5 years and still in the dark

[Fedupwidit]

For the past 5 years I have been woken up (in pain) each morning without fail after 6 hours sleep. The pain is coming from 4-5 inches down from the solar plexus on the right hand side and usually lasts an hour before subsiding. Although the pain feels as if it's coming from under the ribs there is also a tenderness when I press the edge of right costal arch. During this hour period I get the occassional shortness of breath and the pain can be more intense depending on what I've eaten (cheese=more pain). I have also noticed an increased sensitivity (extremely Itchy) below my right shoulder blade. Since all this started 5 years ago I have also been suffering from rosacea.

I have been to the doctors on numerous occassions. I have had x-rays, blood tests & scans - all of which came back fine. I was finally referred to a consultant who said my pain was from chondritis and to take paracetamol! That was 6 months ago and hasn't worked, so I'm ready for another round at the doctors.

Can anyone tell me what it might be and what my best approach would be in getting my GP's attention? They don't seem interested once they've seen all the tests have come back negative! It's as if they've already diagnosed me before I've even got through the door!

[Fedupwidit]

Thanks for your comments - I'll pursue the HIDA scan and let you know how I get on :)

[Tuckamore]

Hi Fedup,

I am sorry to hear about your on-going undiagnosed pain. We know how very frustrating that can be. My heart goes out to you.

In layman's terms the the solar plexus is located in the area just below the chest and above the stomach. Is that where your pain is located?

It may be time to consult a new PCP.....someone that is not associated with your current one. However I might give your physician one more chance. Impress upon him how you are feeling....and how important it is for you to have some real answers. Try to convey to him your frustration with the situation. Don't be shy...be assertive. If you feel he is unwilling to continue to search then it is time to move on.

Any medical professional knows that tests do not always show the problem the first time around... for numerous reasons.  I would request that those tests be repeated.

Have you consulted a Gastroenterologist or an Internal Medicine Physician associated with a large teaching facility? They are often on the cutting edge of medicine and invested in finding the reasons for your pain and symptoms.  

Have you had a Hepatobiliary Imino-Diacetic Acid scan, (HIDA scan)? It views the structure of the gallbladder and surrounding structures better then any other imaging. because you report responding to fats it would be good to rule out a gallbladder issue.

You are your own best health care advocate. Again, be assertive and insist on answers. Please keep us updated. I'll look forward to hearing from you again.

Take Care,
~Tuck