Stomach pain undiagnosed for 3.5 months

Posted by melindanorman @melindanorman, Feb 11, 2023

I’ve had a hiatal hernia, gerd, and Barrett’s esophagus for 12 years. I’m a 48 year old woman and a Kindergarten teacher, and avid exerciser. My symptoms have been managed by a daily PPI of 20 mg until March of last year. I got a bad stomach infection, was given quadruple therapy with 2 antibiotics and it cleared up immediately. (Wasn’t tested for anything) Following that incident I was sick for most of the year with various coughs and chest infections and was given tons of antibiotics and steroids. Plus I took a lot (probably almost daily) of Motrin for knee pain-which my Ortho dr told me to do. Come November of 2022 I got what felt like another stomach infection. Was given the same quadruple therapy (both times I was never tested for anything). I got extremely sick, vomiting and nausea. In and out of ER with various meds being shoved at me. Nothing helped. Finally GI dr decided to do a scope on me and told me to stop taking the quadruple therapy. As soon as I did the stomach pain was still there but the side effects stopped. Scope showed same previous symptoms-plus no h pylori and no celiac. Said I had gastritis. Told me to take a PpI 40 mg twice a day. It’s not helping. Told to take probiotics-caused excruciating pain so stopped. When I saw my gynecologist about a year ago she told me I had the lowest vitamin D she’s ever seen. Had me start taking a high dose and then we’ll taper. Besides that none of my GI drs have ever checked my vitamin D, B12, or magnesium levels. Stomach pain has not stopped. My stomach is pretty flat in am and by end of day it’s really bloated. Some days are worse than others with the inflammation I can feel and bloating. I’ve changed my lifestyle completely since beginning….no caffeine, no gluten, no sugar, no dairy, no citrus, no fried food. Eat the same things basically daily. 30 grams of fiber (I do poop daily- don’t have issues with constipation or diarrhea). I have an adjustable bed so I can sleep upright. I’m a side sleeper and haven’t since November-if I lay on my side for even a few seconds I get stinging cramping. I eat small meals every 4 hours. I’ve lost 10 pounds so far.
I’ve had a stomach CT scan and it says I have an umbilical hernia-however a recent dr said they don’t think so. I have a scar on my right side of stomach from pyloric stenosis as a baby and a big bulge above it that looks like a hernia….however I’ve had this for years. I can’t sit upright, I can’t wear any type of pants because of construction. I wear dresses daily. My stomach pain moves on a daily basis and is not consistent. Sometimes it’s under my breast bone-gerd. Sometimes it’s across my stomach about an inch above belly button which is along my scar line/hernia line. Sometimes it’s my whole stomach and I feel like I’ve been punched. This week shooting pains started happening from lower stomach shooting up, plus in my left breast.
My drs here are awful. No help at all. Don’t touch me, no exam, don’t test for stuff, just throw medicine at me. I live in FL and am going to Mayo Clinic in Jax in March. If this was anyone else-like my husband-they couldn’t live with the pain. I have a high pain tolerance but am miserable and it’s turned my life upside down. I keep a daily diary just in case. I’ve also never been asked to do an colonoscopy. Anyone else with a similar experience? Any ideas/suggestions?

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@jeffsmock

My wife is 58 years old. She has bad stomach pain. She has lost 70 pounds in last year. She's very weak and has a hard time eating, because it makes her sick and or makes her have more stomach pain. She can hardly get around by herself. So she's has fallen several times. She fractured her pelvis about 5 months ago. Recently fell and fractured her collar bone upper arm and tore her rotator cuff. So can't use left arm. She says stomach pain is worse than shoulder pain. Had CT scan of pelvis and stomach and scope last week. It ulcers were healed up, there's some scaring. But no answer on pain , nausea, rapid weight loss. She drinks soda but they said that is about the only calories she gets so let her have it. I'm scared I'm going to lose her. She has had a lot of health issues like hip replacement at 36 years old, back surgery, gallbladder removed and complications from that that about killed her. Yet always been a good caretaker of family and home. Now can't bathe herself or take care of house. That is hard on her too . I'm not the best help . Had my right lung removed in January 2021. I'm oxygen dependent. She ran herself into the ground taking care of me. I'm doing better now that I have to do more. I hope Mayo can help her. Sorry for going on so long. First time I commented on here. I'm sorry for your pain and you get better and answers.

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Has she been checked for gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia. They both cause alot of pain and weight loss bloating and nausea.

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@gsheets

Has she been checked for gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia. They both cause alot of pain and weight loss bloating and nausea.

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Yes did the smart pill test. It was positive for gastroparesis. It's horrible

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@gsheets

Has she been checked for gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia. They both cause alot of pain and weight loss bloating and nausea.

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She is the hospital now hopefully find something soon thank you all.

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@jeffsmock

She is the hospital now hopefully find something soon thank you all.

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Yes she was checked, for gastroparesis days gastritis. Just her back from Hospital. She had C-diff. Still not well. They wanted to her back in hospital today. She didn't stay. Still trying to get her into Mayo in Rochester.

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