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Undiagnosed Symptoms  (Expert Forum)
 | 
abdominal and lower back pain, headache, neck pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
Questions in the Undiagnosed Symptoms forum are answered by Dr. Kevin Pho. Topics covered include breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
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MedHelp Member's Question

abdominal and lower back pain, headache, neck pain

by nancy m, Mar 12, 2007 12:00AM
2/12/07 I had sudden onset of abdominal pain and lower back pain
I had eaten a small meal an hour before

Since this time, I have had nausea in the morning, dry heaves and a feeling something is stuck in my throat

I have also experienced constipation followed by diarhea

I have been given Nexium, Zegerid and Prevasid which work for about 2 days and symptoms return

My meals have consisted of scrambled eggs, toast, yogurt and my appetite is minimal at best

I have had an abdominal cat scan with no blockage found and an IVP for blood found in the urine  It was not found a 2nd time but a cystology is scheduled for later April

I am scheduled for a endoscopy April 26

The pain is constant with me taking hydrocodone on Saturday I also tried bentyl  It seems to alleviate overnight but with daily movement , pain increases during the day

I am a survivor of breast cancer (2005) and am worried this may be ob/gyn rather than gastro

I can not tolerate the constant pain and the unknowing
I do not have a temp
I am able to sleep
I am afraid to eat
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 12, 2007 12:00AM
Possible GI causes of the symptoms could include GERD, an ulcer, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, or gastroparesis.  

I would consider an upper GI series or upper endoscopy to comprehensively evaluate the stomach, esophagus and small bowel.  A blood test for H Pylori can be considered as well - this is a bacteria that is associated with ulcers or inflammation.

If negative, a gastric emptying scan can be considered to rule out gastroparesis.  Blood tests for diabetes or thyroid function can also be done.  

Regarding the blood in the urine, I agree with the cystoscopy.  An ultrasound of the kidneys can also be done to exclude intrinsic kidney disease.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.  Appropriate referrals to a GI physician or urologist can also be considered.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (4)

by nancy m, Mar 12, 2007 12:00AM
This is additional info from me

I am 53 and menopausal , with the help of Aromasin , treating the return of breast cancer

by MiesVan, Mar 27, 2007 12:00AM
To: Been there, done that
I have very similar symptoms and I have googled these two other illnesses which could be what you and I are experiencing-I had a endoscopy, ct scan, ultrasound, stool and all looked normal yet I feel anything but normal! Do you still have your gallbladder? This might be gallstones  but in my case I had mine removed 9 months ago. Some possibilities which had similar symptoms on one of the web checkers were -hepatitis A and pancreatitis, so you might want to check those out too. I've had ulcers before and this isn't even close to ulcer pain. This is a dull constant pain in my case and I'm tired of it.
good luck to you.

by MiesVan, Mar 27, 2007 12:00AM
To: Nancy Post Em
nancy, you might have an infected gallbladder, I re- read your post and thats kind of how I felt prior to having it removed. Get on an antibiotic and go see a GI specialist, All I could eat was yogurt, chicken broth and weak juice. They will need to do an ultrasound to measure to see if your gallbladder walls have thickened, a sign of infection. You need to get this taken care of ASAP because this could be potentially life threatening. I was ill for a month prior to my urgent surgery. I hope this helps you!

by Grandy65, Apr 27, 2007 12:00AM
To: unexplained symtoms
When I posted my first thread I didn't inclue the fact that I've also experienced some lower back ache, right across the area of my tail bone.  When I walk a lot of just stand awhile my back gets achey and "tired".  I don't know if that is associationed with my rib and side discomfort or not.  Also, I am  female,65 and have four children.  I was dignosed with depression about 25 yrs. ago and treated for it off and on since then.  
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