Abdominal Breakdown

[tomd3187]

Ever get the feeling you've done someone wrong and now karma has you in its crosshairs?  That's the way I feel.  

Hopefully someone has some thoughts on this.  About 8 weeks ago I started having sharp pain on my left side just below the rib cage.  Simultaneously, my left testicle was killing me which is something that I've experienced before (doctor said it was nothing...yeah, for him it wasn't).  The pain got so bad that I figured I was passing a stone of some sort although I've passed anything but wind.  It was a nasty pain.  So, I jumped in my car and went to the Emergency room thinking that all hell was about to break loose.  After a CT scan and some X-rays, I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and epididymitis, given some prescriptions for Cipro, told to be lucky it wasn't a stone and sent on my merry way.

Now, many weeks later, I'm back on Cipro, pain has moved to my lower left region (more toward the back just above the pelvic area), left testicle still hurst (although not as bad) and I know have a "hot" spot in the upper abdominal region just below the rib cage.

Stool is fine:  no blood, no diarrhea, steady as she goes.  No pain or blood in urine.  No major gas pains or cramping.  Food intake is normal, no major weight loss.  I'm a bit tired but I'm also busy as a bee so that's normal.  I've always needed my sleep.

Saw my general physician last week who took about 10 gallons of my blood but all is normal.  He tested me for the whole enchilada.  Basically, all is fine with the blood.  I also had a full range of x-rays done from my neck to my hips and everything looks good (aside from my minor herniated disk in the lower back).

I'm at a loss here.   I'm 41, 5'10" and 183lbs.  I eat a pretty good diet with a higher than average level of fiber in my diet (my kids love broccoli).  I'm a moderate drinker, don't drink much soda (less than 1 per week), moderate in caffeine (1-2 cups-o-joe per day), and a non-smoker.  I do have GERD but have had that pretty much in check with better diet and the occasional Tums.  I was recently taking Nexium but stopped when I went to the E-room.  Ironically, I've had little acid stomach since then.  

I feel like my insides are betraying me and sending me prematurely to the eternal unknown.  Since I have three little kids this would be horrific.    

Any thoughts would be appreciated.  

Thanks,
Tom

[BBarger1]

My husband is experiencing this exact same thing. Was it ever resolved?

[kalla]

The gallbladder, liver, pancreas, small intestines, and the kidneys all affect each other and the efficiency of digestion.  My husband had worrisome indigestion after meals.  After seeing his primary care physician (PCP), he returned home with acute upper middle abdomen pain, pain in his back, and a report that he had blood in his urine (dark urine).  Without confirming infection, his PCP prescribed “Cipro” (because it was the weekend?), and in defense, he said my husband had taken it before.

Two weeks later we are still fighting the itching, and the traumatizing report that he may have hepatitis. He has had 3 blood tests, first one had normal results; the second one (after Cipro) shows elevated bilirubin, ALT and AST.  An abdominal ultrasound between the two blood tests (after the Cipro) reported "unremarkable", but "pancreas not well visible".

He is taking MILK-FREE LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOLPHILUS daily to restore his antibiotic-damaged digestion, reducing sugar and sodium intake, avoiding fats and high protein foods, drinking filtered water and apple juice, and not overeating to reduce stress on his liver, gallbladder and pancreas (at my behest). Also, he is not taking any medications including antihistamines, awaiting third blood test results and anticipating a CT scan of the pancreas and liver.  

My point:  as difficult as the following is...RESEARCH...be AWARE of the purpose and side effects of ALL medications you and your family take, and BEWARE of a PCP who does not consult with specialists (including nutritionists).  Furthermore, BEWARE PCP's / specialists who do not research medications they prescribe, and who do not carefully consider patient age, and family/personal medical history.
  
Although he is still itching and profoundly fatigued, my husband’s health is improving daily.  God bless you in your quest for healing.

[tomd3187]

Thanks for the input.  I have seen my gastro, the urologist, and a surgeon regarding both the diverticulitis and the epididymitis.  The surgeon didn't seem too concerned and told me that he didn't see anything to alarming in the x-rays.  The gastro had referred me to the surgeon.  The urologist worked on the epid. but basically prescribed some antibiotics.  My general doc has actually taken the most interest and has ordered several tests.  

I feel it's important that I lead the way for my own health as we have all seen that the medical industry can be well intentioned by overloaded.  So, I'm looking for others who might have had a similar issue.

Thanks

[Jaybay]

Was the diverticulitis confirmed with colonoscopy?  If I were in your shoes, I'd ditch the primary doc and consult a gastroenterologist.  You obviously have something going on inside, and it's time to do more investigative work.