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Lower left abdominal/side/back pain

Barnsy
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It is so interesting to read all your messages on this. For 12 months now I have felt so alone experiencing much of what has been discussed here. I have gone from sleeping 9 to 10 hours a night to now getting 3 to 4 hours if I'm lucky. I need to wee 2 or 3 times a night - never used to before. But the worst part is the abdominal and lower back pain. It has become excruciating and has changed my life. I have had every blood test possible - all negative. I have had 5 abdominal scans and X-rays - all negative. I have had 2 colonoscopies and 2 gastroscopies - all negative. Ovarian ultrasound and Xray - all negative. Small bowel MRI - all negative. There isn't anything else left to test yet I am suffering so badly. I can't sit, stand or lie down for a long period of time as the pain just intensifies. And my painkillers have stopped working. Even had to move into the back bedroom so I don't keep waking up my other half! I'm so tired all the time and this makes me so irritable that it's probably not good being near me at the moment. Have seen to two different gastroenterologists and have now been referred to a pain management consultant as the thought is it could be neurological pain stemming from my back to my abdomen. If only I could have one wish from the genie to please please stop my pain!

  • Hello Barnsy,

    Though it's encouraging that your tests have come back negative, I'm sorry to hear about the discomfort you've been having. I hope the pain management consultant is able to suggest new medication and address the concerns you have.

    Take care,

    Moderator Anastasia

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    Hi Barnsy! 

     

    I hear you!! I have also been experiencing a similar sort of pain and gone through a LOT of blood tests, stool samples, urine samples, and recently had a CT scan which I am waiting for results for now. 

    I have pain in my left side, abdomen and left side of back and it's been there for about 7 months. All tests have come back fine apart from them finding blood in my urine since Nov. It's so frustrating not having an answer but reading through your post I was going to suggest Neurology as that's my next plan if my CT shows nothing.

     

    I have also seen a physio - is that something you could consider ?(chiropractor etc) which helped with the tense muscles in my back (probably from anxiety)  

    Sorry to hear you have been in so much pain and not sleeping well. Can you be prescribed sleeping tablets to help and kick you back into the cycle of sleep? 

     

  • Offline in reply to CornishG

    Hi CornishG

    Thanks for your message.

    Hopefully my appointment with Pain consultant next week will help in some way. Like you I have done physio, acupuncture etc which helped a little at first but not doing much now. I'm a bit wary of sleeping pills on top of all other medication but will see what next week brings.

    Sometimes it helps a little knowing I'm not alone with this. And although I am so glad all tests are normal it doesn't help when trying to solve something. I think my GP is giving up on me slightly!

    But, I won't give in to this just yet and will report back after my appointment.

    Thanks again

     

  • Offline in reply to Barnsy

    Hi there, do you have an update as your symptoms sound very similar to mine?  Hope you get to the bottom of this.

  • Offline in reply to CornishG

    Hi 

    Both of your symptons are very familar to me and i was lucky to have a radiologists that spotted my cancer.urotherial papilary in my renal pelvis left kidney.My gp sent me to see a urologist after having blood in my urine with no infection. This was 2years ago now and iam still being checked.

     

  • Offline in reply to staycalm

    Hi

    Thanks for asking how things are going.

    I have now been to see the Pain Mgt consultant who has put me on to Amitriptyline, Buprenorphine patches and referred me to a Urogynaecologist as he thinks it isnt my bowel or back causing the problem. His view is that it could be my bladder. So yesterday I went to see the consultant he referred me to. She was surprised that no-one has focused on my bladder earlier. I now have to keep a bladder diary (oh joy!) and am taking tablets to help ease the pain (not started them yet).  It is 14 months now since this started and to be honest I can't see the end yet. Even more annoying is that I have paid for all this privately as NHS appointments are almost none existent at the moment.  Good job I haven't had a holiday this year!  Let me know how you get on with your problems.

  • Offline in reply to Barnsy

    Cheers, started with migrating pain in my stomach and testicle, back pain. Have had ultrasounds on bladder/kidney/testicles all which came back clear. Full blood tests with absolutely no causes for concern and urine/stool samples that are clear as well. Doctor thinks it could be IBS due to stress/anxiety but it's driving me crazy. It's been about 12wks now and as it stands had no resolution.

  • Offline in reply to staycalm

    IBS is a favoured condition I think as 3 different consultants diagnosed me with that - despite me telling them that I have had IBS since my mid 20s so I know how to handle it! What did help a little though was Linaclotide capsules which I take an hour before food once a day. Helps with the rumbling tummy bit! It can be frustrating when all tests are clear but you know all is not right. Don't give up and keep asking the questions. 

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