Unknown stomach pain

[Buckeyegirl]

I am 32 years old and for approximately three years I have been dealing with middle to upper left sided abdominal pain. The pain is more intense in the evening and at night while I am sleeping. However the pain can be very intese while I am working during the daytime hours. I can no longer lay on my left side at night while sleeping as the pain is very, very strong. Many nights I end up sleeping in a chair in my family room. I have had a lot of surgeries over the past 4+ years. I no longer have any female organs, or a gallbladder. I had two episodes of pancreatitis in 2001 that was idiopathic. My primary care physican and my gastonologist do work well together to try figure out what is going on with me, and my stomach. I have been with these two physicians for seven years, and do have a wonderful working relationship with them. My gastronologist has sent me to the Cleve. Clinic for evaluation after my two episodes of pancreatitis, and my continuing abdominal pain, but no results where identified. I was referred to their pain management dept., but it didn't help the pain that I was seeing them for.  I am taking Nexium for any GERD and my past history of stomach ulcers. I am also on medications for a past hx of migraines (which I haven't had a migraine in over four years), estrogen medication, and a malabsortion medication. I also have a hx of chronic diarrhea with no medical reason for that either. I also am on medication for my low blood pressure as my blood pressure sometimes way too low.

If you could lend any advice as to what my next step would be I would greatly appreciate it. I have had many test done as you would probably expect over the last few years, a MRI, CT scan, bowel seris, endoscopy (3+), colonoscopy (2+),numerous amounts of lab studies. I have a full time job as a attorney which doesn't allow me to take time off when I am hurting, plus I enjoy my job and I want to work. Therefore any insight as to what I can do would be great. Thank you for you time.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a comprehensive evaluation, including referrals to a GI physician and the Cleveland Clinic.

At this time, you can consider more specialized testing.  This can include a gastric emptying scan looking for gastroparesis; esophageal motility studies looking for dysmotility; as well as non-GI causes such as cardiac or pulmonary etiologies.  

Another rare possibility would be Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction - which typically causes right, not left-sided pain.  An ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry can be considered.

If every test is negative, referral to pain management center is an reasonable step.  

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_

[makakilomama]

i have been reading the different coments about yellow BM I have that on a regular baises ,also had my galhblader removed about 2 years ago and after the I had pain and i still do under my right rib it is really sore my stomach is always bubblie and i take acid reflex meds to help in that area, I have a hard time sleeping on my right side also. what is this pain all about, I have kidney stones also surgery 3times but it is not that kind of pain. is here anything that i can do or recomend to the docs to do they listen to me and help me find out what is wrong.

[SkylerMA]

I wonder if your right-side pain might be adhesions of scar tissue from your surgeries.

I'm not a doctor though! The doctors don't read or respond to comments; to get an answer from them you need to post your questions in a Question (which costs $16).

[Estefania]

A related discussion, Pancreatitis was started.

[RCURRY]

A related discussion, Unknown stomach problems was started.