Horrible abdominal Pain- all tests say I am fine but I am not

@jojo13
Since you have had those surgeries you should definitely be checked out by your gynecologist too.

A few years back I had low pain on my left side.. lower than my occasional diverticulitis. I did get checked out by a gynecologist and he ordered a CT scan and it showed the diverticulitis and wall thickening. I thought it could be something to do with the hysterectomy I had many years ago. Sometimes the symptoms are confusing to me. When you think it is one thing it is another or more.

ZeeGee

Maybe gastroparesis that can be detected by a gastric emptying test! I do have this & am lactose intolerant, both can be very debilitating. Small frequent meals with no raw foods or beef, except ground meats, and of course no dairy. I have to walk after every time I eat for at least 10 minutes. Prayers for Comfort & Answers.🙏❤️🥰

@jojo13 - it seems possible that something related to the surgeries is causing your pain.
I just want to add MALS to the list. Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. A ligament from the diaphragm presses on the celiac artery. After eating there won’t be enough blood in intestines for digestion, causing the pain.

Hi Joanna - Your pain is real and I know it is frightening when you seem not to be able to do much about it. Talking on Connect will help. Have you talked with a physician about abdominal adhesions? As you probably know, entometriosis in itself is the growth of abnormal tissue in the pelvic cavity. Any time you have abdominal surgery, you accumulate more adhesions. So with 6 abdominal surgeries, I think you have massive adhesions. I had 7 abdominal surgeries and was filled with adhesions. Eventually, they resulted in an obstructed bowel (twice), NG tube, hospitalization for 10 days, and recurring problems. Very difficult to diagnose, but extremely painful. Doctors really didn't have many suggestions. I finally got things under control by eliminating some foods from my diet and using an OTC product. Digestive issues are very perplexing. Don't give up! Keep us informed as you progress - these Connect chats can be invaluable. I hope today is a good day, Sue

Hello @jojo13,

I agree with @fourof5zs, that keeping of journal of everything that you eat and do along with the discomfort you experience is a great idea. Have you tried the Fodmap eating plan? For the first month, you eliminate a number of foods and then add back foods one at a time. For the first month, the eating plan eliminates gluten and dairy which are foods that can cause serious digestive tract problems. Please do not negate the power of changing your eating habits as a way of controlling your symptoms.

I would also like to invite @thull to this conversation as she has had multiple surgeries of the lower digestive tract and she might be able to offer some suggestions as well.

I would have ultrasound done of abdomen and pelvis. Sometimes nerve damage very hard to find and diagnosis. I have injections in my lower right abdomen and pelvis. For me this started in 1987 when had hysterectomy. So much scar tissue (removed 3 times) for nerves to get entrapped in. My pain doc i see now told me never let them take out scar tissue, it just causes more. The 1st time I had removed was pushing on my colon and bladder. I couldn't eat a meal without running to bath in middle of meal since was pushing on colon so bad. Lost some weight, just not fun way to do.
Keep me updated. Anytime you want to chat, let me know.
Where are you located?
I'm just outside Kansas City, Missouri.

Have the check for protein in the urine if they have not already. I crashed and burned with unbelievable stomach pain, not knowing I was losing protein. All test were normal, but that. Even the endoscopy. So I find out that I have kidney damage. SMH.

The adhesions can definitely cause pain, blockage and bloating. I had all three. They spent at least 2 hours of my 4th surgery clearing out adhesions so they could get to the blockage in my large intestine. I agree that a CT scan with contrast would be a necessary test.
Also, keeping track of your eating and how your gut responds to it is a good idea

@jojo13. I just got out of the hospital because I was having terrible stomach pain. I've had several previous surgeries, and the first test, after labs, was a CT, which seemed to indicate a bowel obstruction. After 4 days, I was finally transferred to another hospital with a higher level of care, as well as the surgeon who worked on me 10 years ago. I went straight to surgery, and he found and repaired a ton of scar tissue. I don't do well post surgery, so I was pretty much out of it for the next ten days. Now that I'm back home, I'm transitioning from the full liquid diet to soft regular food and the pain is gone (until the next time).

Previous surgeries included a 45" small bowel resection, a toxic mega colon, peptic ulcers, and at least 3 bowel obstruction. It's no wonder there was scar tissue!

I agree with what others have said. What you're experiencing could be very serious and not to be ignored.

I hope you have found a doctor who has taken you seriously and is acting professionally.

Jim

I have had a couple of surgeons recommend not removing scar tissue to just attempt to relieve pain, because more than likely, just as it happened before from the previous surgery, the scar tissue returns. However, none suggested alternatives.