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Undiagnosed Symptoms (Expert Forum)
Epigastric Symptoms but no epigastric problem
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Undiagnosed Symptoms forum are answered by Dr. Kevin Pho. Topics covered include breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
Epigastric Symptoms but no epigastric problem
by little_one186, Sep 21, 2007 08:38AM
I have been dealing with strange and chronic symptoms for the past 4 years. My symptoms are; weight gain, acute nausea (severs nausea not releived by anitnauseants), vomiting (atleast once a day), upper quadrant abdominal pain, irregular menses, fatigue, dizziness, and in the last couple of months sever headaches, ear ringing, tingling in the arms and hands.
During this time I have seen 1 General Practitioner, 2 Gasteroenterologists, 1 Thorasic Surgeon, and a Neurologist.
I have also undergone the following tests which all came back normal;
- abdominal ultrasound
- transvaginal ultrasound
- abdominal CT
- head CT
- endoscopy
- manometry (x2)
- 24H PH Study
- Barrium swallowing scan
- Gastric emptying study
- EMG
As a result of all of these tests the gasteroenterologist, and thorasic surgeon have concluded that my problem is not of epigastric origin. In ther words of the thorasic surgeon 'there is nothing anatomically wrong with me'. The neurosurgeon couldn't shed any light on the matter, and said it likely wasn't a neurological issue, as all of the neurological testing came back normal.
This illness is directly affecting my life, and my ability to earn a living, and I feel like I have hit a dead end. I have all of these symptoms, but the only ailment I know that I have is hypothyroidism (diagnosed about 5 years agao), and according to my GP it is under control. I am currently waiting on an MRI scan to rule out anything wrong with my brain, and I am now unsure of the direction to take.
Is there another direction I should be looking at to try to solve my medical mystery?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
During this time I have seen 1 General Practitioner, 2 Gasteroenterologists, 1 Thorasic Surgeon, and a Neurologist.
I have also undergone the following tests which all came back normal;
- abdominal ultrasound
- transvaginal ultrasound
- abdominal CT
- head CT
- endoscopy
- manometry (x2)
- 24H PH Study
- Barrium swallowing scan
- Gastric emptying study
- EMG
As a result of all of these tests the gasteroenterologist, and thorasic surgeon have concluded that my problem is not of epigastric origin. In ther words of the thorasic surgeon 'there is nothing anatomically wrong with me'. The neurosurgeon couldn't shed any light on the matter, and said it likely wasn't a neurological issue, as all of the neurological testing came back normal.
This illness is directly affecting my life, and my ability to earn a living, and I feel like I have hit a dead end. I have all of these symptoms, but the only ailment I know that I have is hypothyroidism (diagnosed about 5 years agao), and according to my GP it is under control. I am currently waiting on an MRI scan to rule out anything wrong with my brain, and I am now unsure of the direction to take.
Is there another direction I should be looking at to try to solve my medical mystery?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 21, 2007 08:08PM
, Sep 21, 2007 08:08PM
I agree with the diagnostic course and many of the major diseases would have been ruled out already. It would also be unlikely that I can come up with something over the internet that your consultants wouldn't have already.
I really can't think of any other tests that could be done. I agree with the MRI to ensure there isn't a neurological cause for your symptoms.
Going to an academic medical center for another GI and/or neurological opinion can be considered.
If the pain continues and the tests continue to be negative, pain management specialists may be the answer, as they can help manage the symptoms you describe.
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_
I really can't think of any other tests that could be done. I agree with the MRI to ensure there isn't a neurological cause for your symptoms.
Going to an academic medical center for another GI and/or neurological opinion can be considered.
If the pain continues and the tests continue to be negative, pain management specialists may be the answer, as they can help manage the symptoms you describe.
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_
