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Suggest Treatment For Severe Abdominal Pain And Nausea

Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017

Question: I am 64 year old female. Have had severe abdominal nausea with pain for 1 1/2 years. I am diabetic and have been on opiates for many years. I have lost 55 pounds. My gallbladder was removed in March, but my symptoms remained. It would occur for weeks followed by good weeks. This last bout has been going on for 3 months. I also suffer with constipation. I need help; My GI doctor thinks it is IBS; I believe it is something more. I had a colonoscopy which he said everything was fine. Please help me! I have had ulcers and hiatal hernia in the past! Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It's not IBS

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, I thank you for posting your query here and I'm definitely going to help you out..

Welcome to HealthcareMagic,

I read your question completely and have understood it well enough.

I will analyze all your points and provide necessary explanation and how to go about..

1. If Colonoscopy is normal then, don't worry there is no major problem..

2. IBS is more of alternating constipation and diarrhea..
Otherwise, the diagnosis is unlikely..

Your pain could be due to gastritis, the peptic ulcers itself and the regurgitation due to haital hernia.

3. Avoid constipation and I feel this is the most important thing for you to do.
Most of your worries will be solved by avoiding constipation..
Especially at this age of 64..

4. Peptic ulcers and small haital hernia will cause gastritis..
You can do these following things..

A. Avoid coffee or tea if consuming
B. Avoid spicy and smoked foods.
C. Lot of Vegetables and fruits
D. Avoid any kind of stress..
E. You can use proton pump inhibitors, these drugs are best for your symptoms..

That's it..
Hope I've cleared all your doubts.
In case you have doubts please let me know.
Take care.
You can get me directly at http://bit.ly/askdrmetri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (16 hours later)

I thank you for your answer, but no I longer have the ulcer OR hiatal hernia according to blood work and endoscopy done 15 months ago. I am on 80 mg of Prilosec daily for 15 months.

I must state that my nausea and pain in the belly button area is CONSTANT & SEVERE. I have lost 50+ pounds. I had to retire, the ONLY little relief I get is laying down. I have no quality of life left.

3 days after my gallbladder surgery, I got horrible pain in my lower right quadrant, going straight through to my back. For 6 weeks I suffered, until I had my colonoscopy, then suddenly, the right lower pain stopped right away. CT scan of stomach showed AIR in stomach, could that have been the cause of this pain??

I am diabetic and have been on opioids and just had surgery, could I possibly have GASTROPARESIS??

One final note, I had a MRI of my spine 1+ years ago. It stated that "Paraspinal soft tissue: scattered T2 hyper intensity seen within the kidneys may LIKELY REFLECT CYSTS" could my problem possibly be some kind of KIDNEY PROBLEM??

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO MY QUESTIONS. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Advice Ultrasound Abdomen

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX welcome back.
I appreciate for your follow up.

Please note these following things..

1. Since you are on Omeprazole, then there are other causes for your pain..

2. Do you consume alcohol?
Sometimes alcohol induced pancreatitis can be the cause for such severe pain.

3. CT scan showing air in stomach and intestine is absolutely normal and not related to your pain..

4. Gastroparesis will not cause such bad pain.

5. Please, answer the above question and also, I suggest you to get a Abdominal Sonography at the time of pain episode.

6. Even kidneys won't cause such bad pain as you are saying.

Hoping that I have answered all your questions..
Take care..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (3 days later)

A few more points. I have not had any alcohol in 17 years. As I stated, the pain stopped immediately when I had my colonoscopy 2 weeks ago. Now I'm only experiencing severe nausea with a little burning sensation in the belly button area moving upward a little. This is the symptom that has been happening on and off for 1 1/2 years AND constantly for 4 months. And I do mean from the time I wake up til I go to bed EVERY DAY! It is debilitating....I have no quality of life left in me. I've been carrying a low grade fever (100.5 > 101.8) since I started taking my temp the past few weeks.

I thank you again and hope this answers your questions re: my diagnosis.

Answered by Dr. Dr Manjunath Metri (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Better to get an Ultrasound Abdomen

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, thanks for the follow up..

Please note the following things.

1. Good that you don't consume alcohol..

2. Omeprazole that you are on, will take care of your Nausea.
Please add Domeperidone after consulting your doctor. This will help.

3. I understand your situation..
Suggest, Ultrasound Abdomen and Pelvis to arrive at a diagnosis.

Hope this helps you, in case you need further assistance, please let me know.
I will be happy to help.
Or, you can close the question and rate..
Take care.. God bless.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T