Getting different diagnosis from different doctors

  I am having severe stomach pains. I saw my doctor and she told me that I have diverticulitis. She also said that I can drink lots of orange and other juices, but the pain got worse when I did this, so I stopped. She referred me to a Specialist after I have had numerous X-rays, urine tests, blood tests, barium enema
  and a sonagram. The specialist did not know what was wrong and has referred me to a gastroentorogist (now I have to wait 5 months for an appointment). After being in immense pain on the weekend I went into an emergency clinic and they did further testing which led them to believe that I have a duodenal ulcer.
  They prescribed Pantoloc which seems to be making me feel a little better but the discomfort is still there. My original doctor only prescribed pain killers which did not help at all.
  I know the information I am providing is very vague but if you require additional information, please contact me through my e-mail. I would really appreciate any insight you can provide on this matter.
  Thank you.
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Dear Patricia J.,
Thank you for your recent letter.  It is frustrating to feel sick and for the physicians to be unable to diagnose the cause of your pain  I assume that the urine tests, blood tests, sonogram and barium enema were normal.  I urge you to see a gastroenterologist.  In addition to taking a complete history and physical examination, he has the ability to visualize directly the inside of the stomach, duodenum and colon.  Direct visualization of the mucosa will allow him to determine whether you indeed have an ulcer or a different problem.
I do not think that you should wait 5 months to be seen.  If you wish Dr, Batra of the Division of Gastroenterology of Henry Ford Hospital can see you within the next week and complete your work-up within 2 or 3 days.  This excellent diagnostician will be able to determine which organs to investigate first based on a detailed description of your pain.  Dr. Batra  can be reached through the PHYSICIAN REFERRAL LINE at(313) 876-2393.
Best of luck.
This response is offered for your general information and should not replace the conclusions drawn from a careful and complete evaluation by a physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: abdominal pain, diverticulosis, acid-peptic disease
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