Has my scuba diving trip revealed a serious abdomen problem?

[komodoscuba]

I am very much aware that an accurate diagnostics cannot be made through a forum question. All I want is something to work with as I do more research on my situation. If there is anyone out there, that has been in a situation similar to mine, or know something about what I am going through, I would truly appreciate your input.

In June of this year, I experience severe stomach pains after going scuba diving in Belize. The pain was below my chest and above my navel. At first, I thought I had the bends, but since the pain went away 30 minutes or so later, I dismissed this as the problem. I dove two more times over the next week with the same painful result.

When I came back home, I went to a scuba diving doctor for a diagnostics, she said it probably was skin bends and I do not need to worry about it. The problem is that the pain came back though not as severe, this time I was not scuba diving. It comes and goes in the same general area; however, the pain seams to relocate from one to three specific spots in the abdomen, always below the chest and navel. Over the last week, it comes more often.

I went to visit my family general practitioner. He did not feel anything while probing my stomach. Therefore, he is sending me to have an ultrasound and an endoscopy. I know that if I have stomach cancer, it will be detected with these tests. I also know that it can be many different things.    

The problem is that these tests will take place in four month. I could go to a private clinic, but this would set my family back financially. I sure hope four month is not a problem. Your opinion on this time line would also be appreciated.

My history: I am fifty-five years old and 40 pounds overweight. I do drink alcohol three to four times a week but I do not smoke. I had a hernia operation 7 years ago were a mesh was installed in the same area of the pain. My doctor said it’s not a hernia. I have no other health issues. The symptoms are as I mentioned above, I do not have any other symptoms that I can detect.

Thank you

[komodoscuba]

Thank you all for your comments, as you recommended, I am going for the endoscopy next Monday and the ultrasound next Thursday. It was not as expensive as I thought the two just over $1,000. I am glad you answered my question.

[flipper336]

I would also of ruled out the bends. The pain normally goes to the joints and not between your chest and navel. Having to what 4 months for an ultrasound and an endoscopy is ridiculous. There should be no reason that you should have to wait that long. You should be able to have an ultrasound done in a week, 2 weeks max. An endoscopy I would give them a month. When my health is on the line I would never wait that long.

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi komodoscuba.

There are a few possibilities, based on the information you provided.
Being 40 pounds overweight, unfortunately, puts you in the obese category.
In obese patients the possibility of recurring hernias is greater and also
there's the possibility of the mesh itself  being pushed by the  pressure of the extra abdominal fat to cause it to slightly dislodge,twist or even break.
Also the possibility of  mesh bacterial infection needs to be ruled out.

My opinion is that the 4 month wait for such rather simple testing procedures is far too long and if it were me in your situation, I would definitely take the financial "plunge" and get it done privately.

Wishing you well.
Niko