Therapy Guide

TracyAnn · 23rd November 2011, 11:46 AM

Hi

I was taken to A&E from work on Monday as I had such bad stomach pain that I nearly fainted. I went clammy and my colleagues report that my face went yellow. I had standard tests and the doctor said it could be an ulcer or gallstones. I have to go to my GP to arrange an ultrasound. I've had the pain before, more often recently and when I went to my GP before this incident she told me to take Gaviscon and it was a "sensitive stomach". I know it is more than this as the symptoms are very bad, I went hot all over and my face and body was in a sweat. The pain and sweating went after an hour. I hope to have the scan and will see my doctor on Saturday to ask for this - A&E gave me a note recommending this. I'm worried they will tell me I can't have a scan, as they hardly ever investigate anything. Also I've had the same sweating after passing a stool, only twice, where I nearly fainted from the pain in my rectum. I called an ambulance one time, it was so bad and the paramedic said it was probably a hard stool. I recover each time after 30-60 mins but at the time I am in agony on the floor. Just wondered whether this sounds like gall stones - the yellow colour obviously indicates liver problem? My paternal grandmother died aged 57 of a duodenal ulcer. I've always had a sensitive stomach and occasionally worry I may have an ulcer but try not to worry of course. I obviously need these investigating but will have to wait a while for a scan unless I go private so any advice would be appreciated. I've given up tea as the attacks also seem to happen in the morning when I have tea on an empty stomach. Milky coffee seems ok though. I'm so tired that I crave some caffeine in the morning!

Oh also the A&E phoned me to say my platelet count was low at 74 and my GP would have to re-check this.He said I might need an endoscopy but has not written this down on the form. I doubt my GP would refer me for one. I'd rather see a gastroenterologist if it continues, rather than the GP clutching at straws and fobbing me off with over the counter medicines that don't work. Thanks

CarolineN · 23rd November 2011, 01:57 PM

Hi TracyAnn

Sounds like you are going through a rough patch. Remember this is your body and if the doctor will not help sort out the problem - ie send you for a scan, believe your symptoms, etc - then you can demand a second opinion. You should be in charge!

This is something that needs getting to the bottom of - pain and sweating is indicative of the body struggling to cope and no-one should have to put up with these sort of symptoms.

Once you have a proper diagnosis you can ask a registered Nutritional Therapist to help you to get the right balance of nutrients, including testing for food allergies and/or intolerances which might be impacting on your life. See how changing one's diet can make an enormous difference to health in many different cases in the Food Hospital programme on Channel 4 - the results are amazing, even without the use of supplements. Obviously they have chosen those who have adhered to the programme but the results speak for themselves.

jeannie · 25th November 2011, 12:31 PM

Oh dear, been here, got the t.shirt. Can I just ask is it your stomach or more lower (bowels) As you are also saying about the pain in your rectum? I have diverticulitis and fainting/sweating with severe pain was frequent.

TracyAnn · 24th January 2012, 01:14 PM

Hi

I have been taking Omeprazole on instruction of doc but still have the pain - had it again today so have asked for a call back from doc. It is so distressing! I don't always sweat but the pain is so bad I cry each time. It always happens around 11am. I'm going to have to ask for an endoscopy. I am dreading having it even if I get referred. It is stopping me at work - I have to leave the room for an hour each time and find somewhere quiet. Peppermint tea seems to help. I'm so down about it.

TracyAnn · 24th January 2012, 01:15 PM

ps jeannie - it is in the stomach and is a burning sort of pain. I sometimes get pain passing a stool but this is occasional. the stomach pain is now happening about twice a week.

AlisonM · 24th January 2012, 01:34 PM

Hi,

This must be horrible for you - and worrying too.

Somethng that you might want to try is a castor oil pack at night, it might relieve some of the pain. I've used them once or twice, and they are very soothing, particularly for the abdominal area. The only drawback is that they can be a bit messy.

Do an online search for castor oil pack to find out more.

TracyAnn · 24th January 2012, 01:39 PM

Thanks Alison. I will try that. You are right, it is worrying and distressing.

It always happens in the morning, around 10.30-11am! Very strange that it is the same time.

Awakening Dawn · 4th February 2012, 07:22 PM

Dear TraceyAnn,

It is interesting that you should get these pain occurring at a specific time range..

To me that usually indicate hormonal influence or the effect of breakfast ..a meal working it's way down..and causing chronic pain.. could be a form of IBS too.. so keep an open mind ..

When they next do a blood test.. get them to do all blood aspects..and possibly a referral to an allergy clinic if this current line of investigation is not fruitful for you.

I wish you well

with warm wishes

Vathani