Constant RUQ abdominal pain

[Pixie1969too]

Hello,
I'm a 33 year old female with a myriad of problems.  The biggest one right now seems to be constant abdominal pain on the right side, sometimes it seems that it is just below my ribs and others it is closer to my waist area.  This pain does not leave.  Ever.  And it is not relieved by anything I've tried. There are some days it is worse than others, but I can no longer sleep on my right side due to it. It is not affected by food.  I had this pain before my gallbladder was removed (lap choly 10/01) and it seems to be worse now.  I've been told it is from IBS but honestly I don't think it is.  I also have severe abdominal cramping following my first meal (which is sometimes just crackers or something like that) almost every single day that will usually lead to several bouts of explosive diarrhea unless I take Immodium preventively every day (which doesn't always help).  Very often when I am having these bouts of diarrhea I notice that as the diarrhea bathroom trips go on it becomes completely clear and watery and an intense bright yellow color - and to describe how badly it burns is impossible.  Then the next trip to the bathroom will consist of just mucus.  It makes me want to die.  

My ALT (72) and AST (36) are slightly elevated (have been for years). I also have Fatty Liver. Had an MRCP to rule out problems with the duct and it was normal. Over the past couple of years have had many various imaging scans, barium studies, colonoscopy, EGD, was tested for Mastocytosis (have dermatographism and flushing episodes) and Carcinoid Syndrome (5HIAA was 6.8 first time then neg. 2nd time), both neg.  History of polyps in colon (1 was an adenoma) and polyps in stomach; gastritis, GERD, esophagitis, hiatal hernia. Also have PCOS/Stein Leventhal Syndrome with insulin resistance which is getting worse. Protonix is the latest med for acid that I'm trying, the others have either stopped working or ended up making the burning/gnawing feeling worse. One of my biopsies during the last colonoscopy showed "Ileal mucosa with congestion" and that doesn't seem to be too far away according to the diagram from where my pain is but I could be way off on that. The picture looks like it is right near where my appendix is, just above it.

Current meds are Glucophage XR 1500 mg, Protonix, a multivitamin, and last night started Flaxseed Oil due to severe dry eyes following Lasik Surgery.  

I don't dispute the fact that I have IBS.  Although I do predominantly have diarrhea, there are occasions where I am constipated (mostly due to taking lots of Immodium though I think).  But this pain seems to be independent of the diarrhea; it's not relieved by it nor does it seem to cause it nor be caused by it.  It is constant.  My gastro suggested last visit that he may have to send me to a university hosp. in NYC. I'm all for it at this point; my quality of life stinks.  

Can you offer ANY insight or give any direction?  I'm at my wit's end..  Thanks so much in advance.

[krisg]

just returned from Indiana University Hospital.  ERCP was preformed, and biliary sphincterotomy and pancreatic sphincter was cut (high pressure).  I got pancreatitis and was in the hospital for a few days.  I was told that I have villious atrophy in the small intestines and that it looks like I have celiac disease.  Who new??  I have never had any problems with eating regular wheat products, only with dairy products. I have been latose intolerant since childhood.  anyway, my RUQ and LUQ pain has returned only after 1 1/2 weeks after the surgery.  I am starting to feel like this is how it is going to be for life.
I am still waiting for results from biopsies taken during the ERCP.  Hope for the best !!

[Outrajus]

Sorry for what you all are going thru.  Here's my story and maybe it could help someone or someone could give me more additional information. I am 37 and have had chronic diahria with rectal spasms and lower back pain, spams in my stomach which turned out to be interstitial cystitis for the past 8 1/2 years. My complications started with the delivery of my son. I have constant diahria and can't control bowel movements. I have had numerous test including a negative colonoscopy but i did have six polyps. I have had several anal sphincter surgerys and Chroans was ruled out. My doctor has in my medical records that I have IBS but has never discussed this with me. I only just found out about this being in my records. I was at a point where my doctors didn't consider me a canidate for surgery anymore. I went to Tulane University in Lousiana and was told that there wasn't anything that could be done. My local doctor heard about a new surgery and it is limited to only a few states in the US i think. I had an artificial bowel sphincter implant, although this is the last resort for bowel incontinence ....you might could do some research on this. I have had the implant now for going on 4 months now and mine was just activated two weeks ago because of some complications for which i seem to be the exception. As of my surgery i was their 11th patient. I know this would be only as a last resort ......but so far it has made a tremendous difference in my ability to perform normal duties. I have rectal spasms really bad and the doctor said that the Artificial Bowel Sphincter surgery wouldn't help my spasms, which it hasn't maybe even made it alittle worse....but i can at least get up walk to the bathroom without running and defecating on myself. I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis also, I was having really bad spasms and cramping my stomach and they tested for bladder infections which came up positive and never would clear up...I know have to watch what i eat but my doctor goes in and burns the lining out of my bladder every so often which makes the spasms stop at least for awhile.  I control them with meds...Hope this helps someone.. Good Luck to you.

[ManicPanic]

Hello I have been reading some of the forums.I have had simialiar problems for over a year now.I had my my gallbladder removed in January.I have had sever nausua,diaarhea,fatigue,itching.Abdominal pain in the upper region of ribs.Thhe drs have done many ultrasounds,I have had bloodwork.One day they tell me I have a fatty liver,next time an enlarged spleen and liver.Now they tell me my liver function test is high.They have me on nausua meds and mild painkillers.I am being reffered to  a specialist.Is there any specific questions i should ask?? They ddiscussed going down my stomach with the scope and looking at the liver and the intestines...I am 30 years old..am I too young to have cancer??Should this even be a concern to me??? I am at aloss as where to turn.Just getting the same treatment each time I go to a dr.Benn to 2 already. I get sick at least 3 times a month anywhere from 3-6 days ata time can't even hold down water.I have various health problems won't go into detail about them would take a lifetime..lol  Can someone pplease tell me what to expect or give me an opinion or suggestion I would greatly appeciate any and all comments and help I can get..

[ManicPanic]

Hello I have been reading some of the forums.I have had simialiar problems for over a year now.I had my my gallbladder removed in January.I have had sever nausua,diaarhea,fatigue,itching.Abdominal pain in the upper region of ribs.Thhe drs have done many ultrasounds,I have had bloodwork.One day they tell me I have a fatty liver,next time an enlarged spleen and liver.Now they tell me my liver function test is high.They have me on nausua meds and mild painkillers.I am being reffered to  a specialist.Is there any specific questions i should ask?? They ddiscussed going down my stomach with the scope and looking at the liver and the intestines...I am 30 years old..am I too young to have cancer??Should this even be a concern to me??? I am at aloss as where to turn.Just getting the same treatment each time I go to a dr.Benn to 2 already. I get sick at least 3 times a month anywhere from 3-6 days ata time can't even hold down water.I have various health problems won't go into detail about them would take a lifetime..lol  Can someone pplease tell me what to expect or give me an opinion or suggestion I would greatly appeciate any and all comments and help I can get..

[krisg]

That's why I post on this board.....to constantly remind myself that I am not alone.   I'm a 36 yr old female.  Seems that alot of us have ALOT in common since our gallbladder surgeries...

[MTV]

Wow...in almost every post that I have read on this subject, I see myself.  Am 32 yrs old, non-smoker, exercise, part vegan.  Had gallbladder removed in April 2002 and have been miserable since.  I am sorry that we are all suffering, but it is good to know that I am not alone. I too, am going through a battery of tests, to no avail.  Can't get in to see my gastro until March, but I am definately bringing a copy of this to him.  Thanks for all the info!

Melinda