I am frustrated about doctors help!

[Debbie628]

Approximately 6 weeks ago I started suffering from lower right back discomfort and right lower abdominal pain and discomfort.  I have been through blood tests, ct scans, ultra sounds/ Internal Ultra sounds, x-rays, MRI's, urine tests, Colonoscopy, chest x-rays, etc.   I am having x-rays of my spine and hip next week.   There are still no answers, but I am forging ahead to find an explanation for the pain and discomfort.  I am not sleeping well, and my periods are irregular.  They have found a small amount of fluid around my heart, scarring on my left lung, a cyst on my left kidney, but still no answers.  I have even been to my chiropractor who says its not my back.  I am going to the Gyne. next week to ask her about endomertiosis.  My sister has stage 4 endometriosis.  So I am going to ask the dr. what the next step is..... because at this point I am completely discouraged living with this every day...

[chopps]

Hi Debbie,
You sound like you are being very agressive and managing your own health.  Continue to be aggressive and get a second opinion.  Back pain is difficult because there can be so many reasons for it.

Listen to your body and if you feel something is wrong insist on consistent tests like the CA 125 or CEA.  These are blood tests.

I have had a similar experience with someone in my family.  She complained for over a year of pain in her abdomen, severe constapation and in the last 6 months extended abdomen.  Her CT 2 years ago was normal, CA 125 normal 1 year ago and the vaginal ultrasound there was no comments, so I assume normal.

These tests did not show anything early.  What I have learned is that there could be symptoms but the tests don't reveal a problem until things have elevated to a more serious level.

My email is to educate.   So when they say "the silent disease", they are not silent in symptoms, they are silent in the ability to diagnose early.

Unfortunately, I don't know where to tell you to go from here.  Perhaps a second opinion with a referred doctor that a friend or collegue highly respects.

Good luck.  Thoughts are with you,

Caren

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
is sounds like you have had a wonderful evaluation and your doctors are clearly taking you very seriously to do so much testing. It is reassuring that your tests have been normal. In that situation, close follow up and careful observation is the next step. Significant medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders, psychic distress, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal disorders and so on become clear with time and careful checks
best wishes