Abdominal Pain

[seaturtle]

Hello. I am writing regarding right abdominal pain that my husband has been experiencing continously for the past three months. He was first told it may be prostitias, but that was ruled out due to the pain continuing after he was given and completed Cipro. He requested an abdominal CT scan and it came back normal, with the exception of some diverticula. He was recently given a colonoscopy and that was normal. He has had numerous blood tests, urine tests,tests on stool samples and regular physical exams, all coming back normal. He was told in an earlier appointment with his urologist that there was some trace blood in his urine, but was then told that it was minor and nothing to be concerned about. My husband grows more concerned each day that this pain is not subsiding. He is extemely worried that he is not receiving the care that should be given.

What other tests should he be requesting? Do you have any suggestions as to what we may be overlooking as far as what may be causing this constant pain? Could it be caused by the diverticula that was found in his CT scan?

I appreciate any help you could give us.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Right sided abdominal pain can be caused by the appendix, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel disease, as well as non-GI causes such as the kidney or a hernia.  With a negative CT and colonoscopy, this would eliminate most of the lower GI causes as well as the appendix and hernias.

You can consider a small-bowel series, which can evaluate the small bowel for Crohn's disease - which is a type of inflammatory bowel disease.  The kidney can be evaluated via a non-contrast CT looking specifically for stones.  An ultrasound can also be ordered.

The prostate is indeed a possibility as well if all the other tests are negative.  A transrectal ultrasound can be considered to evaluate for any prostatic abscesses.  

The diverticula normally does not cause pain, unless it gets infected or inflamed (diverticulitis).  If this was the case, it would have been commented on the CT scan.

You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Ryan L]

rarely are there ever any discoveries made from a colonoscopy. It might be a bacterial overgrowth i the intestines. Have you traveled to any other countries recently? It may be worms as well.

Diverticulars are a sign that you are constipated or have been really constipated for an extended period of time. You may want to have him go on a no sugar/no yeast diet for about 2 months along with plenty of water and fibre (sounds harsh I know).. Colonic Hydrotherapy will help there as well strengthening the peristalsis of the colon making it able to sustain some regularity. 90% of diseases and illness can be traced to the colon, therefore its likely the culprit.

Another great thing to do that is incredibly affordable is buying potters clay and using a rolling pin to make a large pancake of clay, lay it on his abdomen for about an hour each day for a week and see how he feels. You might want to use a heating pad or hot water bottle to keep it warm because the clay is cold. The clay costs about 20 bux CDN for about 44 pounds so its dirt cheap and can be used on any area of the body. It draws toxins from the area.

[almac]

Hello, I am 52, male, normal weight height, very active, hadn't been to Dr. in 15 years until 2 1/2 years ago. I got intense intestinal pain, green stools, lots of intestinal noise. i have been to 2 gastros, 2 family Drs, 1 internist, and U of M. I have had every test they can think of and everything is normal, except I was still in terrible pain part of time. Went to ER twice in 2002 and once early 2004.  Went back to Gastro Dr. in April and he gave me Elavil and Donnatol.  I am 95% better since then. There is a pain dominant IBS which is treated differently than the others, trycyclic antidepressant for chronic pain, and an anti spasmotic.  Look at http://www.aafp.org/afp/20021115/1867.html   I was accidentally given these medications, and the Elavil has done more for the constant pain than anything.  This may not help everyone, but more fiber does not help pain dominant IBS. Good Luck.