Does this sound familiar to anyone?

I'm a 29 year-old male with generally healthy eating habits, and I do not smoke or drink.  About a week ago, I had a general feeling of indigestion and bloating.  That soon graduated to some intense abdominal/stomach pain that I soon figured out occurs mostly after meals.  I visited my family doctor twice, and he sent me for blood & urine tests, abdominal CAT scan, and the upper GI test (which is scheduled for this Monday coming up).  In the meantime, I'm eating nothing but chicken broth, ginger ale, and pudding.  This keeps me from having intense pains, but there is always some pain and discomfort.  I haven't noticed any blood in the stool.  

Does anyone else have similar symptoms?  What are my possible conditions?  I'd like to get some more information under my belt before speaking with my doctor again.  Also, what are some foods I should be eating that will be easy on my stomach?  Even white bread hurts.

Thanks!

[Tomasello_MD]

Actually what you describe could be one of several things. If you have had blood tests and a CT which is normal, Gallbladder disease is unlikely. However, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Inflammatory bowel disease are possibilities. There is also a condition known as "sprue" where people have problems with stomach bloating, cramping and abdominal discomfort following consumption of foods containing "gluten" (an ingredient in wheat products).
If you haven't had an EGD or Colonoscopy, these tests may bring you (and your doctor) some answers.

[nadia]

I had all the tests you had, but none of them detected my gallbladder disease.  An U/S should be in order and if that does not show anything a Hida Scan would be the definitive test for the gallbladder.

[larryg99]

Speaking to my dr. last night, I found out that they didn't etst my blood for h. pylori.  Should I demand to go back for another blood test?  Or will the upper GI take care of it?  I'm not having much faith in my doctor right now, and am contemplating going straight to a specialist.

Thanks again.

[Tomasello_MD]

If you have been having symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (or "heartburn" you should really be tested for H.Pylori. I am not sure why your doctor overlooked this, but it certainly worth asking him/her.

[Suziepie]

It's strange, for some reason they wait until the big tests have been done before they check for Gluten Intolerance.  In other countries they check for it at birth.  I thought we were ahead of other countries.  The U.S. certainly does lack in recognizing food allergies and parasites.  I had the WORST pediatrician for my daughter when this all came about.  He decided that it was an eating disorder and refused to do any tests.  It turns out that it is a medical condition.  You have to be SO careful with the doctor you choose.  It's a good idea to check on the medical board web-site and check the doctors record.  You really don't want to choose a doctor that's been sued a couple of times.

[lind]

Try to take a double dose of probiotics, (good intestinal bacteria), for several days. It helped me with similar indigestion. within 12 hours all symptoms were gone.

[JDavid]

I am familiar with "sprue" problems since my wife has been diagnosed with Celiac Sprue and has had it for nearly 20 years. They finally realized that was the problem only 3 years ago. Many of the symptoms on this forum relate to some of the things she went through--tests and treatments--none of which found the real problem.  I would suggest you pursue the potential of a dietary cause as a part of your search for a solution.  There are sites on the internet that discuss Celiac; i.e., celiac.com.

[larryg99]

I appreciate the comments, but how likely is it that someone my age can suddenly contract sprue?

[JDavid]

Age makes no difference -- my wife is 57 and her CD (Celiac Disease) began when she was around 36 or 37 years old.  It can be brought on by a trauma to your body that trips off a breakdown in your tolerance for wheat and wheat products. Particularly if either of your parents had similiar problems in digestion or related areas, CD is genetic and can be passed down through the generations.

The test for CD is a simple blood test and, at least, would rule this potential out.