Ongoing, progressive abdominal pain

[justkari]

Okay, here's the thing. I have a bunch of symptoms that don't seem to be related.. but... you never know. I had to quit work earlier this year because of this 'stomach' pain.. right below my sternum... when I lay down I can feel my pulse *hard* there. It just pounds. I have chronic nausea that keeps me up at night, and about every 3-4 weeks (sometimes 5 to 6 weeks) I have about 2 days of a severe knotting feeling in that same area.. like someone kicked me in the stomach.. along with the nausea. I also have low pain, but it's more sharp feeling.
Seemingly unrelated... I had 2 bouts of viral or autoimmune meningitis in 2003, an elevated Rheumatoid factor they couldn't contribute to anything, headaches ongoing that lately have been a LOT worse every morning.. and a sore tender spot on my jawbone.. underneath.

Any ideas? I am becoming desparate here and hope someone may know something.

[COCONUT1964]

HERNIA

[Kalio1]

I too had two bouts of meningitis and it turned out I had Hep C and quite a bit of liver damage. I'd see a Heptologist (liver specialist) or if you can't find one locally a GI.

Of course you could have some other thing going on, but I'd get your liver checked out and be tested for Hep C. If it turns out you have it, come visit us on the MedHelp Hepatitis board.

[chcnme]

Definitely agree with cantstoplving.  I think with the symptoms you have described you should also get tested for Hep C. Millions have Chronic Hep C it and don't know it until their livers are damaged from it  (and sometimes they start complaining of pain, and then they are diagnosed.)   Many people don't know they have it until it starts causing pain.  I'd get tested just to rule it out.  Best of luck.  And definitely get all the other liver diagnostics done.  Get referred to a Gastroenterologist (they specialize in the kinds of symptoms you are having.)  

[cantlivenotknowing]

I would get a thorough liver panel workup if you haven't already. What you are describing is some of the symptoms which can be attributable to a liver issue. For starters, the heavy pulse you feel in your sternum area could be a sign of a blood flow problem either in the portal vein heading into the liver, meaning it might be getting backed up or potentially a problem with your mesenteric venous system should there be a problem with your colon. You mention a swollen area in your jaw. Is it next to your ear? If so, you may have Parotid Gland enlargement, which is a side effect of liver issues as well. Get a thorough checkup including a doppler ultrasound would be my suggestion.

[justkari]

Thank you for your feedback...
There are no STD's.. married 10 years, only ever been with
my husband, no symptoms that would point toward one.
I am tired of hearing that I am a mystery.. that they don't know
*how* to treat me, what it is, just treating symptom by symptom.. usually with narcotics.. which I do NOT want.

I slept sitting up last night in the LaZBoy.. and my stomach and headaches were controlled a lot better. Ahh... a few hours of relief!

[Tworm]

I have alot of the same issue. I have an autoammune disease also. I wonder if maybe that has something to do with these pains? I am like you- frustrated and still in pain with doctors looking at you and saying I JUST DON'T know. I get that alot. Everything I have been perscribed has not helped. They just blow it off with a nervous stomach or spastic colon or IBS and say well.... its just an issue of nerves that you need to learn to control. Maybe but I really don't think I an stressed out 24/7. Sorry I am no big help. Maybe between this and that we might find someone that can help us. Hang in there.

[Shebah]

You have alot of stuff going on and I can totaly understand your frustration.

If I were you I would try to have a colonscopy and I would have some bloodwork done, including bloodwork/urin for STD's as well.

Hope you get to the bottom of your problem real soon.

Good luck