. With that in mind the doc sent me for a EMG(nerve study in legs) after having chest x-rays, blood work, etc. My EMG was fine. The oreopedic doc sent me to therapy which worked a little but I still had that darn chest muscle pain which at times felt like a heart attack which leads me to my next comment because my husband actually took me to the ER thinking I was having one. I wasn't. The emergency room doctor told me again it was most likely my back since they did an ultra sound on my gallbladder, kidneys and liver and found nothing.

After 6 weeks of frustration and going through countless tests I switched  doctors. The new doctor sent me for a cat scan on my chest, abdomen and neck. That's when I found out I have 3 small lesions on my liver which as I stated before shocked me because I am not a drinker but later found out that one doesn't have to be to have liver problems. Tomorrow I go for an MRI on my liver and kidneys because although my doctor and the rawdiologist reading my cat scan felt it was not a big deal(then why did they want to monitor me so closely) I want to know so I can have piece of mind. If something bad comes out of it I am then requesting a biopsy on my liver.

Two weeks ago I forced my doctor to admit me into the hospital for a couple of days because of the pain I was experiencing still on my right side and also because I was very weak. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me as well, who knows. There I had a upper G.I. cat scan on my back as well as other tests which to be honest I don't remember because they had me on heavy pain killers. Nothing showed up...yippee!!!! Oh, did I mention I also had a colonoscopy and endoscopy in March. That test showed I had GERD as well as a hiatal hernia which later tests didn't show. How frustrating. Anyway, I go for my MRI tomorrow and Friday I go see the gastrologist(the one who gave me the colonoscopy). I also see a back surgeon on Thursday as well.

Did I mention that I am so sick of tests but at the same time determined to find out exactly what my problem is. I've also been to my throat doctor because it felt as if something was always in my throat(worried about throat cancer) and while I am not a smoker, anything new sensation has started to make me parinoid. My adams apple also feels swollen at times.

Thanks everyone for listening. I'll keep you informed.

[fluffy]

I went to the er today and they can't find it, I hurt on my left side right under my breast at the ribs sometimes it goes to the middle of my chest. I also have a lot of foul smelling gas. Any ideas?

[Abbey]

I'm sorry but I need to vent. I thought I was the only one going through hell right now trying to find a prognosis. What is it about my pea brain that thought that all I had to do was go to a doctor and run a few tests and they could help me? Silly me I guess.

To all posting, hang in there. Tomorrow I go to the back specialist and for my MRI for my liver so keep your fingers crossed and Friday I go to the gastro doc. I'm requesting a Hida Scan and any other test to find out why I feel so darn tired.

Do NOT stop until you find a solution or answer to your health problems. If one doctor won't help you get your medical records and keep on looking. Nothing is more important!!!!!!!!!

[BDR]

Hi Everyone

I think after reading all the threads on this page I have almost suffered all the symptoms described plus a few additionals. My medical saga began twelve months ago following a high dose exposure to the halogennated solvent methylene chloride which is both hepatotoxic and neurotoxic. Ive had all sorts of tests, gastroscopies etc etc etc basically to no avail (although CT and ultrasound showed a benign tumour in my liver). I have suffered with pain in my liver region, gastrointestinal bloating, throat and lung pain, nerve pains shooting from my back through my body to my right lung (which is the most effected)for over twelve months.

To deal with some of the gastro problems I use psyllium husk (fibre) as a good general bowel cleaner. This lifts the dead cell lining from the GIS and makes a huge difference to swelling, pain etc. It can be a little uncomfortable at first but it's natural and simple and is very effective.

Given the toxin exposure and my suffering with MCS prior to this anyway (which is worse than ever) I suspect much of my pain and swelling in liver region is due to toxin load. I find fresh carrot juice reduces this swelling and pain within a few minutes. As I am concerned about liver cancer following the exposure fresh juicing is one good way to help liver function while detoxing. The liver is vital to good health and anything that can improve this (particularly naturally) is a good thing.

I recently read some information from Dr Sandra Cabots web page, which is worth a visit. She is an MD with a naturopathic background. She brings the science of medicine to the world of natural medicine and blends the two well.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Cheers

Bernie

[Steph67]

Hi Jenn!  My pain is a little hard to decribe exactly, however, I would say it's really more of a burning pain, rather than a pain, pain!!  Some days are better than others...like yesterday I had a really pretty good day until I went out for supper with my sister and neice and wanted to eat like they were...so I did!  My "pain" then returned and is worse again today.  It's mostly in my rib cage, sometimes the back, sometimes under the rib cage, sometimes left side greater than right and sometimes vice versa.  It's so hard to explain because it's so unpredictable.  I very rarely have the pain in the pit of my stomach though.  Do you ever wake up with the pain??  This morning I woke up with pain in my left side (ribs), which has progressed to the right side as well.  This is getting so old!  OH...I did buy myself a bottle of probiotics.  Hopefully they will help...how long before I can notice any relief with these?
Thanks for your advice!!

Steph

[Lynn28]

I hear you. This is by far, definitely getting old. I was really looking foward to this summer with friends. I guess there's no fun for me anytime soon :( I'm dying for a margarita!! Your pain is exactly like mine. It sort of feels like your insides are boiling. Strange, and yes, my back bothers me at times too. I too young for this ****! I don't really wake up because of the pain, but sometimes in the morning when I do get up I will feel as though I did a hundred sit-ups. Sore. Does this happen with you, or is it again, (LOL) just me. If I push in on center of my tummy (up high) it will totally hurt. Like there's something there? Strange. This has been the number one thing that's bothered me, but everything keeps coming back gastritis. Hmmm
Also, I notice a lot of people complaining about weight issues. Do you have a problem keeping your weight? As for the probiotic. I noticed a difference I would say in about a week. Not a HUGE difference, but enough. Don't take too much. Maybe every other day. Too much will make you way constipated. One more question (sorry so many) How long have you had this and are you currently taking anything as per your GI? I hope we ALL get better soon. It's definitely taking it's toll.

-Jennifer

[Steph67]

Jenn...I've been given samples of Nexium and Prevacid and haven't noticed a big difference with either, so then I just quit taking them!!  Stupid I know, but I just hate taking pills!!  The pain never wakes me from sleep, but it does seem like as soon as I wake up, I do notice pain pretty much right away.  Sometimes, I think it's all in my head...I mean, how can I sleep pain free and then wake up and it's there???  

All of this started in the early part of March and I think I did tell you that I was treated for H.pylori and then on May 7 had my gallbladder taken out.  It really seems like the rib cage, back, and minimal abdominal pain (both sides)seems worse since the surgery.  :o(  What's up with that?  I suppose if this truly is gastritis, the antibiotic treatment for surgery and the NSAIDS taken for pain after, could have exacerbated the condition.  I felt relatively good before my surgery, however, I was eating a really bland diet at that time.  So far, don't really have any weight problems at all.  I lost some weight initially, but I'm not having a problem keeping weight on.

I, too, hope we all get better soon....Thanks Jenn!!

Steph

[Eden]

Hello,

I almost cried when I read your posts.  I have been having those exact symptoms for at least a few years now.  For about the past 4 months I have been having upper abdominal pains on my right side.  Until two weeks ago, my doctor has been ordering ultrasounds which have shown nothing.  A little over two weeks ago, my doctor ordered a CT scan which I had done about two days later.  On the requisition for the CT scan she wrote something about abdominal pain and abdominal mass.  She never mentioned to me that she felt a mass when she examined me so I don't know what that was about.  Anyway, the test showed what my doctor called "non-specific" lesions on my liver.  She said they may be seeing blood vessels or something, so I am seeing her after work today and we will schedule an MRI.  The only causes for lesions of the liver that I have found are 1) excessive alcohol intake, and 2) certain medications.  I don't drink, but I take many medications for several chronic conditions.

At this point in my life, I am not hoping that "they won't find anything" because that has been the most frustrating thing for me to have happen over time.  I don't care *what* they find.  I just want them to *find* it.  My theory (incorrect though it may be) is that if they can find it, maybe they can fix it.  On the other hand, EVEN if it is something like cancer, at least I would know.

Abbey, I hope your MRI will give you some answers.  Please let us know what happens.

Steph, I hope that you will find answers soon, too.

I apologize for the length of this post, but when I read your posts I just had to respond because I have not heard anyone say that they have had the same symptoms or knew anyone that had the same symptoms that I have.  And to find *MORE THAN ONE PERSON* who has the exact symptoms??!!!  I HAD to post.  So it's not all in my head, huh?  That is great.

Thank you both - in fact - thank you all for sharing.

Eden

[Abbey]

When my doctor first started ordering tests he had to put a "possibility" down for insurance purposes so when your doctor prescribed your procedure he/she put down "mass."

I know that's a frightening word but to cut through all the red tape he had to put down something.

My MRI came back good. Fatty cysts I was told but they want to monitor it for a while just to be sure. I'm not worried. I don't drink; occasional red wine. Hormonal changes can cause lesions too I was told.

More to come as tests progress. Next Hida scan for gallbladder function.

Take care and god bless.

[Steph67]

Hi Eden...it really does help to know that others are experiencing the same symptoms as you doesn't it?  I know it makes me feel "better"!  Please feel free to email me anytime you need to "talk" @ ***@****  

I hope your MRI turns out ok or at the very least, you get an answer to this frustrating problem!!  I'll be thinking of you!

Steph

[carrierae]

have your dr do a gastric emptying test.  you may have gastroparesis.   log onto yahoo.com and go under groups.  I think its http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gastropaaresis/  get a yahoo address (its free) and read the message boards .... it really helped me out.  I , too had stomach pain gastritist, hernia and was recently diagnosed with gastroparesis ( delayed stomach emptying).
it causes lots of symptoms....
Little is know about this disease and its incurable but, its worth asking your gi dr to run this simple test.
carrie

my email add is
carrierae_2000***@****

[Steph67]

So glad to hear that the lesions on your liver are nothing too serious!!  I've been thinking about you!!

Steph

[Lynn28]

I too hate taking pills, BUT it's SO crucial especially if you have gastritis. It will never go away unless you surpress the acid. I too took nexium, prilo, prevacid, etc, etc. NONE worked. I was finally given protonix and the burning has completely STOPPED. I took 40mg  in the am and 40 in the pm for the first two weeks. Now I take just 40 at breakfast and that it is. I take this faithfully! It's only been about three weeks, but I plan to continue taking it for a couple of more weeks. Than I will stop. You have to take something though so that the gastritis goes away.....Bad girl.....LOL If I can do it and I HATE pills, you can do. At least for a good couple of weeks faithfully!!!! Trust me. You'll be surprised at how much of your pain goes away and it will. Also, if you ever want to talk, feel free to e-mail me. ***@****

Take CARE OF THAT BELLY ;)

[Steph67]

Ok Ok...I know!! =p I'm just terrible about taking pills.  I go back to work on Monday and I'll ask my Doc for Protonix.  Doesn't seem like Prevacid or Nexium does much for me.  Hopefully that will make a difference!  Keep your fingers crossed!  Thanks for the kick in the butt...I need that every once in awhile!!  You're a sweetheart!

Steph

[Steph67]

Hey Jenn...please email me at ***@****  I'm having a hard time figuring out your email address!  Thanks!!

Steph

[mikeyb]

I have had aching behind the breastbone on and off for years but I have just started to a very uncomfortable feeling when swallowing. Feels as though something is blocking the way (briefly)even when swallowing saliva, in the esophargus.
Doctor says its Acid reflux.
Given me Nexium. They haven't had the slightest effect. I asked for a specialist but he refused me, saying to try the Nexium first.
Anyone else had these symtoms (symptoms).
Mike