Aa
Upper LEFT quadrant pain
I am 31 years old. This past May I had severe left sided upper quadrant pain. It felt like it was just under my ribs, usually in the front but sometimes in my side and when most severe, in my back. It lasted for about 3 weeks and I just let it go, confident that it would just go away.
In the first week of August the exact same pain came back. It was so severe that I called my MD after only 3 days. I had chest x-rays, abd sonogram and blood work. The only abnormality was my amylase which was 397. My lipase was somewhat elevated also. I had an abd CT which showed a slightly enlarged pancreas but was told that was probably normal for my age. I was but on prevacid and told to see what happens. I still complained of severe pain do I had an EGD. All was normal. I then had an ERCP done and while no obstruction was noted I did end up with pancreatitis and was in the hospital for 5 days. The 'pancreatitis' pain has now resolved but my original pain remains. I can now relate some of the pain to after meals but that pain usually occurs on the right side. The left sided pain is ALWAYS there. It gets bad and then eases up but is always there. I do become nauseated at times but I am not vomiting. I lost 10 pounds in the hospital but put 6 back on. No further weight loss has been noted. My GI physician is stumped. He did mention sphincter manometry but is hesitant due to my pancreatitis.
What I want to know is this: Is there a profile of patients who have sphincter dysfunction? Are there certain things that cause it or is the cause unknown? Would that cause LEFT sided pain. With the tests I have had done, would CA be ruled out or would that still be a possibility?
Thank you,
Elizabeth
In the first week of August the exact same pain came back. It was so severe that I called my MD after only 3 days. I had chest x-rays, abd sonogram and blood work. The only abnormality was my amylase which was 397. My lipase was somewhat elevated also. I had an abd CT which showed a slightly enlarged pancreas but was told that was probably normal for my age. I was but on prevacid and told to see what happens. I still complained of severe pain do I had an EGD. All was normal. I then had an ERCP done and while no obstruction was noted I did end up with pancreatitis and was in the hospital for 5 days. The 'pancreatitis' pain has now resolved but my original pain remains. I can now relate some of the pain to after meals but that pain usually occurs on the right side. The left sided pain is ALWAYS there. It gets bad and then eases up but is always there. I do become nauseated at times but I am not vomiting. I lost 10 pounds in the hospital but put 6 back on. No further weight loss has been noted. My GI physician is stumped. He did mention sphincter manometry but is hesitant due to my pancreatitis.
What I want to know is this: Is there a profile of patients who have sphincter dysfunction? Are there certain things that cause it or is the cause unknown? Would that cause LEFT sided pain. With the tests I have had done, would CA be ruled out or would that still be a possibility?
Thank you,
Elizabeth
Pardon the above repeated comments!!! There was a jam in the system, and my first 3 comments never got processed until the fourth one went through. So sorry!!
Diane
Diane
Hiya Diane (and others) -
I got my ultrasound results back yesterday afternoon (external & transvaginal). Everything normal for me too -- no more hemorhaggic cyst, even. So, yes, I guess that totally negates the "woman problems" theory once again. FYI - I'll be 40 this coming September.
I think I mentioned I had the IVP because I had red blood cells showing up in my urine. After labwork was done on the urinalysis they told me the rbc was at a normal level. The IVP showed everything to be normal too. I've since read about microhematuria which is the persistence of red blood cells in the urine. In some cases this can be asymptomatic, but it can also be a sign of renal or bladder problems (it can also be due to heavy exercise). If protein also shows up along with the normal levels of red blood cells, I think they like to do a renal ultrasound and possibly a renal biopsy, but my urine didn't show any protein. I think it's more common in males over 50 to present with more serious problems (renal or bladder cancer, etc.) associated with microhematuria, but can't rule out that women and people of both genders under 40 can also be afflicted.
I'll be curious how your IVP turns out, but I'd almost bet on it that your results will be normal.
Let us know what you find out, and if you have xrays, let us know about those too. Maybe all of us through our combined efforts can put our heads together to come up with a self-diagnosis.
Carol D.
I got my ultrasound results back yesterday afternoon (external & transvaginal). Everything normal for me too -- no more hemorhaggic cyst, even. So, yes, I guess that totally negates the "woman problems" theory once again. FYI - I'll be 40 this coming September.
I think I mentioned I had the IVP because I had red blood cells showing up in my urine. After labwork was done on the urinalysis they told me the rbc was at a normal level. The IVP showed everything to be normal too. I've since read about microhematuria which is the persistence of red blood cells in the urine. In some cases this can be asymptomatic, but it can also be a sign of renal or bladder problems (it can also be due to heavy exercise). If protein also shows up along with the normal levels of red blood cells, I think they like to do a renal ultrasound and possibly a renal biopsy, but my urine didn't show any protein. I think it's more common in males over 50 to present with more serious problems (renal or bladder cancer, etc.) associated with microhematuria, but can't rule out that women and people of both genders under 40 can also be afflicted.
I'll be curious how your IVP turns out, but I'd almost bet on it that your results will be normal.
Let us know what you find out, and if you have xrays, let us know about those too. Maybe all of us through our combined efforts can put our heads together to come up with a self-diagnosis.
Carol D.
Hi Carol,
I received the results from my internal transvaginal today--all is normal--the uterus is back to 5-6mm. Once again, can't attribute the discomfort to woman problems. I forget your age, but they say you can expect painful, heavy periods around pre-menopause. I am 44, which I guess is within the pre-menopause age range. I read though, that if you are in good physical condition, you don't feel the symptoms of pre-menopause as much. Until this "left quadrant" discomfort problem surfaced 2 1/2 months ago, I was in great physical condition!! However, those pre-menopause symptoms are still very apparent.
My pain feels just like runner's stitch. It sometimes feels like I have a gas pocket under the rib and it radiates down to the lower front abdomen. It is really frustating--isn't it? I feel like an "old lady" sometimes.
My next game plan is probably the IVP, then maybe some x-rays of the left side. I'll have to see what the primary thinks. By now he probably thinks I am a "nut case"!!
Please keep in touch!!
I received the results from my internal transvaginal today--all is normal--the uterus is back to 5-6mm. Once again, can't attribute the discomfort to woman problems. I forget your age, but they say you can expect painful, heavy periods around pre-menopause. I am 44, which I guess is within the pre-menopause age range. I read though, that if you are in good physical condition, you don't feel the symptoms of pre-menopause as much. Until this "left quadrant" discomfort problem surfaced 2 1/2 months ago, I was in great physical condition!! However, those pre-menopause symptoms are still very apparent.
My pain feels just like runner's stitch. It sometimes feels like I have a gas pocket under the rib and it radiates down to the lower front abdomen. It is really frustating--isn't it? I feel like an "old lady" sometimes.
My next game plan is probably the IVP, then maybe some x-rays of the left side. I'll have to see what the primary thinks. By now he probably thinks I am a "nut case"!!
Please keep in touch!!
Hi Diane -
I had an internal (transvaginal) ultrasound yesterday - awaiting the results. This is my 2nd ultrasound in 3 months, although the first time I've had the internal one. Will know the results tomorrow - hopefully!
I, too, am tired of the tests. Although I haven't had a colonoscopy (or endoscopy) yet. Just CAT, ultrasound (2), IVP, KUB xrays, stool tests, blood work, urinalysis (4 or 5 of these).
I think my periods are more painful than usual, too, although not necessarily heavier. My left leg and hip really hurt and my ribcage on the left was extremely sore once again this month - again if I took a deep breath or laughed or tried to sit up from a reclining position, it really hurt - like I had pulled everythitg or gotten hit by a car on that side.
As for the pain when excercising, back in January, if I moved around just a bit, the jiggling would hurt my side. But I haven't experienced that when I went to the gym last week or the week before. In fact, my chiro was surprised the jogging didn't hurt me, because that kind of movement had been so bothersome. I say if you can start out slowly and go easy on yoruself, exercising again will definitely do your mental health a world of good. I just felt so inactive and lame because I was paralyzed with the fear of hurting myself even worse. I guess I got tired of that after 3 months of being a couch potato (definitely not my normal mode!) At the very least, get walking if possible.
Keep in touch -
Carol D.
I had an internal (transvaginal) ultrasound yesterday - awaiting the results. This is my 2nd ultrasound in 3 months, although the first time I've had the internal one. Will know the results tomorrow - hopefully!
I, too, am tired of the tests. Although I haven't had a colonoscopy (or endoscopy) yet. Just CAT, ultrasound (2), IVP, KUB xrays, stool tests, blood work, urinalysis (4 or 5 of these).
I think my periods are more painful than usual, too, although not necessarily heavier. My left leg and hip really hurt and my ribcage on the left was extremely sore once again this month - again if I took a deep breath or laughed or tried to sit up from a reclining position, it really hurt - like I had pulled everythitg or gotten hit by a car on that side.
As for the pain when excercising, back in January, if I moved around just a bit, the jiggling would hurt my side. But I haven't experienced that when I went to the gym last week or the week before. In fact, my chiro was surprised the jogging didn't hurt me, because that kind of movement had been so bothersome. I say if you can start out slowly and go easy on yoruself, exercising again will definitely do your mental health a world of good. I just felt so inactive and lame because I was paralyzed with the fear of hurting myself even worse. I guess I got tired of that after 3 months of being a couch potato (definitely not my normal mode!) At the very least, get walking if possible.
Keep in touch -
Carol D.
Still waiting on results from my stomach CAT and the Transvaginal ultrasound. I'm really getting tired of all these tests. The tests and also waiting for test results make me really uptight. I've had 4 ultrasounds, a colonoscopy, the CAT, and 2 mammograms just in the last 2 1/2 months. Sorry, I'll stop whining!!
I did notice that my periods are heavier and more painful than usual, especially the last 3 or 4. The cramps from my periods are really bad and radiate down my legs and my lower back aches. I guess the uterus enlargement must be the reason for that. I'll soon find out
Did the "runner's stitch" bother you when you worked out this week? I'd love to get back to my running not only for my physical health but especailly for my mental health. However, I am so afraid that it will cause me more discomfort.
Keep me posted on your workouts and etc.
I did notice that my periods are heavier and more painful than usual, especially the last 3 or 4. The cramps from my periods are really bad and radiate down my legs and my lower back aches. I guess the uterus enlargement must be the reason for that. I'll soon find out
Did the "runner's stitch" bother you when you worked out this week? I'd love to get back to my running not only for my physical health but especailly for my mental health. However, I am so afraid that it will cause me more discomfort.
Keep me posted on your workouts and etc.
Hi Diane -
The way you describe how your pain radiates is also similar to what I feel. I also have it radiating into my hip and leg -- again, all on the left side.
I had't been exercising at all, either, because of fear of making things worse, but about 2 weeks ago, I started going to the gym, stretching, riding the staionery bike 10 -15 minutes and walking 2 miles on the treadmill. Last Friday I actually jogged on the treadmill for 1/2 mi. at a slow pace. So far, I don't think the exercise has exacerbated my pain (although 2 months ago, I hurt so bad, I wouldn't have been able to even think about exercise!) I now think the exercise is making me feel stronger both physically and mentally. I guess my thinking is, if I can do everything within my control to build up my strength (and eat very well!), maybe I can actually heal myself. At the very least, if I end up needing some kind of surgery, I'll be in good shape for it.
Today I went for another pelvic ultrasound. The tech said everything looked good, but the report from the radiologist will take 2 days to get back to my primary care doctor. I'll let you know if it offers any insight into what the casue of this mystery pain is.
Keep us posted about your test results and diagnoses, too!
Thanks
Carol D.
c_defeciani***@****
The way you describe how your pain radiates is also similar to what I feel. I also have it radiating into my hip and leg -- again, all on the left side.
I had't been exercising at all, either, because of fear of making things worse, but about 2 weeks ago, I started going to the gym, stretching, riding the staionery bike 10 -15 minutes and walking 2 miles on the treadmill. Last Friday I actually jogged on the treadmill for 1/2 mi. at a slow pace. So far, I don't think the exercise has exacerbated my pain (although 2 months ago, I hurt so bad, I wouldn't have been able to even think about exercise!) I now think the exercise is making me feel stronger both physically and mentally. I guess my thinking is, if I can do everything within my control to build up my strength (and eat very well!), maybe I can actually heal myself. At the very least, if I end up needing some kind of surgery, I'll be in good shape for it.
Today I went for another pelvic ultrasound. The tech said everything looked good, but the report from the radiologist will take 2 days to get back to my primary care doctor. I'll let you know if it offers any insight into what the casue of this mystery pain is.
Keep us posted about your test results and diagnoses, too!
Thanks
Carol D.
c_defeciani***@****
You are reading content posted in the Digestive Disorders / Gastroenterology Forum
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem
