Hello, you should probably look into a gastroenterologist doctor that knows what they're talking about as I have had a year of non-stop stomach issues and pain, Now I am having to have surgery as they found a huge mass in my stomach which is called a fibroid tumor and need surgery now in a few weeks. You need a second opinion is my best advice to you.

Hello, Midnightstar1001,

My appendix burst when I was in my twenties. It was misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis.
Emergency surgery saved my life. I was never so sick in my life--nausea, vomiting, fever, couldn't straighten up. Toxic fluids throughout my body. Awful.

Forty some years later, I woke up one morning with a small bulge on my lower left abdomen. It made me feel full, bloated, mildly nauseous. Was diagnosed as an inguinal hernia. Had a laparoscopic repair with mesh at 70 years old. The repair weakened two other areas that suddenly seemed ready to herniate. My abdomen was severely compromised. I couldn't bear down for bowel movements. Became dependent on laxatives. Have had chronic constipation ever since (three years). Used red light therapy and exercise for three years to try to heal/strengthen the weakened areas. Not trying to scare you away from surgery, but sometimes hernias are not symptomatic, don't get worse or, if they do, progress very slowly. A second opinion could be very valuable.

Best of luck to you, my friend!

Hello @rjoestein and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry to hear of your stomach pain and bulge. You might contact the doctor who examined you and ask if you were tested for appendicitis. If you find out that you were tested and if there was no evidence of appendicitis, that might put your mind at ease.

When will you be tested for the hernia matter? Have you been referred to a GI (gastroenterologist) specialist to check for stomach problems?

Look up MALS

@hopeful33250 I feel completely re-assured with your support and experience. You had many of them? Then it sounds like it's not such a big deal. I'm sitting here freaked about having just one! And the nurses at the hospital were saying that I should have someone come with me for the endoscopy, as a standard procedure. She said it is mostly for when it's over so someone can take me home because they'll sedate me throughout the operation and wake up all discombobulated. Since I'm not married and my family is far away, I can't convince any friends to come for it, since it's not exactly an emergency. Well, she was saying that having someone come along also helps if anything goes wrong, which made me super nervous.
Anyway, I will be a big boy and go through it. TBH, at the moment my stomach feels fine. I'm more worried about the hernia that has developed (although, it is painless).
Anyway, thanks for listening of you got this far LOL. I'll post after the procedure and let you know how it went. I'm scheduled for the 14th of March.
Oh, and the plot twist of all this is that I'm an American working in China. So, I'm going to a Chinese hospital. It's quite nice, though. Much better than what some people might think about Chinese hospitals (which is usually not positive). The doctor and nurses speak perfect English and the doctor even has some experience in the States. So, fingers crossed!

@ rjoestein glad to hear you haven’t been having more pain. I’ve also had multiple endoscopies and it is a great diagnostic tool. Normal procedure is to be put “under” like a twilight sleep. Therefore you do need a driver to take you home. They always suggest someone be with you for 24 hours after that type of anesthesia.
I have never had any problems during or after an endoscopy. My doc dilates my esophagus at that time, since I have problems swallowing, so I end up with a bit of a sore throat due to the procedure. Doc also takes tissue biopsies. While it is not an emergency, like you said about asking a friend, it is necessary and surely someone would help you out. Hopefully your tests will come out normal and you will feel assured about your health.

Hello @hopeful33250. One month later and finally got it done, it was painless and easy. No side effects, yet—I literally just got back though. They did find some small polyps in there, and removed them. Now I will have to take stomach meds for awhile. And doc said come back in a year. So, nothing serious but I do need a healthier lifestyle. I drink way too much coffee for my own good, for instance. And also lay off the beer. Otherwise, glad it’s done!