Re: Stomach Distress For 7 Months....Cancer?

Posted By Geoffrey on June 08, 1999 at 12:09:40
I am a 28 year old male and  have been experiencing stomach discomfort for the past 7 months.  Approximately 10 months ago I was involved in a accident that resulted in severe whiplash, back discomfort, and head trauma requiring 120 stitches to my scalp.  During this time I was on heavy doses of Advil for two months to reduce the pain. Now, 7 months later, the back and neck pain has subsided, however, lingering tightness in my upper and lower back is still felt almost daily.  I am currently seeing a chiropractor to remedy the situation (can my stomach condition have anything to do with a referred pain from my back?).  My stomach pain can be classified as a "dull ache" radiating anywhere from my upper to lower abdomen.  I have also been experiencing gas and bowel inconsistency (loose and watery stools).  My stomach makes weird, almost humorous sounds, and seems to be constantly churning.  I have been  taking Prevacid for the past week and it appears to be helping in certain situations (I went to a Walk-In Clinic approximately 2 weeks ago. The doctor pressed on my stomach and gave me a brief exam and said it was "acid related;" no blood work however. I have another appointment in two weeks with a GI specalist).  The pain is so general it is difficult to localize (I have even felt pain in my scrotum and groin area; this is rare), but it never gets to the point of altering my daily schedule and it has never woken me up at night.  More than anything the pain is just a nuisance and something to worry about. The pain generally remains in my upper abdomen and sometimes radiates around to my back.  Recently the pain has centered in my lower abdominal area just below my belly-button.  Eating doesn't seem to affect my symptoms much; sometimes after eating my stomach will calm down, but other days it may act up. The pain has not intensified over the last seven months, but it may have become more frequent. There is no visible blood in my stool and, with the exception of vary lose, watery stools, my bowel habits have been very regular.  There has been no fatigue or weight loss.  There is no history of colon cancer in my family, however, my mom has been diagnosed with diverticulitus.  Before my accident I never had any health problems.  For the past 7 months my stomach has been a complete mess.  I am obviously worried about colon cancer; is this a possibility?  If it were cancer would the pain have become worse over the last 7 months? Please advise.........

[HVMA-GASTRO-MD---FWR]

Posted By HVMA GASTRO MD - FWR on June 21, 1999 at 17:30:23
Dear Geoffrey:
Thank you for your question regarding stomach discomfort.  I was pleased to see that you have an appointment with a gastroenterologist.  Abdominal discomfort as you described can be a slippery slope requiring a very careful history and physical examination.  Prevacid while an excellent medication can have side effect including diarrhea and crampy abdominal pain perhaps confusing the picture.  Additionally your history of heavy Advil use is potentially important since we have many patients who have complications from the use of ASA/NSAIDS. I would stick with Tylenol until this issue is sorted out.  Thank you, FWR
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult you personal physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.










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