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Hi all,
I'm coming here with an update. We honestly don't know what to believe anymore. My dad took the prescribed meds for a week (that's what the doctor said), but things didn't seem to improve. They didn't necessarily get worse either. Pain / bloating is just there, not excruciating and not constant, but still there. Something strange happened last night, he had a fever (102) and severe shivers / chills. He also said the abdominal pain seemed to get worse. Because of the fever and chills (and well, the state of the world RN), this morning we decided to go to the ER. I remember reading about PC and fever / chills so of course my hypochondria kicked in immediately. We got to the ER and we told the doctor about the symptoms, we told him we've seen our GP several times and he won't refer him for an ultrasound. So the doctor in the ER decided to run blood tests and do an ultrasound. Everything came back clear. He said he couldn't see anything wrong on the ultrasound and the blood tests only showed a slight trace of infection, but nothing to worry about. Said to just take some paracetamol and ibuprofen to alleviate the pain and fever. We got home and that's what we're doing. Still, now that he got the ultrasound and nothing was there, am I crazy to still think it's extremely strange to have such prolonged abdominal pain and no explanation for it?
Replies to "Hi all, I'm coming here with an update. We honestly don't know what to believe anymore...."
He and you are not crazy. I spent a few days with bloating, pain and dizziness which scared me to death. I even tripped on a sidewalk elevation because my head felt as if it was spinning. I get in front of the mirror every day to see if I look sick and I don't. My husband doesn't think so either. I am usually struggling with IBS-C and I am really careful about my diet but still I felt really sick sick sick. The most sick I have felt in forever. No fever just terror. I couldn't wait to get home and never go out again. I journal daily and I realized that it is the confinement, the fear of dying of Covid, the lurking presence of it out there and nowhere to run. I can't get away from it. My son-in-law is in the hospital with it, my friends daughter dying with it. 2 sons of mine have died not related to Covid but one was only 32, the other 40 of a heart attack. 2 long marriages and both of them have died, parents are dead, my home burned all the way up.......all that I could see. Covid-19 is invisible and breathing down our necks. If I don't go out I'll whither away. No appetite, I miss my friends and activities. No end in sight.
@cristina9532 - Hi Cristina!
I think you are handling things very well, helping your father. He definitely has something going on, having a fever suddenly. Blood test confirmed infection. Ultrasound normal is also good.
I’m thinking of illnesses your Dad could have -
Gallbladder problem/ pancreatitis should have shown on ultrasound- no guarantee though.
Appendicitis should also show- he would most likely be sicker too.
Diverticulitis is fairly common, probably wouldn’t show on ultrasound.
Kidney stones and urinary tract infection?
In Germany I assume your GP would have to give you a referral to see a specialist? Such as a Gastroenterologist.
If you are near a university with a medical school they have specialty clinics. I’m trying to think out loud here and maybe it will help you deciding what to do next. Your GP should be in charge of finding out what ails your father.
Let’s keep talking!
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Hi @cristina9532,
I can sense the frustration you and your dad are experiencing and that is quite normal. From your posts, it appears as if your dad is depending on his GP or the ER to look for answers to his abdominal pain, however, it sounds like your dad needs a specialist in order to understand this continual pain.
It is the right of every patient to get a second opinion if your current doctor is not able to give you answers.
Have you considered asking for a referral to a GI specialist for a second opinion?