Poked and Prodded
Friday, January 9, 2009 8:05
I haven’t wanted to say anything before now because I wanted to wait until I went to the doctor yesterday so I knew what to tell you. The last, well, almost 3 weeks now, I’ve had a lot of pain in my abdomen, mostly on my left side. It gets worse after I eat something. Two days before Christmas I had to go to my doctor’s office and see another doctor on ‘urgent care’ because I was seeing blood in places that it shouldn’t be. Anyway, since then, they’ve done a lot of tests, one of which was a CT scan earlier this week on my abdomen. I went back yesterday to get the results, and my doctor said that nothing looked out of the ordinary. While that’s good news, I’m extremely frustrated because that also means that I’m still in pain. They’ve made an appointment for me to see a specialist on the 26th (those specialists sure are hard to get in to!), and he’s put me on anti-biotics because he thinks that it’s some kind of virus or infection. So, in the meantime, all I’m able to really eat is soup and bread. Needless to say, that’s pretty frustrating. I’m not able to stick to my diet, and it’s really bland. I can only stand chicken soup so many days in a row! 
Today was weigh day, and I’m still at 180. I guess I’m happy that I haven’t gained anything by not being able to stick to my diet lately, but I also would have thought that also not being able to eat as much, I would have lost a little. I mean, it literally hurts to eat so I try not to when I can avoid it. I wait until I’m really hungry, then I drink some soup.
Have any of you ever had anything like this happen to you? I’ve been trying to find something on the internet about it but haven’t had much luck. Every time I try to find something, it always takes me straight to colon cancer, and, well, that’s not what I have. At least, the odds are extremely tiny at my age and health history. So if anyone has any experiences like this, I’d appreciate hearing about it. If you don’t feel like leaving a comment about it, you can email me. sadiessayso@gmail.com
Diane Scott says:
January 10th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I’m only guessing about where the place it shouldn’t be is… but that would definitely be a diet change and unfortunate. Lots of water, and lots of hot tub soaks. However, if I’m wrong, sorry. What you’re experiencing shouldn’t be left to the “we have no idea” diagnostic “experts.” I’d want answers… Hope you’re feeling much better very soon!
workout mommy says:
January 10th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
how incredibly scary! I have no experience to share with you, but just wanted to send some hugs your way. I hope it gets cleared up very soon!
Sadie says:
January 10th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
@Diane
Thanks. It is frustrating to get the “we have no idea” answers. I know they always have to determine everything it’s not before they find what it is, though. That’s usually the way it works, unfortunately. I just wish I could get into the specialist sooner.
Sadie says:
January 10th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
@workout mommy
Thanks for the hugs! I appreciate it.
PurpleGreenPops.com says:
January 10th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I am not a medical doctor on internist, so I can’t give medical advice.
However, if it were me, I would buy a juicer and go on a detox juice fast. Do it at least 5 days. Every time you get hungry, juice carrots, celery, an apple, and a tomato.
I would also try to figure out how to include more fiber in my diet. One of the things I do is eat a bowl of Kellogg’s All-Bran, and include a banana, strawberries, and blueberries. I don’t use milk, which can cause allergies and other problems in many people. Instead, I use orange juice. I know, sounds crazy, but try it.
Sadie says:
January 10th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
@PurpleGreenPops.com
I’ve actually heard of OJ in cereal. When I was a kid I used to dip my graham crackers in OJ – same concept kind of. I’ll try that. I love OJ.
I got a food processor for Christmas, which I can probably use as a juicer if I strain it correctly. I’ll try the detox. At this point, I’ll try anything. Thanks for the tips. At the very least at least it will be healthy.
PurpleGreenPops.com says:
January 11th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Another thing to consider is whether you are wheat tolerate. Have you been tested for celiac disease?
Sadie says:
January 11th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
@PurpleGreenPops.com
No – I’ve never heard of that! Maybe that’ll be one of the things the gastroneurologist will test for on the 26th. I’ll mention it to him. I know that your body can change over time, and with all of the changes I’ve made in my life with my eating habits over the last 8 months or so, your never know what changes could have happened. I really appreciate the advice.
corrin says:
January 12th, 2009 at 5:44 am
About two years ago, I have a slew of tests run for abdominal pain. It was on my right side, after I ate, and felt almost like a burning sensation. I had xrays, scans, and GI track testing where I drank several nasty concoctions and they still never figured out what the problem was. In the end, my doctor suggested that my level of stress was causing the pains and that I mentally had control over my discomfort. I’m not sure I completely agree with that statement, but the pains have subsided.
cady says:
January 12th, 2009 at 7:02 am
i know how frustrating that can be. my mom was hospitalized a couple of years ago, and the doctor said, “we don’t know what’s wrong, but she’s probably going to die.” well, she didn’t, and she’s perfectly fine. it’s cases like that and yours that really makes me frustrated with the medical community. i really hope you get some answers soon and start to feel better!
Sadie says:
January 12th, 2009 at 7:38 am
@corrin
A girl at work told me something similar happened to her, and, honestly, with everything that’s happened with my husband starting up his own business (which means I’m stressed about money) and with everything going on at work – I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s stressed related. I joked when this first started happening that I wouldn’t be surprised if I had an ulcer.
Thanks for the feedback.
Sadie says:
January 12th, 2009 at 7:39 am
@cady
Oh my! Well, I’m certainly glad that she’s okay! I know what you mean, though. It’s really frustrating when they can’t find a cause. Most times they can rule out what it’s not, but they can’t tell you what it is.
Maureen says:
January 12th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Hopefully you will get some results after your visit on the 26th! Once you know, you’ll get back on track and crank up your metabolism again…you need food to do that! My dad has celiacs disease. He was diagnosed a few years ago. After everything he had been through, they finally figured it out AND it only took dietary adjustments and he was fine. None of those adjustments would effect a good diet and losing weight. He doesn’t like his gluten free cookies much, but he eats them anyway!
Karen says:
January 12th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Stress can cause our bodies to function in unusual ways. I hope you begin to feel better.
Connie says:
January 12th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
There are a lot of reasons for having your symptoms. I’m surprised that they didn’t ask for a sample (sorry to be gross) but they can test for bacteria to ease your mind. I’ll be praying for you and as difficult as it is, try not to stress about it.
Sadie says:
January 13th, 2009 at 7:42 am
@Connie
They did. I actually got the call yesterday with the results. There was blood found, but nothing out of the ordinary growing. So that’s good, I guess. Doc just told me to keep my appt with the specialist and see what he has to say. *sigh* I’m so tired of soup.
Owen says:
January 13th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I think you should be positive and not go for the worst case. It normally is much less serious that you think and there are loads of reasons for those conditions. Hope you feel better soon
Sadie says:
January 13th, 2009 at 10:12 am
@Owen
You’re so optimistic! Thanks.
Janet Giacoma says:
January 14th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I hope your specialist appointment gives you a clean bill of health, and I agree with Owen – stay positive! Somehow we dread the worst (by nature?) and typically find out it’s something really small and “fix-able.” Best to you!
Sadie says:
January 14th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
@Janet Giacoma
Thanks for your positive comments! I really appreciate it.