abdominal pain upset stomach

[quenlexis]

I am 30 years old 5'4 and weigh 240lbs.3 months ago I had a severe bladder infection 5 different antibotics still didn't cure it. So I was hospitalized did IVP, CT on pelvis, ultrasound all tests came back normal. The only thing found was a lot of stool and that anemia.{always have been anemic}. Now daily I have upset stomach, stomach cramps, frequent passing of rectal gas with no odor, pressure, bloating, bleching, heart flutters, diarhea (diarrhea), sometimes constipation, movement balling in knots in upper abdomen,  and gas rolling up and down my back. I had a tubal ligation in 1997 {not pregnant}.
I can't sleep at night because of stomach cramps. While sitting I feel lots in pressure in upper abdomen. Have changed diet but it does not help. No matter what I eat it will cramp my stomach which has cause a loss of apetite. Doctor prescribed Clidinium and didn't help. What type of problems could I have? What types of tests need to be performed? Also I was diagnosed with overactive bladder but It has settled down. Please help.

Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

With the stomach pain, there are a variety of potential causes.  This can include the various causes of dyspepsia (GERD, inflammation of the esophagus or stomach, ulcers), a mass, or gall bladder disease.  Irritable bowel syndrome can cause discomfort along with increased bloating and gas.

The most comprehensive test would be an upper endoscopy to evaluate these symptoms.  Obtaining an upper GI series as an initial test, together with H Pylori tests, would also be reasonable.  You may want to discuss these tests with your personal physician.

If these tests are negative, then an ultrasound can be done to evaluate the gall bladder.  If the tests are still not revealing, then treatment for irritable bowel syndrome should be optimized.

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.

[dp2000]

All those anitibiotics have probably destroyed the healthy flora in your GI tract.  You didn't say how you've changed your diet but sugar is very irritating to the stomach and a problem for most people.
I suffer from similar symptoms at times and eliminating starches and sugar helps me.  Fresh fruit is also healing to the digestive tract.
Plain yogurt with live cultures and fresh fruit mixed in(bananas, blueberries etc) is a good way improve intestinal flora.
Some have found pancreatic enzyme supplements also helpful.

Hope this helps.
-Dave P.