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IBS, CFS, or autoimmune
Hello,
I wanted to reach out regarding a snopysis of my symptoms in the hopes of figuring out where to go next. I am a 39 year old female that used to run 10-15 miles per week. My symptoms include stabbing pain under my left rib cage that will move across my abdomen to just above my belly button. The pain is there everyday. Sometimes it’s manageable and other times its excruciating. Also, I regularly have nausea, dizziness, diahhrea or constipation, ear pain, headaches in the back/middle part of my head, brain fog, foggy vision, chills/feel cold without a fever, low blood pressure, and muscle fatigue and spasms. I also have extreme fatigue yet also have periods of time where my body just won’t shut down leading to periods of sleepless nights. This has been going on for the better part of 2 1/2 years. I have had tons of bloodwork performed, brain scan, MRCP of abdomen, food allergy and sensitivity testing, colonoscopy, endoscopy, thyroid testing. Everything has come back normal except my lipase level is non-existent and my secretory IgA level is low and autoimmune gastritis. Also from 2 years ago until now...I’ve developed severe allergies to environmental items and also some food allergies (yeast, peanuts, tree nuts). I’ve also worked with a nutritionist and figured out that the only relief I get is if I eat just plain boiled potatoes and baked chicken. I’ve been eating that for the better part of 5 months but know long term it’s not healthy/sustainable. My GI doc has settled on IBS. I’m not totally convinced because of all of the “other symptoms” and the fact that ALL food seems to aggravate whatever this is. Yes, even white and brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, gluten, milk, soy, bananas, sweet potatoes. All food period. I’ve been referred to our university healthcare system but can’t get an appointment (yes...even with doc referral) because of COV-19. Also, as a background I had really bad food poisoning about 3 years ago and had my appendix and gall bladder removed. I’ve lost 20 pounds since Oct 2019 and am flirting with being underweight. The only medicines I take are VSL #3 (probiotic) because I can’t tolerate even yogurt, lots of multivitamins, and a pancreatic digestive enzyme supplement. I even can’t take Tylenol or ibuprofen for the headaches because it flares the diahhrea. I can’t shake the feeling that something more is going on given the development of allergies, etc. It just feels like a complete breakdown of my immune, digestive, nervous systems etc.
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Hello @bree9107, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see that you had a similar post in another discussion. I have no medical training or background but I did a search using one of the symptoms you described in your post - "stabbing pain under my left rib cage that will move across my abdomen to just above my belly button" and came across an article that discusses this symptom and gives some possibilities.
Sudden sharp pain under the left rib? Reasons other than heart attack: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/sudden-sharp-pain-under-the-left-rib-reasons-other-than-heart-attack/articleshow/74636554.cms
I would also like to invite @astaingegerdm into the discussion to see if she may have some insight or suggestions for you. Your symptoms sound similar to those found in Costochondritis. I did a search on Connect and found another discussion that you may find helpful.
pain in my breastbone, ribs and chest:
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-in-my-breastbone-ribs-and-chest/
Have you thought about getting a second opinion at a major teaching hospital or a major health facility like Mayo Clinic? If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, contact one of the appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
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1 Reaction@bree9107 @johnbishop - Thank you,John, for inviting me to this discussion.
@bree9107 - I feel for you- suddenly overwhelmed by so many new symptoms of unknown origin.
Your story sounds like my daughter’s story. She is 37.
Were you tested for celiac disease? You say you have collagenous gastritis- it is not uncommon to have more than one autoimmune disease, in addition to your food allergies- also immune system dysfunction.
Keep trying to get an appointment at the university hospital.
My daughter developed celiac disease out of the blue a couple of years ago. She also developed numerous food allergies. She was devastated.
Her older sister has the same.
Please stay in touch after your appointment- which I hope you get very soon.
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1 ReactionHi John, my Costochondritis is on the right side, in the rib area where I had a Mastectomy! Any feedback on right sided pain?
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Hi @moo1, I did a search and found a few links for information - the first one mentions a physiatrist can best diagnose the condition and recommend treatment.
Coping with Pain after Breast Cancer Surgery: https://www.mskcc.org/blog/coping-pain-after-breast-surgery
Four Treatments for Mastectomy Pain, but 'No Magic Drug': https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/891845
Long-term follow-up of breast cancer survivors with post-mastectomy pain syndrome:
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2361843/
Chronic Pain After Mastectomy: A Common and Challenging Pain Syndrome:
-- https://www.clinicalpainadvisor.com/home/topics/chronic-pain/chronic-pain-after-mastectomy-a-common-and-challenging-pain-syndrome/
Have you had an alpha- gal test done? An immune test done (IGE) to check your immune system? Have you heard of leaky gut? I’ve been diagnosed with IBS for 23 yrs. I started a leaky gut diet 2 1/2 weeks ago and I feel so much better
I have multiple severe food allergies and environmental allergies, and autoimmune disease for yrs. This is the most relief I’ve had in years. But I also see an allergist/immunologist symptoms and are getting more test done