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Unidentified abdominal pain
I wasnt sure where to ask this, but I've had severe abdominal pain for 16 years. Pain radiating from my back all the way around and sharp upper right abdomen pain. Lasted a few hours-a day for 16 years a couple times a year. Then recently i had an episode that went off and on for two weeks straight. Now when it happens theres pressure all around my abdomen and back, and sharp pains randomly around my torso, no sharp pain felt when they push on my abdomen, all blood and urine tests good, xray and ultrasound show nothing. Doesnt seem to be linked to eating seems to happen at random. Anyone experienced anything like this?
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Have you had a HIDA Scan? I have upper right abdominal pain, all tests showed nothing. After a painful ultra sound they did a Hida Scan; that showed problems with the gall bladder. Something you might want to ask about.
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1 Reaction@amm97 - Did the tests show which abdominal arteries were narrowed?
I have had a variety of abdominal pain causes- still have some.
One of the most painful causes was narrowing of the celiac artery due to a ligament from the diaphragm indenting the artery- this is what is called MALS. Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. The pain gets worse when one is digesting a meal- less blood flow to the intestine. I had pain also when sitting bent over. Most people show weight loss. Not me- I gain weight with everything!
I have had severe pain from esophagitis, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreatitis and intestinal inflammation.
If I were you, I would see a gastroenterologist at a major university medical center and have your tests reviewed.
The narrowing of the abdominal arteries should be re- evaluated.
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1 ReactionThe duplex ultrasound showed narrowing of the SMA and Celiac Artery but the CTA and MRI didn’t.
I believe in the duplex- the confirming test should be the CTA. That’s why I think you should have a re- evaluation.
Hello, can you explain in more detail the pain you experienced, how severe as it relates to the different stomach areas. I too have had severe stomach problems. For many years (over 10) I have had upper upper right quad/stomach pain. & had every test except the one you mention and maybe “Duplex” Ultrasound. Thanks for your help.
Okay! I did see a vascular surgeon prior after the CTA and he didn’t think the CTA was wrong. But I will definitely look into seeing a different doctor.
My pain is an sharp cramp like pain on the upper right and sometimes left side. It typically comes and goes but recently has been more frequent. It’s usually like a 7 out of 10 most days. The pain also radiates to my upper back on both sides.
@lahjuly4 -
I had episodes of intense pain over several years before I was diagnosed. I had IBS then also in addition to GERD and always thought it was related to this.
Thinking back, the pain was too intense to be IBS. It would take my breath away- often for hours.
The pain was located in upper abdomen, spreading across and causing tenderness.
Pain in abdomen is not very specific to the area causing the pain. Pain in an organ is often referred to certain areas- not necessarily at its the exact location.
I went to gastroenterologists so often they would tire of me!
The MALS condition I mentioned is very rare - most doctors are not very familiar with it or even consider it.
That’s why the Duplex is a very important test. It should be performed and evaluated by skilled technicians and doctors.
Keep searching!
I have learned that I have to question opinions and interpretations- especially since a mammogram 30 years ago - by mistake I think- was reported as normal. 18 moths later another mammogram compared the size of a lesion to the one not mentioned initially.
With earlier diagnosis I probably would have avoided mastectomy and chemo. Chemo caused severe GI damage that I now also deal with.
Wow I am almost to that point of questioning doctors as well. I have a very good primary doctor so I trust her completely but I’m not sure about the other doctors. I have lost close to 30 lbs so far with no known reason