Odd symptoms

[jakey2]

In Dec, I started to have upper right abdominal pain, mid Dec pain and discomfort moved to mid abdominal area and in Jan pain moved to lower right quadrant.  I've already have had my gallblader taken out in 1998, over the past month and 1/2 I have had 4 blood test done, 4 urine test done, a CT scan without barium, Abdominal ultrasound, Upper GI with barium and all test have come back normal and negative, they ruled out appendicitis.  A good thing, however, the doctors suspect IBS, however the pain has shifted all the way over to my right hip area, alittle above the pelvic bone, and sometimes shifts to my right buttock area. I sleep on my left so I don't aggravated any pain, the pain is intermittent.  I am about 30 pounds overweight, where the pain is seems to be a soft fatty area that I don't have as much on my left side.  Before Dec, I only have a bowel movement once every 3 to 4 days, which seems normal to me, I have increase my fiber by taking fiber supplements, I also been taking acidophilus probotic 2times daily and digestive enzymes with tons of water, that has taken away and allieved my abdominal pain, execpt for the pain that I have mention in the far right hip area.  Now since the 2nd week on Jan I have had bowel movements everyday, sometimes 2 to 3 times a day, they seem normal, I don't see blood, however sometimes the stool is 2 different colors.  My questions are these.
1) Can IBS localize in the hip area?
2) What should normal stool be like, my are normal brown to a darker shade of brown sometimes both, but never black, should I be concerned. Sometimes float, sometimes sink
3) the soft fatty area where the pain is, could that be an abscess/tumor
4)Now that I have regular bowel movements can that cause the rectum/anus to become sore and sensitive, mine seems to feel a bit sensitive.  Sometimes bother me to sit, but it never itches.
5) Can a ovarian cyst develop in that hip pelvic bone area,
6) I'd like to request another CT scan or MRI to see what may be in that area of by body, with all the test I've had lately should I be concerned with the radiation.
7) Finally, does a colonoscopy hurt and what are the risk

Thank you

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) It is possible that the discomfort from IBS can localize to the hip area.  You may also want to consider evaluating the hip itself, since sciatica or arthritis can also present as hip discomfort.

2) There will be different variations to stool shape and color.  At times, stools that float may be indicative for fat malabsorption or pancreatitis.

3) A CT scan (ideally should be done with contrast) would evaluate whether an abscess or a mass is present.

4) You may want to consider an anoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy for further evaluation.

5) Pain from an ovarian cyst can be referred to the hip area.

6) You may want to consider repeating the CT scan, this time with contrast for further evaluation.  

7) A colonoscopy may be uncomfortable - but this is patient dependent.  Typically, medicine is given to help the patient relax during the procedure.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Wonderer]

Just wanted to let you know that they knock you out for a colonoscopy but beware of the side effects afterwards.  I was very irritable and was told I woke up screaming and crying in pain.  I don't recall any of it, but my stomach was really tight for the next couple of days.  Good luck!! So far all of my tests have come out negative.