Could this be gallstones or pancreatitis

[sapphirelady]

I am not able to get into my doctor until next Wednesday, but would like some guidance as to what may be wrong with me.  Here are my symptoms:

1)  Severe heartburn and indigestion anytime I eat.  I have taken antacids for months, however in the last two weeks, nothing subsides it.  Will last for hours.  especially bad in the evening.  If I eat anything fried, I'm miserable.

2)  Stabbing feeling on upper left side of back right above bra strap line. I have had this for 6-8 months

3)  The last two weeks, my stools are clay colored and are floaters.  

4)  My whole abdomen region is 'nervous' feeling.  Feels traumatized like one feels after vomiting or diarreha

5)  Very sluggish, no energy

6)  have gained 8 lbs in 2 months despite cutting back on eating (because I feel so bad after eating)

7)  the skin on my neck is so itchy just in the last few weeks.  The rest of my skin is very dry and itches, but my neck is so much worse.  My scalp also is much more itchy

8)  over all feeling of bloating all over, even my arms and legs feel different

9)  I've dealt with constipation for years, and probably use a laxative at least once a week.

10)  loss of appetite, nothing ever sounds good to me to eat.  I don't finish meals because I always feel so full.

11)  tenderness in upper abdomen with the center being the worst, left side near breast bone next

12)  overall soreness in arms legs and back muscles.  sore to touch

I've gone to a gastro, had a colonoscopy 2 years ago, everything fine.  Can't seem to find a dr that can help me get to the bottom of the ongoing symptoms, which have now escalated into new symptoms in the last few weeks.  I'm afraid I am going to have some type of attack soon as the pain and symptoms are definitely much worse.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are a variety of possibilities.  This can include upper GI disorders, like GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper digestive tract.  An upper endoscopy would be recommended.

Gallbladder or liver disease, which can lead to light colored stools, can be evaluated with a CT scan or ultrasound.

I agree with the comment that celiac disease be checked for, which can be done via blood antibody tests.

Otherwise, more specialized tests can be done, including, a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scan to look for gastroparesis.

These options can be discussed with your personal GI physician.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[rainwave]

"If I eat anything fried, I'm miserable."
Problem #1

Sounds like a perfect candidate for celiac disease. I had those same symtoms (well something like them) for years. Had a test done (not blood they are wrong most of the time) and showed I had severe fat malabsorption (flotee stools) and villous atrophy. I had asthma,eczema, and constant diarrhea and constipation. Within weeks of going off gluten I felt like a new person. And when I say go off gluten I mean off gluten. That means no eating out unless you have talked with the chef. (cross contamination.) All of the physical symptoms have vanished including the eczema and asthma. My mental health has taken longer. When you have villous atrophy you aren't getting the vital nutrients (amino acids and vitamins) for the building blocks for neurotransmitters. So for years i was depleted in Tryptophan which converts to Serotonin. OCD has been a big hurdle live with. But its getting better.

So you should get a test for gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. I won't name a company here because it would sound like I am pushing it.

You should also get a amino acid panel done to see where they are at. There is another great company but I won't push it.

It least you should stay away from gluten for a week or so (bread products, wheat, spelt, etc) See how you feel. It won't hurt you. Let me know......There is light at the end of the toilet.

[sapphirelady]

Thanks so much for the suggestion.  I've never considered Celiac's, but upon review of the symptoms, there are some distinct possibilities. My intolerance is more toward fried or anything with fat in it though, as opposed to the breads and pastas.  But it is certainly going to be on my list to go over with my dr about.  Certainly will have the tests done as we eliminate possibilities.  Thanks so much!

[rainwave]

Remember

Most fried food has gluten in it. Most fried food is breaded in flour or some sorts. When you have had gluten sensitivities and or celiac disease other problems arrive from the effect. People usually become allergic to milk or diary products for instance.Some say it could be the other way around.

Their intestines cant handle heavy foods (fat) even though it doesn't have anything to do with gluten.  Once your villi become in effective many foods can cause problems..There is a phenomenon with eating bread and gluten when you have an intolerance. We crave these when we think it will help with pain in the stomach, only to find out we are adding to the fire..

[sapphirelady]

Based on your first post, it looks like there are tests I can do on my own by purchasing off the internet.  Would you be willing to share how to get them?