abdominal pains

[FORDYYZ]

hello there just wondering what my symtoms could be,I have been suffering for about 4month now with left side abdominal pain which radiates to both sides,constant backache, and aching felling under left armpit.and i sometimes feel very tense.i didnt think it was anything serious at first but now it is starting to panic me as its been months now.plz plz plz plz could someone help me its driving me mad.always felt good up untill these pains suddenly come onedayalso to add been to A&E did a xray of my chest and ribs etc and nothing.Also did some sort of heart check and that was fine too.went to docs a week later and he didnt even examine me properly he just said u will of pulled a muscle inside. regards dav

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Can't say without an examination.

Left-sided pain can be caused from a variety of issues.  Upper pain can be due to pancreatic disease, an ulcer, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, as well as the spleen.  Pain lower down can be due to inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome or diverticulitis.

So, if the pain is higher up, I would suggest an upper GI series or upper endoscopy.  Pain lower down can be evaluated with a colonoscopy.

I would also consider imaging the abdomen with a CT scan, which can evaluate the pancreas, spleen, as well as for diverticulitis.

These options should 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.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd

[moorey7]

Hi doctor,

I have had ache in lower left abdomen for nearly 3 months. Doctor referred me to hospital who on inspection said they cannot see anything wrong inside rectum but have said I will have a sigmoidoscopy just to be sure however the doctor was saying she does not think it is anything serious.
What could be causing this permanent ache (it appears to be an inch left of belly button) as it is making my life a misery!
I was reffered for sigmoidoscopy as a non urgent case so it could take weeks!
I am worried they have missed something- how can they be sure it is nothing serious

Moorey7