Persistent pain in left side or Severe Upper abdominal pain

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CaribQueen
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Joined: Tue Jul 16, 2013 12:52 pm
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by CaribQueen on Tue Jul 16, 2013 3:06 pm

Persistent pain in left side or Severe Upper abdominal pain

Over the last 3 years, I have developed a worrying symptom which my GPs have not been able to assist me with as yet. At least once per month, I would experience a crippling upper abdominal pain which seems to radiate from the centre of my upper abdomen- just between the lower part of my rib cages; to my left side and underneath my shoulder blade. The pain is accompanied by feelings of severe nausea, sometimes vomiting, lightheadedness, sometimes dizziness and twice, I experienced vertigo (the room spun). The pain is disabling and I cannot do anything much when I have this pain. Over the years, this crippling pain and has lasted for a few hours, several hours or up to 3 days. This meant I had to take time off work until the pain and feeling of unwellness subsides. I was absent from work 2-5 days every month during my two year contract. I cannot predict when this pain will occur. Initially, I thought it was stress related and so my GP prescribed propranolol. I am not clear if it works as the pain and feeling of unwellness still seem to run their course. I have taken a career break due to chronic tiredness. The pain stopped being monthly, but it has returned 5 months into my career break.

I also suffered from and still suffers from persistent hunger pains. Essentially, I am always hungry, even when I am physically full. And if I wait too long to eat, like 5 or more hours between last meal or snack. I do start to feel unwell, dizzy and lightheaded. But when I eat the feel persists, once up to 5 days. And sometimes, just for a few hours.

I have developed additional symptoms. Persistent lightheadness (I am lightheaded all the time, feeling as if I am about to fall, but I dont), persistent dull, heavy or acute pain in my left side (I think it is my stomach). The pain never subsides, at its most acute it radiates to my back just under my left shoulder blade. My bowel movement is more frequent - 3 or more times per day. My stools are soft or liquid and I think I see a thick phlegmy looking liquid with the stools.

In the past, I have suffered from acid reflux and a mild case of IBS (frequent bowel movements up to 7 times per day). So much so I have a dry spot in my throat due to the acid reflux. But I controlled the acid reflux with aloe vera and the right types of foods. My GP had prescribed omeprazole. A consultant did a colonoscopy and a test for cealic disease which were both negative.

I used the omeprazole regularly at first in 2011, but it seemed not to be working. Everything I ate would cause acid reflux. And that was when I used aloe vera to help with acid reflux. The aloe vera seemed to 'cure' the IBS. I no longer had frequent and diahorrea-like bowel movements from Nov 2011-March 2013. I still maintained bowel regularity, but it was down to once or twice per day.

I do use the omeprazole occasionally, but was asked by my GP this month to use them regularly to help with the above symptoms. I have submitted a sample to test for H Pylori bacteria and if the problem is gastritis.

I need to know if the two pains are related; the persistent dull stomach pain and cramps (sometimes acute) and the occasional, crippling upper abdominal pain that is accompanied by nausea, dizziness and general feeling of unwellness? Are they both gastrointestinal problems?

Can I do anything about the persistent hunger pangs? And I dont mean eat more. I can no longer eat alot anyway. As it leads to indigestion. I also have control how much water I drink as it also causes indigestion.

I am a 45 year old female, overweightearly onset osteo-arthritis in knees. Interstitial cystitis taking Elmiron since January 2013. Pre-diabetic. Dry mouth, Dry eyes. Chronic tiredness (un-refreshed sleep). Always have high plasma viscosity between 1.84 and 1.92. Peroneal nerve palsy in right leg (cause not sure). Inflamed plantar fascia and pockets of inflammation in ball of right foot and between the metatarsals; (possible nerve compression of nerve to right big toe, being investigated) and gastro problems.

CaribQueen
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jul 16, 2013 12:52 pm
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by CaribQueen on Tue Jul 16, 2013 5:26 pm

Re: Persistent pain in left side or Severe Upper abdominal p

Also, when I am sometimes sitting at a desk and my upper abdomen is pressed against the edge of the desk or I slouch and place pressure on my diaphragm, the symptoms of upper abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness and feeling of unwellness come on. I find it weird, it doesnt make sense to me; but I do not know if I am pressing on an organ etc inside my abdomen or if slouching puts pressure on this organ and aggravates it. Adjusting my posture or avoiding pressing on the edge of the table does not necessarily relieves the symptoms. But if I do not sit like that in the first place, the symptom does not come on in this instance. There are other moments when these symptoms come on but I cannot associate it with anything significant.

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Julie Thompson
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 2:24 pm
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by Julie Thompson on Tue Jul 16, 2013 7:19 pm

Re: Persistent pain in left side or Severe Upper abdominal p

Hi

Check out http://www.theibsnetwork.org/the-self-care-plan to look at what your symptoms might be. Have you had a scan of your gallbladder? Might be worth considering. You should not wait longer than 5 hours before eating (unless you are asleep!) you might be suffering from low blood sugar if you do not eat regularly. When were you diagnosed as pre-diabetic? You might need have this diagnosis reviewed.
Julie Thompson
Gastroenterology Specialist Dietitian - BSc (Hons) Dietetics

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ompson.php

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