Distended stomach for over a week, began w/severe pain

[kkb19]

Hello~I have had a very distended stomach with an uncomfortable full feeling for over a week.  It began with severe abdominal cramping, which travelled throughout my lower and upper abdomen (also no bowel movement the day before, which is not normal for me-I am pretty regular).  This progressed over several hours with about two hours of severe pain where I couldn't even bring myself to get dressed and go to the doctor so I just "rode it out".  I had diarrhea that was all water about three times that day.  This did not really bother me because I felt more constipated than anything.  Throughout the evening and next morning, the contracting pains slowed from once a minute to about once an hour.  As my stomach was still distended and I felt "full" and was still having occassional pains, I went to the doctor.  He prescribed me Prilosec and Tylenol 3.  I was very frustrated because he never even stated a diagnosis and didn't seem to comprehend that the worst of my symptoms was that I felt like I hadn't gone to the bathroom for a couple days, and the small amounts of watery diarrhea did not give me any relief.  Both drugs he prescribed would slow down my digestion, which was counterintuitive to my problems.  He also seemed to believe the pains I had were acid reflux, which I have had in the past, and I KNOW that's not what they were.  It felt more like menstrual cramps, but in my entire abdomen.  Incidentally, I had completed my menstrual cycle about a week earlier, so that wasn't it either.  Now, a week later, I still have a very distended stomach, which seems to become worse as the day goes on.  I continued eating normally during the week, although I have added fiber and began Activia to try to go to the bathroom after four or five days of constipation.  Two days I had blood streaks in my stool, now it seems to be more normal, finally, but the pressure in my stomach is extremely uncomfortable.  What and when I eat do not seem to make a difference in how I am feeling.  I just don't know if I should go back to the doctor or what.  I am 33 years old, female, my paternal aunt died of colon cancer at 42, my maternal aunt had ovarian and uterine cancer at 40.  I wonder if it is worth it to request a colonoscopy, maybe CA125 test, just to rule these out?  I know I am young for either of these.  I hate to go to the doctor and not be heard again.  I am very frustrated. Thanks for listening!

[Banned1]

Hi Kris:

I'm so glad you have someone who will listen and hopefully advocate on your behalf with any specialists.  I'll look forward to hearing from you when you get some answers.

I wish you all the best,

Sam

[kkb19]

Hi Sam,

Well, I had a better experience today with the doctor.  He is a "thinker", which is what I needed.  I had some liver and gall bladder blood work done and an abdominal x-ray and am scheduled for a HIDA scan next week.  My lipase was elevated on another occasion back in August so he is checking it again as well, although initially he ruled out pancreas, appendix and stomach.  So we are starting with gall bladder because I am a caucasian female at a common age for developing problems.  If all looks well there we will probably go to the intestinal tract next.  He doesn't think it's gynecological at this time.  I was just thrilled to have someone listen to me and communicate his thoughts in return.  Although physically I don't feel the greatest, and am bloated for the 11th day in a row, emotionally it's a relief to not be written off.  I will post again with results, hopefully someone else can benefit.  Thanks for your help and understanding!

Kris

[Banned1]

Hi again:

Please let me know how you make out at the Doctor?  If you need any information that you can't find, let me know?  Maybe I can help you track it down.

I actually had a lot of problems with cysts, tumors and fibroids in my 20s and finally had a complete hysterectomy when I was 25.  I've heard a lot of other woman have OB/GYN problems and then later on they have GI problems.  I wonder if there is a connection there that should be made.

All the best to you and yours,

Sam

[kkb19]

Thanks for your comments and info; "The First Principles of Gastroenterology" is a great reference.  I am back to the doctor again today, a different one than the last.  After over a week of not leaving the house and missing a life already, I need to try to get some help.  I will post later with my diagnosis/treatment-if any.  :-)  Incidentally, back in May, I had elevated pancreatic enzymes when I went in for very bad pain in my upper left abdomen-almost felt like a broken rib.  They did a CT with contrast and all looked normal except one big ovarian cyst, which they said was nothing to worry about.  So that was another unsolved mystery...I knew it would be a long road when I started having abdominal/digestive problems.  It's good to know I am not alone.  (Look at me-I write a lot too!)  Thanks again!  kkb19  

[Banned1]

I'm so sorry to hear that you are suffering.  If you feel you are not being heard, write everything down in short point-form notes.  Take the note in with you and communicate with your doctor.  He wants to help you or he wouldn't be prescribing.  

It wouldn't hurt to mention that there is a history of colon, ovarian and uterine cancer in your immediate family.

If you feel at the end of the appointment that you are still not getting through, ask for a referal to a gastroenterologist.

Here are a couple of things that I've found helpful.  

Research!  Read old posts in this forum.  There is a fantastic research resource that I've found very helpful called "The First Principles of Gastroenterology": http***gastroresource.com/GITextbook/en/Default.htm.  

Log!  Keep a journal.  It helps identify patterns in your symptoms, foods, medications and pain level.  You're welcome to read mine but I write a lot (can you tell?).  :)  http***www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/12546?personal_page_id=8912

Reach Out!  You are not alone!  Try to stay positive.  

I belong to a Yahoo! group called Sphincterofoddi_pancreatitis which deals with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, Pancreatitis and Undiagnosed Symptoms, among other things.  Please write Michele at  Sphincterofoddi_pancreatitis at yahoo dot groups ******* and ask to join.  There is no charge.  Michele is a Registered Nurse and has suffered for many years.  In spite of that, she is the owner and moderator of this webgroup.  She is a phenomenal person; kind, understanding and incredibly smart.  Since you are undiagnosed, I'm sure you would be welcome.  The members of this forum are dealing with or have dealt with similar situations and can provide good practical advice.  Please feel free to mention my name, Sam (not short for anything), in your email.  There is some great practical information there as well.

Finally, Metamucil is excellent for helping you to get or stay regular.  It comes in liquid, pill and wafer forms.

When you do find answers,please post to let everyone know what you found and how you got rid of your symptoms.  It gives people on this site hope to hear success stories.

All the best,

Sam