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Abdominal pain, change in change in stool

I started having abdominal pains two months ago that have gradually gotten worse.  The pain at it's worst is a 6 on the pain scale and is often a burning sensation.  It started in above the navel, then more on the upper right side and is generally worse as the day progresses (esp. in the evening).

I've had a negative abdominal ultrasound and a negative abdominal/pelvic CT scan with barium and IV contrast.  Blood work and liver function tests are normal.  

When the pain is at its worst, I experience eye pain and redness of the eyes along with stinging knee pain.  I've had this pain before --a few years ago-- but it had never been tied to abdominal pain until now.

My stools have changed in that they alternate between being hard and lumpy with a little bit of yellowish mucous, to being more normal in appearance.  I often hear more growling sounds in my intestinal area.  At this point, the pain is on both the left and right sides, mostly above the navel, but some pain below as well.

Diet doesn't seem to have any effect on my pain.  Strangely, when the pain is most acute, I have a strange taste (almost metallic) in my mouth and my teeth are now sensitive to hot and cold.

I'm scheduled for an endoscopy in a month but am wondering if they should doing a colonoscopy instead.  I asked the gastro about Crohn's and Colitis but he said those usually present with diarrhea and often show up on a CT scan.

Any suggestions on what additionally I should be tested for, what I should observe myself, or possible diseases that could be causing this sudden onset of symptoms?
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233190 tn?1278549801
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree with the testing done thus far.  The changes in bowel habits normally requires a colonoscopy as the next step.  This can exclude inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.

I would also obtain blood tests to evaluate for celiac disease, and send off stool to exclude malabsorption.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Forgot to mention that I am 38 years old and that the Gastro did not find any blood in my stool after using an occult blood smear in the exam room.
Helpful - 0

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