Whats happening to me

[jakey2]

I am 32 yrs old and fhor 10 days now I have had upper right abdominal pain.  4 years ago, I had my gallblader removed, and the pain I feel is simialiar to the pain I had before my gallbladder was removed.  I've visited the ER twice already for this pain, both time urine and blood test (CBC) liver and pancearas test all come back negative and normal. The only symptom I have is pain, no fever, no vomitting, and no nauesa. I do belch quite a bit though.  I also have a bowel movement at least once a day. So, my questions are these what can be causing this abdominal pain? Is it IBS? Can abdominal pain with IBS, occur through out the day, even if I haven't eaten? Can you have an obstructive intestine and still have bowel movements? What are treatments, and finally with abdominal pain why do Doctors do a CBC test? what can that test detect or suggest to a Doctor.
I will be doing an upper GI soon, but in the mean time I am Extremely concerned and worried, can someone sugget something for me.

Thxs

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are a variety of causes that may be responsible.  I agree with the upper GI series you are considering.  This can look for ulcers and possible GERD that may present atypically.

With the removal of the gall bladder, there is the possibility of Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.  Pain from this disorder may be more prominent after gall bladder removal.  Tests to evaluate for this would be an ERCP and MRCP.

To answer your questions.
1) IBS is a possible cause.  This should be considered if the other possibilities are eliminated.

2) One can have partial bowel obstructions where you can still have bowel movements.

3) The treatment would depend on what is causing the pain.  A CBC would be an indicator of infection or inflammation (which can raise the white cell count of platelet count), or blood loss (which will lower the hemoglobin and hematocrit).  

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.

[StaciLynn]

Hi!  I heard sometimes you can get upper right sided pain even when your gall bladder is removed because of phantom gall bladder attasks.  Have you ever heard of that?  I heard it has something to do with gas getting trapped where the gall bladder used to be.

As for the CBC blood tests.  I thought they were taken to check for blood disorders like leukemia.  While I am not a doctor, I do read a lot about medical tests and conditions since I always think I have something seriously wrong with me, even though the doctors tell me I am healthy.  Sometimes I just don't feel that way, starting back a few years ago when I was getting a lot of headaches.  Not long after that the gall bladder problems started and not my rib pains.  It just seems like there is always something, but hopefully nothing serious.  

I hope you are okay.

[StaciLynn]

Hi again.  I forgot to comment about your comment about an obstruction.  I think you can still have a bowel movement if you have an obstruction, depending on how large the obstruction is, but I would think in time it would be more difficult to have a movement and read that when there is a total obstruction, even releasing gas would be impossible.  I also thought about obstructions with myself thinking that was causing my rib pain, but I do have pretty regular bowel movements and did have an abdominal sonogram right before my gall bladder surgery nine months ago.

Is it possible that the pain you are experiencing is gas related?  Why an upper GI series rather than a lower one?  I thought an upper GI series was used to detect things like acid reflex and a lower one was for things related to the colon?  Maybe an upper GI series would also show colon related problems?  By an upper GI series do you mean having an endoscope done or a barium swallow?  I have a very big fear of having an endoscope and a colonscopy done, even though I heard they are the standard gold tests for detecting GI problems.  I think in general I just fear most invasive tests and would avoid them in most situations if possible, unless I could be put to sleep during the tests.

[jakey2]

Thank you for your comments, I agree with the invasive test, I don't want them done.  I have a low tolerence to pain.  However I want this abdominal pain to cease!  The pain is not localized in one area, it flutters around but only on my right side, it could upper and lower, but majority of the time it is upper.  
I actually have never heard of gallbladder area retaining gas, I don't think it is gas since I've had it now for 11 days.  I just want the doctors to do an ultra sound, maybe that will detect something.
Thank you for your comments.

[StaciLynn]

Hi again.  Since you pain moves around to different areas, I still think it may be gas.  If it were just in one area all the time I am not sure I would think that.  With me the pain also moves around to the upper and lower parts of my stomach, but it is on both sides, although more often on the right side.  A sonogram is a non invasive test and doesn't hurt, so if you could get some answers that way it would be great.  I don't take well to pain myself and even though I heard an endoscopy and colonoscopy don't really hurt, I heard mixed reports from saying it is uncomfortable to you don't know a thing, especially if you have a doctor that puts you to sleep.  I just have this great big fear of tubes down my throat or up the other end as well.  I know typical GI testing includes an upper GI series as well as a lower one, which are the exact tests that I fear, but maybe in your case a sonogram will be useful.  If it were that easy I would get another one myself since I live with pain and discomfort every single day and would like to get rid of this.

Please let me know how you are doing and how things go.

Staci

[tessa0825]

Trust me, when the pain gets bad enough, you will welcome just about any test that might give you the answers you need to get well...As for upper, or lower, endoscopies you will most likely be given enough versd and demerol that you don't remember one thing about these tests...you also dont remember much about the first few hrs after the tests..When they wake you up, you feel like you are alert and can carry on a normal conversation, but, you really arent...When the next day gets here you realize your memory is very foggy for most of the day you had the procedure...There is nothing at all to having these tests done..If you are female, I can tell you that having the annual PAP test is far more uncomfortable than any endoscopy...When they start offering sedation for PAP tests, I'm going to be first in line...Tessa

[StaciLynn]

Hi!  I know a endoscopy and colonoscopy aren't supposed to be that bad because you are so sedated, but I just have some very abnormal fears about these tests.  I hate it when the doctor wants to look down my throat and uses a stick or when a strep test has to be done.  I also hate throwing up and have panic attacks when it happens, maybe because I have such hangups with my throat and chocking.  As for the colonscopy part, well, I also fear that, but for unusual reasons.  My dad passed away this year after undergoing a colonoscopy.  I realize he had a heart conditon and there were circumstances surrounding what happened because most people have no complications following a colonoscopy, but because of what happened I have another abnormal fear of this test.  Even so, I guess you are right in the respect that if a person has enough pain, they will be willing to undergo just about any test if it will help.  

I also hate having pap tests done, but a good solution to that may be to take a pill like xanax beforehand to try to get relaxed.  I have done this a few times in situations where I feel I am going to be extremely stressed out like when I had an MRI of my brain done because of some bad headaches I was having.  As you must realize, I do suffer from panic and anxiety attacks at times, so anything out of the ordinary can set me off.

Staci

[jakey2]

thank you both for your comments.  Today was another bad day, the abdominal pain shifted to the LRQ, which really scared me.  The pain was not constent or severe.  I decided after 6 hrs of panic to go see my doctor.  I will tell you this, it makes a world of difference when you have an absolute fabulous doctor like i do. Did more blood work, another CBC test and urine test.  
I think you might be right about the gas thing, how bad can gas actually get though?  I had not had a bowel movement since saturday night and today is Tuesday, i am hoping that constipation is playing a roll in all this and its nothing more. tomorrow i go for a consultation for the Upper GI and my PCP may want to do other test as well.

[StaciLynn]

Hi!  I am sorry you were in such pain and glad you saw your doctor.  In answer to your question, gas pains can get very sevcre sometimes.  The fact that you didn't have a bowel movement in several days is extremely telling.  I really think the problem is gas, probably being caused by constipation which is very typical of IBS.  I don't know for sure if you have that since there are a lot of GI disorders that can cause gas.  I think more mobility and in the inability to digest food properly as several other causes.  Do you ever get pain in your shoulder blade?  That is another place gas hits and it happens to me.  I am extremely gassy, yet I have a bowel movement or two just about every day.  I hope that at least assures me that I don't have an obstruction causing my problems.  Gas can travel just about anywhere in the body, so I am not surprised that you have pain in different locations.  I have also had lower Right pain and was afraid it was my appendix, but it also turned out to be gas.  From what you describe I think that is also your problem, but maybe a GI doctor could determine what is causing this.  I think an x-ray or sonogram may show if there are pockets of gas, so maybe you won't have to go through invasive testing.  I konw some doctors use the barium swallow x-ray instead of the scope as part of their upper GI series. Let me know what happens and feel better.

Staci

[tessa0825]

I think it's very normal, under the circumstances with your Dad, that you would feel alot of anxiety in preparation of a colonoscopy....That has to be extremely rare and as you said, they were alot of other factors involved...If you ever need this test performed, I bet if you share that info with your GI Spec., he/she would be sensitive to it and do everything to help ensure you stay calm...I hope I didn't come across as being flip in my previous post. I was just trying to get the point across that normally we come through these procedures with no problems at all.....I'm very sorry about your Dad....Tessa

[StaciLynn]

Hi Tessa.  I know you were just trying to assure me that certain GI testing that is done is necessary and not dangerous or so bad.  What happened to my dad was very unusual.  I don't even think it was really the colonoscopy that caused the heart attack, but suspect that maybe being off his blood thinners in preparation for the test may have been a contributing factor.  While the doctors didn't do anything that was unusual and not according to procedure even with taking him off his meds, sometimes things just go wrong and problems arise.  There is no reason to think this would happen to me since I don't have a heart condition, but I somehow just associate having a colonscopy with what happened.  I am sure if I talked about my fears with a specialist they would be sensitive to my fears like you said.

Anyway, I know that many people have these tests done and are perfectly fine afterwards.  My husband actually told me the same thing you did about this subject.  I don't even know if I need to have these particular tests done, but I guess I should consider seeing a specialist if my problems continue because it could be something as simple as just being on the right medication to control whatever is causing my problems.

By the way, how are you feeling?  I am assuming you had some kind of problem that warranted you having the tests that you did and posting on the boards.

Take care.

Staci

[neli]

hi stacy....i enjoyed reading all of your comments about gas and pain and cramping cause i am experiencing the same things for many years now...i am 34 years old and have 3 children...had gallbladder removed after my first child and i too was told that i either have IBS or constipation or etc...but what i think is gas cause it moves on me everywhere...on left side shoulder blades, chest, right side upper and lower....what helps for me is massaging my abdomen every night before bedtime with castor oil and then i place a heated pad over it so it absorbs inside...my naturopathic told me to try that because the castor oil helps with constipation and it also detoxifies the liver which i think is the major problem for most of us......does anyone feel that they are having heart attack at times when that pain hits in the upper stomach? and does anyone get short of breath and pressure in the chest and it feels like you don't have enough air to breath in? i appreciate your comments for it feels great to know that i am not alone in this.....it feel at times that no one understands my situation cause i am always complaining to whom ever i am at the times that my stomach hurts or my chest or whatever and they think i'm making things up for attention.....thanks again for your comments....i hope someone replies to my commments and questions.....i greatly appreciate it....

[makaylyn]

Hi

Yes I am 46 and I have been having the short of breath feeling and some chest pain also having dizziness.  I have been do the same as you and massage my belly area everynight and make sure I am sleeping of the left side.  Does you pinching, cramping, etc., ever stop - Mine doesnt - It is alway there.  I tryed to put my shoes on and just pulling my legs forward makes my right side hurt.  The pain right night is not bad - it is just there all the time even with the stomach relaxer.   How long have you had this?   Have you heard of anything else that helps.  Let me know - I too am ejoying talking with all you guys - it has relaxed me greatly...

makaylyn

[StaciLynn]

Hi Neli.  Nice to meet you.  I really do understand some of the things that you wrote about.  I know people must think you are crazy since some of my friends, including my husband think I am just one big complainer and don't take me seriously.  

I also get the gas pains in my chest at times.  In fact when I had my gall bladder surgery I insisted on a EKG because going through surgery and when it came back abnormal I went into a state of panic.  I ended up taking an echocardiogram which was totally normal, so the EKG just wasn't accurate, but at the time I didn't realize the gas could go into your chest.  I also get a shortness of breath sometimes that is relieved when I burp.  Sorry to be so disgusting, but it is the truth.  Sometimes I just feel the air pockets get stuck in my chest and it is very uncomfortable.  I especially feel the gas in the morning when my whole body just aches, especially in my ribs.  I am not even completely sure if the pain in my ribs is totally gas or muscular or maybe both, but I am always so uncomfortable.  I thought after my gall bladder surgery these problems would be over, but in certain areas it is actually worse.

Maybe we all just need to see a GI specialist since they are the ones that specialize in gas and other disorders of the stomach, but so far I guess I am just living with it and complaining each day.

Please write again.

Staci

[jakey2]

3 weeks or so has passed now and I still have pain in the abdominal area, middle lower right.  I have visited the ER a total of 4 times, each time, CBC test come back normal, Urine test normal, and CT test normal.  It has been suggested to me by 3 different ER doctors, it may be IBS, my PCP also suggested to me IBS and gave me antispasmatic medicine as well.  Next week I have a follow up with the GI spec. to schedule the GI series.  But before than I have some questions.

My questions are this.

1) How severe can the pain be with IBS and can the pain be all day or even when you havn't eaten?

2) Has anyone ever confused the IBS pain with appendicitis?

3) How do you get control over IBS and re-gain your normal lifestyle without pain?

4) Does IBS pain shift from left to right, can it be all over?

Please give some advice
thanks!

[Lexie D]

Hi Everyone,
I am knew to this. I was especially intrigued by your comments and suggestions. All my life I have been terrified of colonoscopy/endoscopy procedures. Recently, I lost so much weight from throwing up, (we're talking I am 5'4 and now weigh 104 lbs.) that my doc referred me to a GI specialist. I was desperate enough to undergo the procedures. And, yes you were right, the endoscopy is to check the stomach and esophogus and the colonoscopy is mainly for the small intestine. To Stacey Lynn, don't be scared. The docs knock you out completely with anthesia. I agree, a pap is worse. If I wouldn't have undergone the procedures, the docs wouldn't have found the serious problems I now know about and can hopefully treat. I have Barrett's esophogus, with my esophogus completely lined with precancerours cells. Most of my esophogus is already eroded, past 3cm, and I am 27 years old. The doctor told me if I would have waited to do the endoscopy for TWO more years, I would have full blown cancer that is extremely hard to treat. Once you get that type of cancer, your survival rate is around 10%. I am currently taking Aciphex, and am scared. I meet with the GI doc again in a week to find out if I need surgery, or what my options are. Do any of you know from your docs, about any other options besides surgery? I know the Aciphex is not going to be enough. Keep me posted with your thoughts, advice, comments and ideas. Thanks :)

[Lexie D]

Your condition concerns me. I am glad that you are having GI tests done. Make sure you get an endoscopy. You could have something serious going on. My pain was always in my abdomin (abdomen), so I always was treated for ulcers when in fact it was referred pain from severe acid reflux. To answer your questions about options in the mean time, I would suggest getting something like Aciphex. You can get Prilosec OTC now, and it does work. It sounds like you might possibly have an acid reflux condition. Just some thoughts. Take care and let me know how the GI tests turn out.

[tessa0825]

I hope this will post as i'm out of town and using my husbands laptop right now. I have a terrible time navigating with it instead of with my desktop and I lose about half of what I type sometimes....I wanted to tell you that I also have Barrett's esophagus and was diagnosed about 15-18 months ago..You didn't mention this but do you have any dysplasia or metaplasia only? I have long segment with over 6cm of my esophagus having barrett's cells..I recently, Sept. 24th, had surgery at Cleveland clinic and I'am so much better..Because I had long term GERD, a large hernia, and a contrary stricture that wouldn't stay dialated I required an esophageal lengthening surgery (collis gastroplasty) along with my fundoplication.....The recovery was rough, I won't pretend it wasn't, but I have not had any reflux, that I'm aware of, since my surgery..Im also not taking any PPIs right now....I had a post sugery EGD just last week, my Dr. said it was all good news....I'm completely recovered, except for lifting restrictions, and feel better, on that front, than I have in a long time....If at any point you decide surgery is an option you want to try, make certain you get a surgeon who has done many of these surgeries and one that has done many of them on Pts. that have Barrett's esophagus...I was very afraid of having this surgery because I heard all these stories that the barrett's area could get mixed up in the wrap and would make it hard to see visually (at EGD) and almost impossibe to biopsy....my thoracic surgeon assured me that would not happen and with 6cm I guess it wouldnt even be possible to get all that mixed in the wrap..They did tell me that at some point I will most likely have to go back on PPIs but as long as Im not symptomatic and my EGDs keep looking good and my PH tests don't show any reflux then I'm ok without them....I was also recently diagnosed with one of the collegen vascular disorders and am taking alot of meds for that right now....I could try and answer any questions you have from another pts viewpoint about barrett's and surgery...I probably wont be back online until after Christmas, as we won;t be home until Christmas Eve and then will be very busy for a few days but i will check back when I'am home..In the meantime if you would like to learn more about Barrett's there is a really good site www.barrettsinfo.com...It will answer alot of questions and it is a very reputable site...There is also a really good support message board for Barrett's pts. at the John Hopkins website..The people there are wonderful and will offer you alot of support...Take care, Tessa

[jakey2]

Hello All, its Christmas day and I hope everyone is feeling well enough to enjoy this blessed day with thier family and love ones.  For the past couple of days I have been feeling much better than I have all week.  I am not sure what had taken over me, but like i said before, I had 4 CBC test, CT Scan, and pelvic ultrasound and everything was coming back normal, but still was experiencing pain, maybe its just one of those things that happen.  All I want to do and say today is send some Christmas greetings and wishes.  And let you all know, that although people get sick and suffer illness, believing and knowing and having faith in Christ does heal and that today I will be praying for a miracle to touch each of your lives to send you relief from your pain.  I hope you enjoy your Christmas and New Year season, I am very thankful for forums like this were so many nice people who understand each others situations can come here and express themselves and feel the support of others, that really is a wonderful thing.  Believe and have faith, God does heal!

[StaciLynn]

Hi Lexie and everyone else.  Thanks for your reassurance that the scopes that are done for an upper and lower GI series aren't that terrible.  If I am put totally to sleep I could deal with it I guess.  Just the thought of being awake scares me.  In the meantime I don't even know if I need to be scoped, but I feel if you go to see a GI specialist, chances are they will want to do one scope or another won't they?

Anyway, Lexie, I am glad you had the tests and your condition was detected early.  Having full blown cancer is so scary and because you did finally overcome your fears and have the tests done you probably saved your own life.  I know a lof of conditions are treatable and curable if detected early and thinking about it all, it is really pretty stupid to avoid the necessary tests out of fear since it is a lot more scary to think of what could be if the tests weren't there to detect these conditions at an early stage.

Good luck.


Staci