what are these pains????????????

[Joanna]

i am 22 years old and suffer from severe abdominal pains which radiate into my back and to my ribs.
i find it is worse after eating , my stomache swells up and the pain is so bad i can barely walk.
so when i do get it i end up laying on my back with my knees tucked into my tummy(i get slight relief from this).
i have just had a baby and am now expecting again in september.
my doctor told me it is pregnancy and not to worry , but i have suffered with it for longer than that and it is not getting better , as a matter of fact its getting a lot worse.
he told me if i am still suffering in a week or two hell send me for a scan on my abdomen.
i know there is more to it than this and cant go on no longer , i need to know what it is so i can treat it a.s.a.p.

[Hepatitis Central]

Have you been checked for gallstones? I had these same symptoms (and the pain felt very much like childbirth) and it was gallstones.

Vikki
http://hepatitis-central.com

[joanna to viki]

thanks for your message and yes that had crossed my mind and the doctors(only cause i mentioned it)
i will be having a scan soon and all will be revealed!!!
what are the cures ?
are there any medicines i can buy over the counter while i wait?

[Linda]

Joanna, I have suffered from the symptoms you describe. I had te servere gas pain that started in my stomach and went into my back, my stomach bloated to the point I thought it was going to explode, the pain was so severe I thought it would kill me. I went though all kind of tests, they did find a hiatal hernia. I also found out that many foods I consumed caused alot of my problems, especially green peppers, so I have since cut out the green peppers and all other foods that caused the bloating. I havent had another attack since. I found that it took my own investigating to know what food were causing the problem, it can be a little frustrating at first, till you know for sure what foods are the culprits. Believe me its worth the trouble. Too, much caffeine isnt good either and can add to the problem. If I were you, I'd ask your doctor get some test done, to be sure nothing serious is going on. Ask for a upper GI series, and possibly a endoscopy, even if they dont see anything in the upper GI, they may see something in the endoscopy, (thats how my hiatal hernia was found). It will give you peace of mind, at the least. You may have to wait till your baby is born,to get the tests I mentioned, I'm not sure if they will do them when your pregnant. But, you can still do the process of elimination, and find out if the foods you are eating cause the problem. One last word of advice, STRESS is another culprit, if you're under alot of stress, try to eliminate it to the best of your ability! Good Luck and let me know how thing work out. You can email me at ***@**** :)

[Scott Tenhoff]

Have you had a doctor check your Gallbladder?

My wife just had 2 children in two years.  She would take Ant-acid, Mallox, Phazeme, everything.  Then she began having severe stomach pain that eventually sent her to the hospital.  The ER doctor touched on her stomach/Gallbladder and she almost yelled in pain.  They diagnosied her with Galstones and she had to have her Galbladder removed.

I have found out that pregnant women suffer from Galstones.  Especially after being pregnant.

One thing I found out from my wife is that she knew what was going on with her body better than any doctor, trust your own instincts instead of what your doctor saids.  Get a second opinion.

You don't have to have your OB check this, a GP will push on your Galbladder during a Physical.

If you want to know more my email is ***@****

[Joanna]

dear linda
thanks for your reply it has helped me a lot and i do understand that i will have ot wait tilll i have this baby first.
so are there any over the counter remedies?

[Dariann]

On January 1st I had the worst pain ever.  I was 7mo pregnant.  I thought that it was just the baby sitting on a nerve or something.  The pain lasted for 1hr-2hrs long.  I knew that it wasnt the baby so i didnt go to the hospital.  I asked by ob and he said that it was just the pregnancy.  After i had my baby boy,  about a week later i had another attack.  I have had a total of around 10 attacks.  It was worse than having a baby.  The pain starts in the front and wrapes around the back.  After the baby I went to my regular doctor and he says that it could be gallstones.  Blood tests were done and the liver enzymes were high.  A ultra sound was done and nothing was found. He did more blood work and the liver enzymes still came out high.  He is sending me to an Upper GI and he said more than likely I will have to have a tube put down my throat and spread dye and see where the problem may be.  What else coukd it be?????????

[Dariann]

Joanne,  I just had a baby feb 24 and starting jan 1 i was having the same symptoms that you were and the doctor said the same thing.  My primary doctor is sending me to ab upper GI.  The ultra sound that i had done should nothing

[joanna to dariann]

it could be that you may have a heutal hernia and the diagnosis is only given when a upper GI is done.
i am awaiting to have all these test done as i feel i cant take it any longer.
good luck anyway and keep me posted.
jo@nn@

[Karen]

Get a new doctor.  My niece just had a baby, and had the same pain.  Her doctor said her bowel had twisted, and needs surgery before she can get pg again. please get a second opinion before you kill yourself

[Susan]

Joanna,
While all these suggestions mentioned previously are good sugestions, keep in mind it could be something as simple as IBS(irritable bowel syndrome). My suggestions to you would to go to a Gastroenterologists and recieve some simple tests. The tests for IBS are not as complicated as Hiatal hernia and Gallstones, in fact the hemoccult test (smears your feces on a ph changing card) tells many things about the digestive tract and colon. Pregnancy puts alot of strain on your digestive system and things are easily pushed, poked, and pulled out of regular place, inabling them to function normally.

[sally]

it may be that you have crohns disease or colitis.  you may want to ask your doc about it

[Christie]

Have the Dr. check for gallstones! I had a similar pain off and on for months before the Dr.'s figured it out. The pain starts in your right shoulder kind of achey (achy). Then moves to the front and centers it self at your breast bone and moves through your ribs it almost feels like something is pulling your chest cavity apart. My pain usually lasted between 30 minutes to 1 hour. And it gets very intence and can make you very nocious. Stay away from and foods that have any fat in them! My pain started 1 week after my second child was born, they say that the hormones can cause it to act up. Good luck and e-mail me if you want to chat(***@****)

[cbf]

See my posts under RUQ Pain thread.

[Susan]

i also have severe abd.pain after eating all solid foods.  no pain after eating smooth food such as baby food.  i had a gastric emptying study and was told that i have gastroparesis.this happened to me after giving birth.

[Donna Detheridge]

Joanna,

Like you, I am frustrated with not knowing what is causing the severe abdominal pains.  I am a registered nurse and I can tell you a few things.

First, the abdominal area is complicated.  Many doctors will put their patient's through a series of tests including: upper GI, endoscopy, ultrasound, Hida scan, and CT scans. Let's not forget because we're female, we also get to go through pelvic exams and more ultrasounds.  Many times, as in my case, nothing turns up.  A doctor will then try to treat with medications. If the medication works, then the physician can finally decide on a diagnosis.  

Although medicine has come a long way over the years,  it's still sometimes a matter of trial and error.

I was put on prilosec 20mg every day.  This worked for about 1 year, then the pain returned.  At first, it always feels like gas,(especially to the back). Then after chewing up antacids, the pain radiates to the front.  Nausea occurs a few hours later and despite all the relaxation techniques in the world, vomiting occurs until you can't vomit no more.  The pain is so extreme, your doubled over and can't find a comfortable position.  After about 6-10 hours, it all ends.  If your like me, my abdomin (abdomen) is sore and tender for an additional 2 days.

I'm now on prilosec 20mg- twice a day.  If this works, It means I probably suffer from gastro-esphogeal reflux (GER).  Simply stated, stomache acid rolls up your esphoagus after a meal.  It seems like there should be something more than this, however; only time will tell.  Good luck.  Get checked out or ask your physician about prilosec.

[Joann]

I also experienced this type of pain and thought I was having a heart attack. I went to the hospital and to make a long story short, they eventually dx it as gallstones. I had my gallbladder removed and a week afterwards, I had the exact same attack. For over a year I sufferred with this. It would hit me usually around 3 or 4 in the morning and last until I was physically exhausted. When I had my surgery they did find some small stones but today I don't believe that was ever the cause. I had a very serious and painful surgery for nothing. After almost going cracy with this pain, my MD finally sent me to a gastroenterologist. After an endoscopy he told me that my stomach never relaxes and is like an ocean wave. When I would overeat or eat certain foods, it would cause an eruption of sort. He said he could give me medication (Tagament, etc.) but I would never be free of the pain until I learned to deal with what was bothering me. I noticed the pain would be triggered by getting upset or anxious. I began therapy and learned how to process my feelings. I have not sufferred from these attacks in years and also do not take medication for it. I have been dx with an autoimmune liver disease (PBC) but I don't believe it is related. Whatever you do, don't allow the doctors and their egos to convince you that it is all in your mind or give you the fastest, simpleist(?) answer. Make sure you get a second opinion. I have a huge scar on my abdomen and have recently developed a hernia as a result which will require additional surgery. Take charge of your own health!!!!!!

[Serina P]

When I was pregnant with my second child I was severely sick.  I was on home i.v.'s it was so bad and they ran test after test on me.  I tore up my esophagus from throwing up, I would have pains in my stomach so bad that I would go to the hospital for them to always tell me it was nothing and they did do ultrasounds on my stomach to check for gallstones.  Well they eventually told me after 2 months of complete pain that I has esophagitis.  After I had my child I still experienced severe stomach pain and they did do another ultrasound on my stomach.  Well, I found out that I had gall stones and they had to do surgery immediately on me because I had quite a few.  I think that is what caused me to be so sick throughout my pregnancy and they just couldn't see them.  It's something to look in to, I know how it is and I feel your pain trust me.  I hope everything gets better for you.

[Cathy]

Do you have fibroids in your uterus?  If so..these can be very, and I stess Very painful.  I was on home and bed rest for 6 months of my pregnancy because of fibroids.  Good Luck

[shona]

The type of pain you describe sounds too severe to be gallstones although they can be very painful.
I had severe pain for three months till eventually i almost died it turned out I had severe acute pancreatitis caused by a gallstone blocking my pancreas.
Have them test your amalays to rule this out.

[Gina]

Yes!!! Get a gallbladder scan immediately, I don't know how they do it now, but when I was 21 I had a gallbladder attack, and it came on after a couple of weeks of the symptoms you are describing.  I had my gallbladder out at 21 years old and three months pregnant!!!!  I am 50 now, and have just been diagnosed with GERD.  It is mild, but I have that awful feeling of something stuck in my throat all the time, and would love to find out how to get rid of it.  ANYone out there have info on that??? I would appreciate it.

[WILMA JOHNSON]

I HAD SYPTOMS (symptoms) OF BURNING AND PAIN UNDER MY RIB CAGE FOR MANY YEARS.  IT WOULD START WITHOUT WARNING.  IT WOULD LAST FOR SEVERAL HOURS. I WENT TO THE E. R. ON SEVERAL OF THESE ATTACKS.ALL THEY WOULD DO IS RELEIVE THE PAIN SO I FINALLY DECIDED IF I COULD SUFFER THROUGH IT FOR SEVERAL HOURS I KNEW I WOULD BE O.K.  I WENT IN FOR A HYSTERECTOMY IN DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR.  I HAD A BOUT WITH IT DURING THAT TIME.  TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT THEY DISCOVERED THAT MY GALLBLADDER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING LIKE IT SHOULD.  THE DOCTOR RAN A SERIES OF TESTS ON ME AND THIS WAS THE CONCLUSION.  I WENT IN THE HOSPITAL IN FEBRUARY AND HAD MY GALLBLADDER REMOVED.  SO FAR I HAVE NOT HAD THAT TERRIBLE PAIN AGAIN.  I DO SYMPATHIZE WITH YOU.  I TOLD MY HUSBAND I HAD RATHER HAVE A BABY THAN GO THROUGH THAT PAIN.  HAVE YOUR DR. DO A TEST TO SEE IF YOUR GALLBLADDER IS EMPTING AS IT SHOULD.

[jjc]

If you are having gallbladder attacks..you will be put on Actigall....300 mh three times a day....also, stay away from fatty foods and nuts....Joanne

[MCalhoun]

I am a veteran of Gallstone/Pancreatitus which is basically a gallstone getting loose and blocking the duct to the Pancreas.  The pain you all have described is simple gallstones and if you have the surgery before a stone gets loose, it is a simple surgery, with three small scars and you are up and moving within a week.  I had my first attack two days before my son was due.  I thought I was in labor.  I went to the ER and the on call dr from my OB/GYN's office called it in about oh 15 minutes.  She told me to see someone immediately after I have my son.  I didn't.  Claimed I didn't have time or money for testing etc.  I wish now that I had taken the time.  I spent 7 months of the first year of my little boy's life in and out of the hospital.  I had two surgeries(gallbladder removal and pancrease/bowel resection), a large blood clot, a staff infection and the aftermath of having Otoxicity of the Inner ear from an antibiotic given to cure the infections the gallstones had caused.  I had the best gastroenterologist in Huntsville AL.  My trauma surgeons wanted to do endoscopy(put the tube down your throat) and she said hell no!  That test causes more harm than it does good.  If you have an irritated pancrease or gallbladder that test will make it worse.  I have learned alot about this and hope to continue to learn about it.  Best of luck to you all and push your doctor to do the ultrasound and if necessary CT immediately.

[yvonne]

have your gallbladder checked-could be gallstones

["ann"]

i have experinced the same radiating pains through my stomache and into my ribs, too. I'm only 19 and have never been pregnant. Your symptoms matched mine perfectly, ive been too afraid to go to the Dr. in case it was something serious..i couldn't deal...please let me know the outcome of your tests...help!!!

["ann"]

i have experinced the same radiating pains through my stomache and into my ribs, too. I'm only 19 and have never been pregnant. Your symptoms matched mine perfectly, ive been too afraid to go to the Dr. in case it was something serious..i couldn't deal...please let me know the outcome of your tests...help!!!

["ann"]

i have experinced the same radiating pains through my stomache and into my ribs, too. I'm only 19 and have never been pregnant. Your symptoms matched mine perfectly, ive been too afraid to go to the Dr. in case it was something serious..i couldn't deal...please let me know the outcome of your tests...help!!!

[jules]

Sounds like you're having gall bladder problems. The hormones while your pregnant effect many organs- 1 is your gall bladder. Ask your Dr about it.

[John Lucas]

About four months ago I awoke at 11:00pm with some chest pain which I thought was indigestion.  At 2:00am the pain in my stomach and chest was so bad I couldn't lay down,sit or stand in one place, on a scale from 1-10 it was a 10, I walked in circles for about another hour before I called the emergency room for some advice.  At 3:00am I drove myself to the emergency room with what I thought was a heart attack but yet didn't have the defined symptoms medicaly speaking.  I have a little medical background being a EMT. The attending physician conducted many test for my heart and by 11:00am the next day they decided that my heart was fine but still didn't know what caused the pain.  The next day I called my family Dr. and explained my ordeal from the previous night.  He requested I come for a complete physical examination. To make a long story short I had the very same experience recently and went back to my Dr.  He scheduled me for a ultrasound of my galbladder.  The results showed a galstone that looked about the size of your thumb.

[Jerilynne]

have your doctor check you for gallstones

[jennifer]

I too am having these same pains, and am not pregant...they start in my back and quickly radiate to my stomach where the sides and middle hurt right where the rib cage come together, the first episode lasted 5 hrs. and have woke me everynight since..as soon as I feel the back pain I have been getting up and taking advil that seems to help, but what is causing these unbarealbe pains?  And the advil only seem to dull it, I am unable to find a positions to calm it...I have been told it could be gall stones..as the are hereditary and run in my family..my grandmother had to have the surgers as well as my mother and sister

[jennifer]

I too am having pains like that, only mine start in the back and radiate to the front of my stomach and my sides...then the pain moves strait up to my rib cage where it comes together...the first episode lasted for over 5 hrs. it was so bad I could'nt walk much less take myself to hospital...if anyone has any idea what this could be I would appreciate a responce.

[LSP]

IN FEBUARY OF THIS YEAR ABOUT 4 WEEK AFTER I HAD MY FIRST CHILD I
WENT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAINS.IT STARTED OUT AS A THROBBING IN MY STOMACH.THEN GOT MORE INTENSE  WHERE IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING WAS TWISTING MY INSIDES AND TRYING TO PULL IT OUT OF MY BACK. I HAD NEVER HAD ANY TYPE OF PAIN LIKE THIS BEFORE,AND THOUGHT IT MAY BE HEARTBURN OR ACID REFLUX.THE PAIN EVENTUALLY GOT SO BAD,I HAD TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL.THE DOCTORS COULDNT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND STATED IT WAS PROBALY WHAT  I ATE.HE PERSCIBED ME SOMETHING FOR AN ULCER,AND TOLD ME TO WATCH WHAT I EAT STAY AWAY FROM CAFFINE,SPICY AND GREASY FOODS .AFTER ABOUT 1 DAY RECOVERY THE PAIN WENT AWAY AND STAYED AWAY UNTIL LAST WEEK. I HAD A BAD ATTACK I THOUGHT IT MAY HAVE BEEN GAS BUT IT DIDNT GO AWAY AND WAS ONCE AGAIN RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL.THE DOCTOR I HAD THIS TIME IMMEDIATELY STATED THAT IT WAS PROBALY MY GALBLADDER AND THAT WOMEN WHO HAVE CHILDREN COME AT RISK FOR GALDBLADDER INFLAMTION.HES ORDER AN ULTRASOUND TO TRY TO ELIMINATE  ANY SEVERE PROBLEMS REVOLVING AROUND MY GALBLADDER  ...BUT I DONT WANT TO HAVE ANY TYPE OPERATION AND HOPEFULLY
THIS CAN ALL BE CONTROLLED WITH MEDICINES, VITAMINS ,HERBS,AND A
MORE HEALTHIER EATING LIFESTYLE.

[Tara]

I went to the ER today, because my chest and back was hurting. I also had a headache. The doctor did a EKG, and some blood work. He didn't find anything wrong with me. He said if I kept hurting to come back. He also said that I might have something wrong with my gallbladder.....or gallstones. He didn't do an ultra sound, he said to get some Mylanta. Well, I feel good, until I eat. He also put me on a no fat diet. Should I get a second opionion? Why would my chest hurt? Please help. Thanks

[hope 18/08/00]

I had a baby 2 years ago by emergency c-section, and following developed cervical lesions resulting in a partial-hysterctomy(leaving the ovaries)My bowels and stomach have never been the same. I had such bad hemmeroids after the last surgery,I was getting stabbing pains in my bowel and groin a could not walk. AFter a barium enema they discovered nothing, but the bloated vessels. Since I mild heartburn, but I get these little pains in between my breast bones and rig cage, and tingling in the abdomen. Could this be galstones?
At times when I eat too much or greasy food, I bloat like a cow!
and I cannot breathe, I get pains like gas which I can feel going through my intestines into the bowel.  This is pretty frequent.  Any ideas what this could be? Poor diet? I know that they move everything during these surgeries, and it can cause gastro-intestinal weakness...

[sylvia whittaker]

Joanna
What I am wonderiing is: How do you know that you have gallstones. I have almost the same simplys as everyone here. What I want to know will this keep you from having another child and if you do get them removal can this prevent having kids again.

[Starr]

HAVING THE SAME SYMTOMS THEY TELL ME ACIDS IN MY SYOMACH

[MaryJane- [e-mail]]

I have been getting a real bad pain onin my stomach,I swell up like I'm 7 to 8 month's pregnant, and I'm not. It relly does hurt. I have gone to the doctor several times and they tell me everything is normal, how can everything be normal, when I hurt and swell up, my stomach is reall sweeled up for about teo week, I usally have a farely flat stomach, I work out and have always taken care of my body and health, I went to the emergancy room on Wed. they said I had an inflamation (inflammation) in my stomach, and have put me on a three day liquid diet. Is this normal?

[Barbara]

I was wondering if diahrea was part of haveing gallstones cause I have all the other simptoms youv'e metioned and diahrea.

[Sandra Williamson]

Hi Joanna,

I found an old posting of yours on urq pain and wondering if you ever found what was causing it.  I am also emailing a copy of this to all the other people I can find on-line that have this problem.  If you have time, let me know if this has helped you with a return email.

I had SEVERE upper-right quadrant (urq) pain for 4 months, and was reduced to taking 12 narcotic pain pills a day and giving my resignation at work.   However, I have just discovered what was causing it and I am awaiting my physician's call so I can tell him (I am home on a leave of absence to try to figure out what is wrong.)

I was taking Allegra D, which is a Histamine receptor antagonist.  Many allergy medications have the same H1 receptor antagonists as part of their mechanisms.  My thought is that some people who have urq pain are experiencing side effects of allergy medications with this type of antagonist.

Just last week, after 4 months of taking Allegra D and 4 months of extreme pain, I missed my Wednesday morning dose.  I went to work, took my narcotics for pain, and had a fair day.  That night, I took Allegra D again, and then again on Thursday morning.  I was "sicker than a dog" all day Thursday.  

Allegra D is meant to be taken twice a day, morning and evening.  However, after only 1 week on the medication, I kept forgetting to take the nightly dose and my sinuses were doing great so I just quit taking the evening dose.  This means I was only taking half of the prescribed medication with all these disastrous side effects!!

So on Friday morning, after being so sick Thursday, I forgot to take my meds again in the morning and I felt pretty good Friday.  Saturday was the beginning of my week off of work so I decided to sleep in, not take any meds, and just see what happened.  I ended up taking only 5 pain pills that day, and only 4 on Sunday.  Sunday afternoon I went to the pharmacist and asked for a printout of the medications I had taken in the past year.  I started Allegra D the first week of May, 2000 and had my first pain/vomiting attack 2 weeks later.  I asked the pharmacist what the half-life of the medication was (meaning how long it stays in the body) and she said it should be 80% eliminated in 3 days.  

As an FYI, my pain was CONSTANT after just 5 weeks of taking this medication.  The constant pain, now, Monday morning, is gone!  This is after three full days of being Allegra D free!  I still have a little discomfort after meals, but it is probably because my body is re-grouping and getting back to its normal processing.  My prayer, of course, is that I have no permanent damage as a result of taking this medication.

So, all this because "I feel your pain" - I know, it's not funny when you are still in pain.  But, feel free to print this out, take it to your doctor, request that s/he take you off all histamine antagonists and brave the allergies for a week or so and see what happens.  I wouldn't be surprised if even over-the-counter meds could cause the same thing.  Our bodies are all different so the severity of symptoms will vary with each.  But it is too easy just to quit taking allergy meds for a week and see if this eases the pain.

By the way, I am not in the medical profession, so this is not “medical” advise.  However, it is personal, friendly suggestions to attempt to help.

Blessings!
Sandra Williamson

[Hala]

I feel for all of you guys. I've been struggling with stomach problems ever since I was 10 years old, I am 27 now.  My stomach pain got worse over the years.  I've been to many physicians and each one has told me something different.  In the past I've taken medications such as Prilosec 20mg, Prevacid 30mg, Pepcid, Zantac, Mylanta, and Pepto.  Non of these medications helped.  The pain that I experience is very weird. It begins in the middle of my chest and it spreads all through out the right lower side of my stomach and then goes to the back to my spinal cord.  I was just wondering what I should do in regards of such a situation. Please I need some advice.

Thanks,
Hala
***@****

[cc]

It sound as though you have irritable bowel syndrome.  The symptoms that  you have are like what I have.

[Dawn]

Wow!  All of these symptoms sound like what I have been experiencing.  I also thought it was severe heartburn, but I vomit for about 5 hours.  The pain is unbearable for about 8 long hours.  I am not pregnant and I am 23.  I do not have insurance so I haven't been to the Dr.  I have only had 2 of these attacks, but each was after I had some garlic.  So, I just thought it was that.  What does this sound like?  Should I wait untill it happens again, or should I go to the dr. asap?  Thanks in advance for your advice.  Dawn

[Carmen - Oct. 12/00]

I just resently went through 2 surgeries within a 1 1/2 weeks span. I woke up at 5:00 am a Monday. The pain started in my back on the lower right hand side travelled toward the front side.  I had been in an accident in Dec/99.  I went through a stop sign (that I didn't see). I was hurt pretty bad,neck,back,ect.  I'm still in physotherapy, so when I first felt this pain, I thought that it was the usual,it wasn't. My husband thought that I was having an appendic attack. I was put on I.V. right away as they needed to give me something for the pain. They gave me domiral then morphine.  This did not releive much of my pain. I had a 2 CT scans and an exray done. The exray showed that I had a kidney. When my DR went to fish it out, it was gone. He left a stint in so if the stone was around somewhere it would have a path already made for it to pass. I was still in pain when I got home but I thought that it was from the operation. I was to see my surgeon on Wed. so I waited it out.  The pain was getting even worse by Wed. morning. I went to my appt. The DR took the stint out, he just grabbed it and pulled it out. My pain got worse. I tried to urinate as another syptom (symptom) was my lack to do so. I took two percocet within a 1/2 hour. That didn't help. My husband wanted to turn back to the hosp., but I thought the pain was because the stint was pulled out causing tissue to tear as my DR explained. An AMB. was called and I was back in HOSP. I was hooked up to IV, and Catheter, more CT scans, exrays, ultrasounds, blood tests, and bone scan.  There was no kidney stone found, I think that I passed some in emerg the first time in (saw some crystal  sandy looking things from screening) nurse said no, but I think it was, DR thought so also. The ultrasound showed that I have "a crop full of gallbladder stones".  The specialist did not want to take out the gallbladder as he said that the pain that I was having was not the pain for this problem. I was admitted as we didn't know what it was. Gave me more pain meds. Had to up me to Delodid as meds was not holding the pain. After a day nether was this med. Got another ultrasound as the urinologist saw a spot around my R ovary, why he didn't mention this before, I don't know. I had surgery, cut me the same as for C-Sec. She found that my R tube was filled approx. 3" wide with blood. She removed tube but left my ovaries in tact. I developed blood inbetween the tissue and the outer skin. They had to open up an opening between the R + L side of the stitches as to drain the blood, there was over 300mls. They used a catheter to drain with sterile water. I've been home for a week now. A nurse has to come in once a day to errigate until the fluid comes out clear. I'm still getting a lot of cramping (gases from the surgery). And I still have a lot of lower back pain and spasms. Quite a few of the spasms are still on my R side, but don't come along the front like before. I was wondering if the stomach cramps and the lower back pain is pertaining to my gallstones. Sorry this letter is so long, but I figured that you might need all the info before you would be able to give me your opinion on what could be wrong with me. I have had this back pain since the accident; however, it seems to be worse now though. I was not able to walk too far, 15 min at most. I'm still unable to without my lower back hurting badly. My husband says that I look like an old lady all hunched over and I'm only 40. Hope someone might see something that the DRS might have overlooked. They were ALL very concerned and mistified at first. I still have a lot of follow ups.

[shonda]

I have been having that problem for about a year now.  I have found that if I stay away from fatty food the pain is not so bad.  I thought I had Gallstones which also sounds like what you are discribing and could be in your cause.  ( One cause of gallstones is a change in hormonal levels.)  I have had tons of test done for gallbladder, stomach, kidneys, you name it...the thing is they still have no clue whats wrong with me.  My newest doctor has given me a new medicine called protonix and that has helped more than I can ever say.  All I can tell you is what I have experienced and how I have controlled the pain while waiting for an actual medical explaination.  I hope I have helped!

[jen]

Joanna,
After reading your story, I thought it was my story.  Everything you have said that has happened to you, I have also gone through.  After 2 X-ray's, blood work, an ultra sound, an upper GI, and finally a CCK ultrasound they have found that my galbladder is mechicanically not functioning correctly.  I am now to have it removed and the pain will be no longer.

[Wendy]

I had my daughter March 16, 1998. Two years have past and I have had some really bad stomach, gas and back pains. I have been in the emergency room twice. On both accounts the doctor/s took a cat scan of my back. These doctors keep looking at my kidney/s as if that is where the problem is. But, every time the test comes back, there is nothing wrong. Now my back pain is slowly moving up my lower back. I can feel a lump when I am sleeping at night or just laying on my back. The strange thing is I only feel this lump when I have the pain from under my right breat like it's just below my rib cage. I get this pain after I eat certain foods. Then the swelling starts and then the lower right side of my back swells. Then I can feel the lump. I am tired of going from one doctor to another and have them look at me like I have a compulsive problem. I was fine before I was pregnant! Is there some one out there who can tell me I am not crazy, that pain I am feeling is real!

[Bonnie]

For some of you who have a normal gaulbladder test done and are still in pain here is something else to think about or mention to your doc.  There is a stomach bacteria out there called H-Pylori.  It is very painful.  I have had stomach pain for a year off and on.  When first tested for H-Pylori it was a negative blood test.  Only after a stomache biopsy did they find the bacteria and I am now on 3,000 MG a day of antibiotics.  Hopefully in 2 weeks time I will be back to normal.  I will say it is a hard treatment to do.  The meds are kicking my butt.  But after all the pain for so long, this will be worth it.  Good Luck to you all.

[nichole]

I am 21 years old and have never been pregnant.  Over the last two days I have been experiencing a radiating pain starting at my sternum aea and ending in my back.  I was seen in the E.R. this morning and had bloodwork, EKG's, and xrays done and all came back fine, I don't feel fine, my pain is unbearable.  I do have a history of acid reflux, but this is very different.  My mother had her galbladder out when she was 17, could this be my problem???????

[Tammy in Northern California]

Hi,
I had my gallbladder out on Monday October 16th, after having an attack in my upper abs just under the right rib cage. Fortunately for me, my hubby took me to ER on Saturday night and our ER staff was right on top of things and new just by listening to my symptoms that is was probably galstones, so they ran all the test right away, even called in a person to do the ultrasound at 2:30am, the test all came back conclusive, it was stones. I am 33 years old and thought this was something people in there 70's get, I was wrong. The doc said there was a 10% chance I could have passed a stone into the "common duct" in the liver. I was released from the hospitol on Tuesday te 17th ad was back up tere on Wed the 18th, I did pass a stone and was in much pain. They had to do another procedure to retrieve it and were succesfull. The problem with the second procedure is the possibilty of panceatitis, just because they are in the same area, fortunately all of my test look good.
Good luck Joanna, and do have it scanned as quickly as possible, there is no reason to be uncomfortable any longer then you have to. And yes this is much like having a baby but at least you get to have a nice cuddly baby after that lol.
Tammy

[Tammy in Northern California]

YES Nicole this could be your problem do not let it go, it runs in the family and since your mom was so young you caould also be in need of  cysteo surgery. don't let it go keep talking to the doc's about it.
Tammy

[kennie654]

I'm sorry for your guys pains and I hope you all feel better

[Christine]

Could I have Gallstibe problems? I'm not experiencing the stomach pains, but about two weeks ago I started getting chest pains on my left side. It feels like its in my rib cage! It also hurts all along the side and to the back. I'm not feeling notious either. What could it be??

[Cheryl]

HI Joanna,
i  suffer the same thing as you my dr is treating me for a peptic ulcer . but i have been back and forth to the hospital with severe pain as you described. they take blood and test of my abdomen still nothing shows as i sit here now in pain the dr gives me zantac and donnatal but i can  remember when i was pregnant with my son i had the same symtoms and they had to take my son early because i had what they call toxima a posion of the bllod if you have this only while pregnant you should ask your DR. about this and also about a peptic ulcer hope you get better and hope this message helps you.
                cheryl

[Tam]

Have you had your gallbladder checked?

[Sheila]

Read about Toxemia and Pre-clampsia, e-clampsia in What to expect when you're expecting. I had severe spinal back pain and upper gastrical pain and was sent home 3 times. Symptoms of preclampsia are sudden weight gain, swelling of hands and face - call dr. immediately, and increase in blood pressure. Mine went undetected which meant I could've gone into convulsions and a coma, my baby was never at risk. Check for protein in the urine and a gradual increase in blood pressure.

[Andrew Valestin]

Information on the esophagus

[viviana mendez]

gush!!! those are the same simptoms i have ...that severe pain that you feel you're going to explode...my Dr has put me through some tests for gallstones i will now on monday...and the outcome will be surgery!!! THANK GOD THERE IS A CURE!!!!!!!!!!( EVEN IF IT IS GETTING MY STOMACH OPENED)

[Sandra]

Hi there I am also 22 and have had two children. After my first child. I started having the same pain you are describing. I went to the E.R. and the Doctor there told me it was the acid in my stomach and stress. When I woulld get stressed out my acid in my stomach would start to cause my stomach and lower back to hurt and feel like someone was standing and turning my insides. They told me to take to Zantac and go home. For awhile it went away and wasn't as bad then I got pregnant with my second child and it got worse and over the years it has continued to get worse. I have been to many doctors none of witch have ran any test. Two nights ago it got so bad that my husband ran me into the E.R. They did the basic test from kidney to Uti but the test came back normal. He gave me some pain medicine and Prilosec and sent me home. I made an appointment with another hopeing he can tell me what is going on. Because like you I can't go on not knowing what is causing this pain. Just a wor of advice if your Doctors keep telling you there is nothing wrong and won't run any test except the basics then find another doctor. They also did the same thing to my mom. She ended up having someting wrong with her overies. And a cyest. Which was causing her pain. Good luck and hope they find out what is wrong with you and soon. I have been dealing with this for 3 years now. And they still aren't giving me any answers. I hope and pray this doctor will run more test and tell me soon. And I hope your will to so you don't go through this for a long time. You can e-mail me anytime. At ***@****

[Jason]

Hi, I am a 27 year old male who has gallstones. I have received confirmation from a surgeon after an endoscopy. I was told to advise my doctor if the pains continue. This was nearly 10 months ago. I have had about 3 mild attacks since.

I am scared of the consequences of not having my gall bladder removed. I would appreciate any advice you may offer. I am not that kean on undergoing an operation and removing the gallblader unless this is the best thing for me.

thanks

[Tanya]

I have been having what seems to be gas pains but I never get relefe. My stomach fells bloated and often dont feel like eating,my doctor says its IBS and put me on Hyoscyamine and this rarly works.I am very conserned it could be PID or something more serious? Please help !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Deedee]

I would like to reply to Jason about gallbladder surgery. I had my gallbladder removed about 10 years ago, laproscopic surery. It's a very simple procedure and you're back on your feet in no time. Put your trust in modern medicine and if need be have it removed, then you will have no future worries about "what if". Just a suggestion from someone who has been through it. Also I would like to mention that after my surgery my physician told me that I would probably still have attacks once is a great while, and he was right. I am actually having one right now as I write this. It stinks and it is uncomfortable but I know what it is at least. Anyway, I hope that all ailments are cured if not subsiding.

[Ruth]

I was awakened at 2:00 a.m with a very bad pain in my stomach.  It was centered in the high middle of my stomach.  The pain was so severe - my husband rushed to the ER.  Test were run and I found blood and pus in my urine and some inor toxic levels in my kidneys.  The doctors have given me ulcer and pain medicine over the long weekend.  IF I get another episode , I will immediately go to the ER.  Looks like doctors are trying to avoid surgery based on how often I get this pain.