Strange long term abdominal pain

[steinmetzsan]

Hi,

I have been having abdominal pains for the last 4 months or so.   Pain just below the breastbone, and thru to the back. The pain originated in late March after a flight to Orlando.  The pain worsened to the point that I went to the ER.

Characteristics of the pain:
- worsens AFTER bowel movements;  I actually feel better on days I do NOT have a BM
- seems unrelated to food/eating
- better in the morning, worsens as the day goes on
- better if I am reclining at a 45 degree angle, worse flat or sitting/standing up.
- almost a feeling that my insides are bruised (best I can describe).

I've had the following tests (all negative):
- CT scan
- upper endocscopy
- small bowell xray
- colonoscopy
- spinal MRI
- ultrasound
- numerous blood tests
- stool tests

A nerve block test seemed to indicate that the pain was muscular in nature and not visceral (internal).  However a month or so of treatment with muscle relaxers has not seen much of a change.  A surgeon examined me for possible hernias (none).

As appreciative I am that all the above tests were all clean ;), I am not feeling any better.  I've never spent a day in the hospital in my life, and am a pretty healthy person.  No new or unusual stress in my life.

Any thoughts?

Best regards,
Eric

[steinmetzsan]

Thanks for the reply.

- No loose stools or diarrhea, I lean more towards constipation if anything
- my pain seems to be more to the mid and left (spleen side)
- I don't have any "unfinished" feeling no

Sorry I can't help with a diagnosis. :(

Eric

[txbuck]

I am suffering the same type of illness and the lack of diagnosis is driving me crazy.  Let me ask you a few questions.  Do you feel like you are not "finished" at the end of a bowel movement?  Have you had diarrhea?  Loose stools?  Do you have pain in the right side of your abdomin?

Friend, if you get a diagnosis, please pass it on to me.

Peace.