confusion

[dawnsearlylight]

I am a 50 yr female and have been having some symptoms for about 3 yrs now. Been to the doctor each time and have had a few test that so far have shown nothing. I have what I call an attack as it is not a constant thing but happens on occasion for the most part at least until now. I will go thru a period of it seems that when I eat I get bloated and have gas and indigestion. Then I will get a really severe case of indigestion that hurts like crazy and is tender under my breast bone in the center of my chest..the pain is intense, I take some pepcid..drink some malox and eat very light for about a week and it will go away. Last year when this happened I had an ultrasound, endoscopy and a ct of ab&pelvis with contrast. All were fine.

Now I am having the same symptoms but with an added sharp pain in my back between my shoulder blades. We have already done a ultrasound and have a ct scheduled. The only thing is it is not getting better..its been about a month and each time I try to go back to eating regular I start with the symptoms. I do not have any vomiting nor diareah just the gas, bloating, pain in center and pain in back. My doc also wants to do a colonoscopy to check for crohns which is confusing as I don't have any of those symptoms. I know that I am 50 and will have one in time but am looking for answers right now. I have asked if this could be my gallbladder as my mom and niece have both had to have theirs removed and had the same type symptoms...they had no stones just disease. My doc says this is not my case and doesn't believe in the hide a scan and will not order one for me. Do you think I need to have one?? Could the gallbladder really be my problem?? I know that its important to do the colonoscopy and will have one but hate to go thru that right now if it really doesn't apply to what I have going on.

Thank you so much for your help in this matte as I am really frustated.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup thus far, including the CT scan, upper endoscopy and pending colonoscopy.

Pain radiating to the back can be due to pancreatitis or an ulcer.  The CT scan can evaluate for the former, while the upper endoscopy would exclude the latter.  

More specialized tests can be considered, including a 24-hr pH study (to look for increased acid production) and a gastric emptying scan, to evaluate for gastroparesis.

The HIDA scan with CCK stimulation can evaluate for a low gallbladder ejection fraction, which would be an uncommon cause of the symptoms.

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, M.D.
http://www.kevinmd.com

[dawnsearlylight]

Thank you for your time and I did have one more question. As the uppper endoscopy that I had was a year ago do you think that I should have another one now since I seem to be getting worse? I am just at my wits end and seem to be getting tired of eating just cereal as its the only thing that doesn't seem to bother me.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Kevin, M.D.

[Suzyq60]

I suffered for 8 years with the same symptoms and more.
All my tests were negative for gallbladder

Last year a friend suggested Gallbladder to me and I told my Doctor who laughed and said No it wasn't but humoured me and sent me to my 14th Specialist.

That Doctor luckily found sludge in the test he did.

Once gallbladder removed in 2007, pathologist report showed "Chronic Inflammation of the Gallbladder and Gallstones"

I am pissed off, I suffered for years and they all made out as if I was making up all my pain. I lost my job from being so sick, spent all my inheritance and was cut-off my extended medical coverage as I lost my job, I was even cut-off work disability as I had no diagnosis of why I was ill.

So, make sure you do your own research and tell your Doctor you want more tests for Gallbladder or change your doctor.

I also had a colonoscopy which turned out negative but some inflammation.
some docs also said I had IBS, which to me means they didn't not what was causing my symptoms

good Luck

Sue