Undiagnosed Problem

[PeteJB]

Hi. Just to clear up, I'm 21, male non-smoker and non-drinker. I'm currently suffering from a digestive disturbance, or something like it. I can't really be sure if it IS digestive, but can only assume so based on the occurance of my symptoms. I have seeked medical advice with no real success, so I was hoping you could provide an opinion on what this disorder might actually be.

It started about eight weeks ago, around bedtime, after a large meal that evening - I went to stand after sitting for a long time, and felt an immense weight in the lower right part of my stomach. It triggered a panic attack of sorts, with a feeling of anxiety in the chest. Anyway, to put a long story short, I was advised to go to hospital incase of appenditicus - It checked out ok, and I also had a blood test, urine test, backpassage exam and basic stomach x-ray (no liquid). Everything came back clear, and I was given Omeprazole which I took for about two weeks, but had to come off because of side-effects such as weakness and aches in the chest and back. For the first two weeks, my stomach felt very heavy and uncomfortable, but there was little to no pain to speak of. I also experience belching and flatulence frequently after eating and drinking, and many hours after larger meals.

I went to see my Doctor again, and was given Ranitidine and Laxative to aid my toilet. So far, I've been taking the Ranitidine for two weeks, and after a week of using Laxative my toilet returned to normal. However, I am still experiencing a whole range of problems with digestion. My symptoms include a pressure sensation in the centre of the chest that occurs in the evening (but sometimes in the early morning), occaisonal gas pains that feel like a shooting pain in the chest, a very sensitive stomach that feels tender when touching - And my stools, which I can ONLY pass in the morning, are broken into many pieces. I'm often needing to belch or pass wind. I don't have any abdominal pain as such, just a general feeling of discomfort that is present most of the day, but very noticable in the evenings. My chest also aches at the left and right sides, which I can also feel in the upper part of the back. When going to bed, my stomach feels too sensitive to lay on my side - Im forced to lay on my back for an hour or two, or until I fall asleep. I do get other little pains in various places in the stomach, but of not enough significance to mention...

I hope I was able to describe this properly. I just wish I knew what'S wrong with me. I'd also like to know if the ache in the chest and back is a side-effec of the medication, because I haven't really noticed it until a few days ago.

Thanks,
Pete

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is difficult to say for sure without examination.  

An abdominal CT scan can be considered to ensure appendicitis isn't present.  

If negative, I would consider an upper digestive tract workup to evaluate for GERD, inflammation, or an ulcer.  An upper endoscopy or upper GI series can be considered.  

An ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder can be considered to look for gallstones or liver pathology that may lead to your symptoms.  

If the tests remain negative, irritable bowel syndrome can be considered and treatment optimized.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician or in conjunction 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

[myproblem]

Have you had any other tests besides what the ER did? You need an abdomianl ultrasound, and possibly an Upper GI series with Barium. These will see a lot more than a simple x-ray. Just medicating with no diagnosis is not the best idea.

[PeteJB]

No, I've only had tests that ER did. This included Stomach X-Ray, Lung Capacity Test, H.Ployri / Gallbladder / Liver Check / Blood Count Blood Tests, ECG, Chest Sounding, Stomach Sounding & Examination (fingering) and Urine test.

The tests mentioned though - CT Scan, Barium X-Ray, Endoscopy, Ultrasound... Those will need a long waiting list. :( I highly doubt ER will do those tests.

[Zeek122]

I am a 20 year old male college student. Ok, so I have had a problem, and I need someones opinion, cause I am really scared. I have had this problem since mid December and it is mid April now. My bowels have been very inconsistent, and I seem to have an increase in gas. I have diarrhea somedays, sometimes going to the bathroom 3x a day. Then other days I feel like im constipated. Never any pain or blood...this is just annoying and came out of nowhere. I went to a GI doctor and he took blood work and stool samples, and told me I had a parasite (Giardia)...took medicine...still no help...took another medicine...still nothing. I  took Immodium AD to help, and it does help. I think I might have IBS, but my doctor has not mentioned that. What could it be? He said he wants to do a colonoscopy, but I have very horrible student insurance, and this is an over 2,000 dollar procedure. There is no way I can afford that, and I know for a fact the insurance wont even cover half. I have no idea what to do. I cant afford the test, but I also want to know what the hell is going on in there. Someone please offer advice. Is there a cheaper test to rule out serious problems like cancer or tumors.

[baby hamster]

last year i was suffering from bleeding from the bowels and i was rushed to hospital i had to have 10 enemas i was consitpated i had a camera and a biopsy to a year ago then this year the other day i was having pains in the belly and constant rush to the toilet even in shops to then i found it difficult to go to the toilet to push i wasnt consitptaed then i saw blood again i have a feeling this coming back after a year i was told i had uclerative colitis of the bowels now am getting loads of wind and sore belly to and getting pains up my bum

[baby hamster]

last year i was suffering from bleeding from the bowels and i was rushed to hospital i had to have 10 enemas i was consitpated i had a camera and a biopsy to a year ago then this year the other day i was having pains in the belly and constant rush to the toilet even in shops to then i found it difficult to go to the toilet to push i wasnt consitptaed then i saw blood again i have a feeling this coming back after a year i was told i had uclerative colitis of the bowels now am getting loads of wind and sore belly to and getting pains up my bum

[baby hamster]

last year i was suffering from bleeding from the bowels and i was rushed to hospital i had to have 10 enemas i wasnt consitpated i had a camera and a biopsy to a year ago then this year the other day i was having pains in the belly and constant rush to the toilet even in shops to then i found it difficult to go to the toilet to push i wasnt consitptaed then i saw blood again i have a feeling this coming back after a year i was told i had uclerative colitis of the bowels now am getting loads of wind and sore belly to and getting pains up my bum