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CT scan
I had a ct scan done today of my GI tract due to severe stomach cramping. After examining the images, the physician asked if the technician had used contrast dye because there appeared to be a coating that showed up on the scans. To my knowledge, I was not given any contrast dye (if it was, it was intravenously). He mentioned Pepto Bismol and I said that I had taken some earlier that morning. I only had 2 chewable tablets. Would this be enough to show up on a CT scan? If not, what are the other possible causes?
The doctor didn't seem particularly worried about it but it was enough significance for him to mention it. In the end, I was diagnosed with moderate constipation and a UTI. I was also given an rx for heartburn/antacid medication.
Other relevant information: I was given morphine and also an anti-emetic. The morphine didn't really seem to help initially, but for whatever reason the pain did start to subside after about a half or so. The pain did start to come back after awhile and was still present when I left the ER. What's odd is that the pain actually went away after I had finally brushed my teeth. Could it be that bacteria or acids in my mouth were upsetting my stomach? I had tomato soup with croutons and also a small bag of chips before sleeping the night before without brushing my teeth afterward.
As of now, I think I mostly have a hangover from the morphine and maybe the anti-emetic.
The doctor didn't seem particularly worried about it but it was enough significance for him to mention it. In the end, I was diagnosed with moderate constipation and a UTI. I was also given an rx for heartburn/antacid medication.
Other relevant information: I was given morphine and also an anti-emetic. The morphine didn't really seem to help initially, but for whatever reason the pain did start to subside after about a half or so. The pain did start to come back after awhile and was still present when I left the ER. What's odd is that the pain actually went away after I had finally brushed my teeth. Could it be that bacteria or acids in my mouth were upsetting my stomach? I had tomato soup with croutons and also a small bag of chips before sleeping the night before without brushing my teeth afterward.
As of now, I think I mostly have a hangover from the morphine and maybe the anti-emetic.
Oh, and I am definitely experiencing constipation. If I wasn't before, I most certainly am now. Also, nauseous, headache, and just tired. I find it ironic that the antibiotic causes constipation when that was one of the doctor's findings for which he gave me 100 mg of doc-q-lace. I have 2 more doses of the antibiotic (total of 3x daily for 5 days). I was given 15 days worth of doc-q-lace, to take once each morning.
The antibiotic is for the UTI (I am female). It is a recurring issue for me, unfortunately. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000521.htm lists cramping or pressure in the lower abdomen or back, but for me it was all over and if anything less noticeable or not at all in the lower abdomen. The cramping has not recurred since that morning.
Whatever the cause, I could certainly do more to improve my digestive health by eating more regularly and making better food choices. Adding a probiotic probably is not a bad idea, any suggestions to some good ones?
Whatever the cause, I could certainly do more to improve my digestive health by eating more regularly and making better food choices. Adding a probiotic probably is not a bad idea, any suggestions to some good ones?
I don't know if you are male or female, but I know for me (male) a UTI never caused any stomach pain or cramping. If you are female, it may be different, I dont know.
With that said, UTI are usually bacterial based, so an antibiotic is actually warranted in this case (more often than not it isnt. imo). If your stomach cramps are not related to the UTI, the antibiotics may actually make them worse because they are known to cause constipation and/or diarrhea. Either of which can cause cramping.
My suggestion is to start taking probiotics, especially since you are taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill most of the bacteria in your body, the bad, and unfortunately the good (probiotics) as well. The digestive system works best when good and bad bacteria are balanced. But taking antbiotics usually causes an imbalance, which is why I recommend taking a probiotic (staggered) along with the antibiotic. And keep taking the probiotic even after you finish all your prescribed medication.
With that said, UTI are usually bacterial based, so an antibiotic is actually warranted in this case (more often than not it isnt. imo). If your stomach cramps are not related to the UTI, the antibiotics may actually make them worse because they are known to cause constipation and/or diarrhea. Either of which can cause cramping.
My suggestion is to start taking probiotics, especially since you are taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill most of the bacteria in your body, the bad, and unfortunately the good (probiotics) as well. The digestive system works best when good and bad bacteria are balanced. But taking antbiotics usually causes an imbalance, which is why I recommend taking a probiotic (staggered) along with the antibiotic. And keep taking the probiotic even after you finish all your prescribed medication.
The morphine didn't help much actually; the pain did lessen, but it was still there when I left. I think a lot of it was attributed to being in a more restful position (movement, including in the car, made it worse), and maybe some of it is the morphine's effect on my nerves or stress. I'd say it's psychological, but I had the pain waking up and hadn't had a bad dream or anything. I actually woke up before my alarm and felt the pain.
I did have a little food, but only because I actually thought I was feeling hunger pains, which I get in the morning if I hadn't had much to eat the day before.
The only antacid I had taken was prior to going to the ER.
I should say they diagnosed me with a UTI and (embarrassing) constipation. The doctor described the latter as moderate, while the nurse who discharged me said 'pretty bad.' The infection is being treated w/5 days of 500 mg of Cephalexin 3x a day.
The morphine and/or anti-emetic they gave me left me with a bit of a hangover.
I did have a little food, but only because I actually thought I was feeling hunger pains, which I get in the morning if I hadn't had much to eat the day before.
The only antacid I had taken was prior to going to the ER.
I should say they diagnosed me with a UTI and (embarrassing) constipation. The doctor described the latter as moderate, while the nurse who discharged me said 'pretty bad.' The infection is being treated w/5 days of 500 mg of Cephalexin 3x a day.
The morphine and/or anti-emetic they gave me left me with a bit of a hangover.
Pepto coats your stomach, that is what it is designed to do, so yes, it would show up like that on a ct scan. Contrast is done two ways, one in an IV and the other is a thick, chalky liquid you have to drink. Also, abdominal CT scans are best when you haven't eaten or drank anything beforehand. But you were at the ER so its not like it was a planned test.
Never heard of anyone getting morphine for cramping, but hey, if it worked...
As far as the brushing your teeth thing, I really doubt it. Did you take one of the antacids prior to brushing your teeth? That may be why your pain went away. If I were you I'd stay away from anything that is highly acidic (tomatoes, coffee, etc) as those are the things that will give you heartburn.
Never heard of anyone getting morphine for cramping, but hey, if it worked...
As far as the brushing your teeth thing, I really doubt it. Did you take one of the antacids prior to brushing your teeth? That may be why your pain went away. If I were you I'd stay away from anything that is highly acidic (tomatoes, coffee, etc) as those are the things that will give you heartburn.
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