please help my dad

[jerry glen]

My dad is 60 and never complained of being sick in his life until 2 years ago.Last night his Dr admitted him to the hospital after we begged him to go to the emergency room.He was on the couch in fetal position in horrible pain.He has stabbing pain in his stomach near rib area.This has been going on for 2 years on and off,but he still works on comercial refrigeration units that involves heavy lifting, climbing on top of buildings.They orderd x-rays and a cat scan and found nothing.So they told this proud man he must just be a worrier.He will never step foot in a doctors office again.Over these 2 years he has had test running scope on lower and upper body,sonogram, 2 ct scans,and took medicine for bacteria infection of stomach lining that he was told he had about a year ago and also told he had 3 days ago by the Dr. that admitted him to ER.Then his gasto Dr told him to stop taking the antibiotic that he did't have a bacteria infection.After seeing my father in such pain that he could hardly stand angers me to hear that Dr tell him he is just a worrier.He said the pain feels like a knife stabbing and turning in his stomach.He also said his stomach feels like it rollong.He also said it feels like a flap opens and closes in his stomach.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The "test running scope on lower and upper body" - is that an upper and lower endoscopy (i.e. gastroscopy and colonoscopy?).  If so, there has already been a thorough GI evaluate.

If the upper and lower endoscopy, 2 CT scans, ultrasound are all negative, then you may want to consider a non-GI source of pain.

The first would be pulmonary, neurological or musculoskeletal.  You may want to consider a referral to a pulmonologist, neurologist or physiatrist (a rehabilitation/pain specialist) to evaluate for any nerve irritation or damage or lung problems.  

I'm sure the ER considered this - but make sure that this isn't heart-related.  I assume if he has been discharged from the ER, they probably ruled this out.  

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.

[ozark]

i would also suggest a 24 hr ph probe....he could have nonerosive esophogitis.....i do.......i had an endoscopy that was neg but my ph probe showed severe reflux..my gi dr was surprised that it was positive...........good luck