Abdominal/back pain that is worse at night.

[kitkat31625]

Hi, I am a female with IBS and Gerd.  For some time now since about January.  I have been having recurring problems with Low back, hip and abdominal pain that come on at night. It is a constant aching, cramping feeling.  Nothing takes it away and no position relieves it. I have been through the mill looking for an answer for this. I have been looked at for female issues, bladder issues, back issues and had a colonoscopy and enoscopy done in January. I had some polps removed in my colon, I had some scarring in the lining of the bladder due to repeated bladder infections. Other than that everything came back normal. My IBS and Gerd have been giving me problems through out this time. Gas, bloating,constipation, diarreha, burning in the chest especially at night. I recently woke up with burning stomach pain and vomited. My regular doctor told me to double up on my Nexium and Hyoscomine. It settled it down some but didn't relieve the pain. I have had the abdominal and crampy type pain from my IBS in the past but never was it like this. Usually the Hyoscomine would take that away.  
Recently, as well i started having a burning pain in my lower right side.  I have been woken up twice in the past two months with this burning pain on my right side, on both occasions it was gone by morning. Since it has just been a nagging pain in the area during the day. However again is more prominent at night and is added to the rest of my symptoms.  I just went in for a Pelvic ultrasound and it came back normal as far as a female issue and my Gyno told me to see my GI doctor.  Have you ever heard of this?  Can you give me any clues ast to what this may be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

IBS is certainly possible, and can be considered if the tests continue to be negative.  A colonoscopy and upper endoscopy would rule out many of the major GI disorders.  

The liver and gallbladder can be evaluated with an ultrasound or abdominal CT scan.  The continuing burning sensation can be tested with a 24-hr pH study, which is the definitive test for GERD.  

If the tests continue to be negative, optimizing treatment for IBS can be considered - including use of tricyclic antidepressants or antibiotics like Rifaxamin.

These options can be discussed 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.
kevinmd_

[JSD123]

Hi, stumbled across this site and your post.  Something you may check into is intestinal parasites.  I have been reading a lot of information on this lately and I also suffer with the same symptoms you do.  I have a doctors appointment next week.  

Hope this helps,

JSD123

[Felix'sMum]

I think you have gallstones. Everything you describe is experienced with gallbladder disease/gallstones. Ask your doctor about it - a simple ultrasound would tell immediately. good luck!

[cari0]

Well I have the same symptoms as well - no vomiting, however I had an ultrasound and they said that I do not have gallstones.  This is frustrating since all of my symptoms point to gallstones.  It makes me think that they need to re-do the test.  I'm almost positive I have gallstones, but according to my doctors and all of the tests, I apparently have nothing.  However, the pain wakes me up early every morning.