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Anyone with similar symptoms & test results for abdominal pain?
Hi there,
I was just browsing through the internet randomly and found this discussion page for digestion issues. I've had abdominal pain problems since 2010. Thankfully I managed to get better after 2 years of constant pain and every test done possible. My problems have returned for the past 2 months, albeit, my pain isn't constant and does go away unlike before. My pain is usually a 4/5 out of 10 and can last for a few hours until it subsides. It is usually around the belly button area(mainly above, but sometimes below).
I have done almost every test possible. I've done an ultrasound, CT scan(with contrast), MRI, endoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, cystic fibrosis testing, gastric emptying test, etc. Some of those tests done at Mayo Clinic itself in 2010 in Minnesota. All of those tests were normal. The only thing that's ever been shown in my testing, has been a slightly elevated lipase and amylase. It led doctors into thinking I have pancreatitis, but they've looked at my pancreas extensively(especially during the endoscopic ultrasound at Mayo) and the pancreas looks completely normal. I recently went to the ER and did another blood test + CT scan with contrast. The pancreas was again normal(as was everything else), but my lipase was slightly elevated at 150(normal levels being 90 for that hospital).
I went to a GI doctor today and they told me it could be an abdominal migraine, or a potential vascular problem involving the abdomen. They did schedule a HIDA scan(to check the function of the gallbladder), as that is ironically the only test(or one of the only), I have not done. They want to see the results of the HIDA scan before progressing further and they told me to try out some more bentyl for pain(something I took before and didn't notice relief from it).
Most pain medications do not help. Even back in 2010 when my pain was constant and more severe, I tried almost everything possible in terms of medications, but nothing helped. The only relief I get from the pain is from natural remedies. Tea and 1 small teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with some lemon and baking soda(this helps me the most). I don't have acid reflux like I did in 2010. It's mainly the pain now. It can be described as a squeezing pain just above my belly button mainly(sometimes lower). I do tend to also notice relief when I empty during a bowel movement. I empty usually once a day. I don't have any nausea and vomiting. I don't have a loss of appetite either. No fevers as well.
I am wondering if there's anyone out there with similar symptoms with similar test results to me. Every test I've done comes back negative(thankfully) with the only thing showing is slightly elevated lipase and amylase. I am 26 years of age. I have been dealing with anxiety since July of 2019, so I don't know if that may have caused my gut to act up a bit.
I am just really curious if there's anyone out there with a similar situation to mine in terms of symptoms and test results. Please let me know if you've managed to find out a solution to your problem, if there is someone out there.
Thank you for reading.
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@edijoke - I’m checking back on your attempts to get a diagnosis. Did you get a chance to ask doctors specifically about tests that evaluate your abdominal blood supply? I think I mentioned the Doppler ultrasound and CT angiogram.
@ger1986 - Welcome to Connect! I really understand what you have been going through- abdominal pain and no diagnosis after so many tests and procedures. Good that you found this discussion with other members with similar problems.
I had mentioned in conversations with other members that it can be useful to evaluate the abdominal blood supply. There could be pressure on an artery or other abnormality that could cause pain.
The common test to evaluate this is an abdominal Doppler ultrasound. You did have ultrasound done, but did you also have the Doppler for the blood flow?
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1 ReactionHi @ger1986,
I’m so sorry to hear about the pain that you are experiencing–@astaingegerdm mentioned,, you’ve come to the right place to talk with people who’ve had similar experiences with health and to get support from members who understand what you are going through.
I also thought you might be interested in viewing this video, on the Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page where Dr. Amy Oxentenko talks about complexities of chronic abdominal wall pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/chronic-abdominal-wall-pain/
Hello,
I am new to this group. Was just diagnosed with median acute ligament syndrome. I have had issues with this for 20 years. It was minimal and not constant. 2 years ago I moved and the pain became more frequent and severe. With a new Dr; I kept pushing for an answer. 2 days ago I had 2 different ultrasounds and MALS was found. I am now awaiting for a referral to be ok’d by my insurance so I can see a vascular surgeon. The articles I have found online seem to be from 2 years ago and not a lot of information.
I am hoping to connect with someone who has had the laparoscopic surgery. I am now 73 years old and have read that at this age surgery isn’t always successful.
This Connect thread on MALS may be of interest, @16goodfood https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/median-arcuate-ligament-syndrome-mals/
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2 ReactionsThank you for the link. I need to clarify that the pain I have is located on my left side, right below the rib cage. Eating or not eating does not bring it on. It comes out of no where. The area is tender. Severe; brings on cold sweat, anxiety/panic attack, sometimes nausea, sometimes close to throwing up. I find it hard to think. Creates air in my stomach and major belching, which eventually relieves the pain.
Just posting a small update.. going for 2nd consult with General Surgeon Sept 3 to discuss my options for removal of my Parastomal hernia. It has tripled in size and is now at times blocking urine flow from the stoma 😞. I really haven’t pushed the surgery issue due to Covid 19, but it’s to the point daily life is really hurting all the time and I’m not to pleasant to be around when it comes to eating with family. ( not to mention making mad dash to the potty and sometimes not getting there quick enough and having “accident” is very embarrassing and depressing for me).
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1 ReactionHi there. Just found this blog hoping for some help here. My husband had Lyme back in April and was violently throwing up bile along with classic Lyme symptoms. He was perfectly healthy before then as far as his digestion goes. Since then, we've been to the ER 3 times with wicked center stomach pain, dizzy, feeling like something in his throat and dripping down his esophagus. Each time, they check his troponin levels and cleared for a cardiac event. His primary ordered CT scan and saw an "abnormality" sending him to a cardiologist, who pointed out a blockage in his stomach, so to the GI dr we go, then to a gallbladder surgeon who didn't think he was bad enough to do surgery with 2 little gallstones and a little polyp on the tip of his gallbladder. He suggested a vascular surgeon. He's had echocardiograms, numerous chest xrays, CT scans, ultrasounds with and without, hydascan, stress test...every dr says he's a mystery. The vascular dr says 70% blockage isn't enough to stent him because the SMA and LMA should compensate for the blockage in his celiac artery. He's waiting to see what the cardiologist has to say before he does the exploratory inside ultrasound with contrast, I believe it's the Doppler I've read about above. He's been put on 81mg aspirin again, and handfuls of antacids for Gurd, but nothing touches it. This week he's felt like crap 3 days. No answers, been doing this since April, so frustrating! My urologist has a lot of trust in MAYO clinic as he studied there, so I'm reaching out on this matter to try to get any information of anything else we can do. Then there's the dizziness. His carotid arteries are fine. A neurologist next stop maybe?? We've even seen infectious disease dr at UMass who denies this being tied to Lyme, as I've been told and have read that they generally do not believe in chronic Lyme affecting the GI tract. So maybe a Lyme literate doctor? That's all out of pocket! Please, suggestions and thoughts are welcome!
@bevgould328
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
I’m so sorry for your husband- feeling so sick and no tests giving a clear answer.
I assume the celiac artery blockage was found on a CT scan?
I recognize the symptoms because I have been treated for MALS and have needed stenting of the celiac artery twice.
The initial stent was placed because the artery was kinked. The second time the first stent got kinked too. Before the second stent I had awful symptoms- GERD, pain after eating, nausea, feeling full and lack of appetite.
The Doppler ultrasound your husband will have should also show celiac artery blockage.
I’m aware that other abdominal arteries will compensate and I’m sure it happened in my case too, but not enough. If he has 70% blockage with severe symptoms a stent probably will help.
I just had a follow up ultrasound at my vascular surgeon’s office- it showed 50% blockage, but I don’t have symptoms now. If I do get symptoms like before, the doctor will place another stent.