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Terrible back pain and stomach issues

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Chelle69
Chelle69

Hi Everyone,

First time on this section and looking for some advice please, will try and keep it short! I have been suffering with some stomach issues for a while now and have been diagnosed with GERD after having bad heartburn/reflux. I had a US scan last July and was informed I have a small gallbladder polyp and a liver haemangioma and also small cyst on my liver. I have for the past few months seem to be bloated like I've put on weight? fatigue, rather breathless with no energy, excessive stomach gas, sometimes have quite bad diarrhoea after eating, I have intermittent stomach ache and a constant really bad backache that makes me cry sometimes as it's quite bad and there every day, nausea is also an issue but I am still managing to eat although not as much of an appetite. I am worried that this is something more sinister going on and can't get to see the GP, just wondered if any of you lovely people on here can shed some light or have had the same symptoms as me? Any advice welcome

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • alex1992
    alex1992 Chelle69

    Edited

    Hi Chelle69, I'm sorry you're going through this but if it can reassure you, you're not alone. I've also been suffering from digestive issues as well as pain in my back and ribs for months.

    How old are you? Did the doctors tell you if the gallbladder polyp or liver cyst could potentially cause your symptoms?

    US is usually the first exam performed, it's quick, convenient and doesn't cost much.

    Now if your symptoms are persisting over months, you need to consult a GI and ask for a CT scan or abdominal MRI. Those will give better imaging and will probably pinpoint what is wrong.

    Also, did you get blood, urine and stool tests ? You didn't mention any but it would be important to look into it.

    As for now, what I do to try to keep the pain and discomfort as low as possible is to eat small meals, low in fat, quality protein. Make sure to meet your nutrient and vitamin needs through supplementation

    If possible, try to implement a FODMAP diet, cut alcohol, tobacco and all irritants. Diarrhea can make you dehydrated, it's important to drink plenty of clear fluids.

    Try to keep your stress level to the lowest. Reach out to friends, family and support groups.

    Alex

  • vedawms
    vedawms Chelle69

    Edited

    Do you have ribcage pain? Take a look at IBS symptoms and pancreatitis symptoms and see if they sound like you...

    I would agree that you should ask your doctor for an EUS right away. MRCP is the next best option.

    Get a fecal elastase test to check for pancreatic insufficiency. You may be put on digestive enzymes, like CREON or ZenPep. They should help with diarrhea.

    Ask your doctor about doing a round (14 days) of Omeprazole for GERD.

    Stay hydrated, and keep Gatorade or Pedialyte on hand. (I've nearly died twice from heat stroke.)

    Get a good heating pad. Ask your doctor about celiac plexus block, which has a 50% chance of relieving back pain. I've never had one, but it works for many people.

    I used Tramadol and Oxycodone for back pain. If your doctor won't prescribe, start looking for a pain management clinic or a new primary care.

    Get yourself a GI who is a pancreatic specialist, even if this turns out to not be pancreatitis. A primary care is not enough.

    For diet, I couldn't do FODMAP, but I follow the guidelines here:

    https://www.healthcentral.com/article/question-about-soft-bland-diet

    Basically, soft food, low fat, high protein, NO alcohol. (I eat chicken, rice, broccoli and oatmeal nearly every day, with some variations.) Keep a food journal to look for triggers.

    Ask for a vitamin check and look into a good multivitamin. (Prenatal vitamins can be helpful.) Pancreatitis patients may also be low in A, D, E, K. Vitamin D is the most crucial, and it can help with chronic pain.

    Ask for Zofran for nausea. You can also try peppermint, ginger tea, or ginger ale.

    MOST IMPORTANT: If you find that you are vomiting or unable to manage the pain, get to the air ASAP. It can turn dangerous, and it can even be fatal if you are indeed dealing with pancreatitis.

    Once you get some information, check back in here. If you need a surgeon, etc., we can help with that. I know you are hurting, and I'm sorry... Pancreatitis has caused me to go on disability, and it can be a bear to manage. I'm really hoping that you don't have it.

  • Chelle69
    Chelle69

    Posted

    Thank you so much for your help and advice. Yes I do have rib cage pain occasionally it's on the right side & feels like something 'nips' inside (sorry can't think of a better word to describe it!) The nausea and middle stomach pain and the awful back ache is everyday now, yesterday was a bit easier but got worse during the night in bed so had to take two tablets for the lower back pain and mid stomach pain at the same time. I was due to go back to for a US scan on my gallbladder polyp and liver cyst & haemangioma this month but with the coronavirus I guess I won't be able to have that done now like everybody else who is in this position. I have had blood tests last year which all came back clear. I am at a loss as to why the GP sent me to see a general surgeon regarding my stomach issues, the general surgeon said he thought it was IBS and that if I had problems with my gallbladder I would know as " I would be in excruciating pain rather like having a child!" Needless to say I didn't rate him and if he had done the follow up US scan at 6 months like most consultants do, then of had the scan done by now. Thanks again for all your advice and hope you keep safe and well, Best wishes

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