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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Seemingly unrelated symptoms
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Seemingly unrelated symptoms
by jono, Jan 24, 2006 12:00AM
I have recently been diagnosed with gall stones - I had an ultra sound done and there were loads of them.
I had the ultra sound done due to cramping pains in my stomach which travelled through to my chest. I had my heart check out and everything was normal. I also had a brarium test? (swallowed chalky liquid and x-rays taken) this showed nothing was out of place with my stomach.
I should have asked the consultant but it seems that questions always come in hind sight. My pains that I get in my stomach are constant felling like a cramp (stitch). I have had Proton pumps to limit the amount of stomach acid but they did not help, Now I have been put on anti-spasm pills don’t know the name and they defiantly help as it is not affecting my chest as much. But I still have the cramps (not painful)
I have had one attack were it presents the classic symptoms of gall stones 2 month ago and I presume that they will only get worse as time goes by but what I would like to know is could these gall stones be the cause of my stomach cramps. I have noticed that when I eat I will get a slight pain in my right side and then my stomach will start to cramp up again getting slightly better as we go through the day.
I am thinking about haveing the gall bladder out as nothing is getting rid of the pain/Cramps I am having and the stones seem to be the only thing wrong. Your thoughts on this are most appreciated.
Many thanks
Jono
I had the ultra sound done due to cramping pains in my stomach which travelled through to my chest. I had my heart check out and everything was normal. I also had a brarium test? (swallowed chalky liquid and x-rays taken) this showed nothing was out of place with my stomach.
I should have asked the consultant but it seems that questions always come in hind sight. My pains that I get in my stomach are constant felling like a cramp (stitch). I have had Proton pumps to limit the amount of stomach acid but they did not help, Now I have been put on anti-spasm pills don’t know the name and they defiantly help as it is not affecting my chest as much. But I still have the cramps (not painful)
I have had one attack were it presents the classic symptoms of gall stones 2 month ago and I presume that they will only get worse as time goes by but what I would like to know is could these gall stones be the cause of my stomach cramps. I have noticed that when I eat I will get a slight pain in my right side and then my stomach will start to cramp up again getting slightly better as we go through the day.
I am thinking about haveing the gall bladder out as nothing is getting rid of the pain/Cramps I am having and the stones seem to be the only thing wrong. Your thoughts on this are most appreciated.
Many thanks
Jono
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 24, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 24, 2006 12:00AM
It is possible that your discomfort is stemming from the presence of gallstones. If this is suspected, removing the gallbladder is indicated.
Other possibilities can be inflammation of the upper digestive tract, or an ulcer.
The upper GI series is a reasonable approach, but you may want to consider an upper endoscopy, which can give a more comprehensive evaluation of these possibilities.
More specialized testing with a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scans can be considered as well if the initial workup is non-revealing.
I would discuss these options with your personal physician, and consider a referral with a gastroenterologist.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Other possibilities can be inflammation of the upper digestive tract, or an ulcer.
The upper GI series is a reasonable approach, but you may want to consider an upper endoscopy, which can give a more comprehensive evaluation of these possibilities.
More specialized testing with a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scans can be considered as well if the initial workup is non-revealing.
I would discuss these options with your personal physician, and consider a referral with a gastroenterologist.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
