Would like guidance on my symptoms until I can get to gastro-enterogolist

[mochamommy0816]

Hello, Doctor.  I am a 44-year old female who until five weeks ago, have never had an problems with my stomach or digestion.   My youngest child had a 3-day stomach bug and my husband wound up being diagnosed with Hepatitis A the same week that I had a 'bug' of some sort that was the beginning of all of my problems.  My GP said my bloodwork did NOT indicate hepatitis, and is sending me to the gastroenterologist.  I am anxiously awaiting that appointment because I have felt so bad for five weeks now following that 'bug'. My questions are whether or not these symptoms could be consistent with any type of cancer (colon or stomach).   Since getting the 'bug', I have had severe burning pain under my rib cage (both sides) along with stomach cramping if I try to eat a 'normal' meal.    I also have had consistent nausea (no vomitting) which has caused me to lose quite a bit of weight in those five weeks time.   My bowel habits have been pretty typical considering everything else.  I have had general bloodwork done as well as an abdominal and pelvic CT scan all with nothing remarkable.   Until I get to the gastroenterologist, the possibility of a cancer is in the forefront of mind. Does this sound like a possible cancer and what tests should I ask for with my symptoms?  TIA

PS - I have had a complete and thorough check for ovarian problems since those can also cause gastro symptoms along with other gyn symptoms that I have been having which have since resolved.

[mochamommy0816]

Hello, and thank you for the reply! I couldn't figure out how to post to the doctor and thought I was doing so, but evidently not :(( Thank you for letting me know.   I guess it truly has been a short period of time, though I have to admit I thought five weeks was an awfully long time and indicative of something really bad (I read several things that said if you have stomach pain for more than 2 weeks, go ASAP to see the doctor - which is what freaked me out!).  I have tried a few OTC things so far to no avail, but will keep trying.  This has been very scary for me, as I've never had anythign like this before.  I hope others with similar experiences can post and share as I could really use the support.  Thanks, Patient915, for responding!

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  There are no doctors monitoring this forum.  This doesn't sound like any kind of cancer especially because it has been going on for a very short time.  Sometimes stomach bugs can cause problems to develop like heartburn.  Until you see the gastroenterologist you could try an over the counter acid reducer to see if that helps.