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Back and forth to the specialists for 5 years, thinks it could be diverticulitis?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Dandoo8
Dandoo8

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone can help or share some advice.

I have been suffering with pain in my right side and right upper back for 5 years. Just short of 3 years ago I had my gall bladder removed as this wasn't functioning.

After the operation, I never saw anyone but still suffered with the pain time to time in my side and upper right back. I just thought I had to deal with it.

I have what you could say an "episode" where I'm in so much pain, vomiting dark green bile and does make me quite sick. It's not great waking up when I eventually get sleep to have this dull pain in my side every day. So I decided to get back in touch with the specialists 3 years later.

Xrays show I'm constipated, but laxatives don't seem to help. I try to stay away from food that I know will upset me, but it's hard when you're only 23 and wanting to taste new things and be like people your own age. Not that I've ever been a huge fan of alcohol, but that's the worst for me I find.

I've recently seen the specialists and results from a recent endoscopy show ulcers in my oesophagus (possibly due to being sick). As the doctor was talking so quick all I took away from the appointment was to take it easy (not the advice I want after suffering for so long), write down what I eat etc. And have blood tests when I'm in pain.

It wasn't until my grandad had mentioned the he suffers with diverticulitis and supposedly my dad does, that this was something the specialist said. Could this be hereditary??

Exercise does seem to help me, especially when I am in discomfort. I'm trying to gain a healthier lifestyle and drinking more water.

Thank you if you spend some time reading and thabk you in advance for any advice you may give.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Jokuar
    Jokuar Dandoo8

    Posted

    Sounds awful for you. Symptoms you describe could be Diverticulitis but could also be IBD related.

    Sorry to be graphic but you need to monitor your bowel movements for bleeding colour texture and frequency. 

    Does the pain seem prevalent when you are hungry (as mine is)?

    When the pain is absent can you relate those times to when or what you

    have eaten.

    I can only base my suggestions on my own experiences so I reckon you need some blood tests to see level of inflammation when you are in pain and also a colonoscopy would check for both inflammation polyps and diverticular pouches.

    Good luck and my best

    Pete

    • Dandoo8
      Dandoo8 Jokuar

      Posted

      Bowel moments can vary, there has been blood in stools that have been completely black in colour and some that can be muddy clay colour? (sorry for being graphic). It does seem to flare when I'm hungry, but then the problem then is it hurts to eat/ or not so long after? About half hour to an hour the pain can start and then last around an hour or two intense and then the dull pain remains.

      Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it.

  • jacqueline01135
    jacqueline01135 Dandoo8

    Posted

    I bet you are worried sick, you really need to  see the fast talker again. If he

    is a consultant ,you could find out who his secretary is, phone her, explain your

    situation, and that you are extremely worried, and could she tell him, to see if he 

    will see you ,without all the referal , do what I did, write to him ,and explain. I

    received a very nice letter  which put my mind at rest, about my colon 

    • Dandoo8
      Dandoo8 jacqueline01135

      Posted

      I've just got used to it, getting told one thing to the next. I think my body just tolerates the pain it's been that long. Not that I should.have to though.

      Yes I think I may just do that, thank you for your advice smile

    • jacqueline01135
      jacqueline01135 Dandoo8

      Posted

      ONE phone call Dan, could probably put you back on track, but, I

      have a feeling that you won't ..Prove me wrong  lol 

    • Dandoo8
      Dandoo8 jacqueline01135

      Posted

      Haha you don't even know me but I am terrible. I do need to tell myself to stop battling through it and get it sorted. I will ring tomorrow at work. Thank you Jacquline.
  • angi1
    angi1 Dandoo8

    Posted

    Think you need to ask for a sigmoidiscopy or colonoscopy to see if you have any diverticular pouches. My pain normally starts on the left before going all over my stomach. It eventually does feel the same as gall bladder pain. I had mine out last year. Hope you soon get to the bottom of it - no pun intended - and get some answers xx
    • Dandoo8
      Dandoo8 angi1

      Posted

      Wow that must be a pain to of detected with the pain moving, and for you to have yours removed too!! Do you struggle with certain foods?

      Thank you for commenting

  • christine10242
    christine10242 Dandoo8

    Posted

    hello Dan, Yes I think it is possible that diverticular disease is hereditory; my grandad had lots of gut surgery before I was born; but back in those days the reasons were never explained fully.  I started with diverticulitis in 2006 - though symptoms in 2003 had been wrongly diagnosed as an ovarian cyst.  Most sufferers get the pain in their lower left abdomen; which is the most common area for the pockets/pouches to be.  It is always important to take someone along with you to important medical appointments as our minds seem to go soupy and we come away not recalling all that was said.  Two heads are better than one.  Also make a list of questions before you go; and get your friend to jot down the responses.  You certainly need to ask for a second opinion. It seems your GP is your first port of call and ask for a referral to a hospital gut specialist.  If the pain gets too bad sometimes the only way is to call for an ambulance - which is what happened to me; then I got a diagnosis.  Colonoscopies are not as horrid as you may fear; and can see all manner of what may be happening in your bowel.  Don't suffer in silence; go back to your doctor; maybe taking a poo sample of the strange colour.  As you say you are 23, it is possible that the medical profession are simply thinking it cannot be anything to worry about in one so young.  But it is affecting your life and how you lead it - so you really MUST get further tests done.
    • Dandoo8
      Dandoo8 christine10242

      Posted

      Thank you very much for your advice. Yes I think I shall do what you have suggested. I really appreciate it
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