Abdominal pain

[Quuen]

I am still awaiting a diagnosis of suspected lupus but i experience really bad abdominal pains which can occur at any random time of the day. No specific trigger or help with relief. The doctor keeps saying it must be IBS pain because they cant see anything on ultrasound or feel anything on physical examination but it really hurts when any pressure is put on it. I'm feeling nausea, lost my appetite and occasionallyget reflux. does anyone else experience anything similar to this?

[Star13]

Have you had your Thyroid tested? Very common to have low thyroid or autoimmune thyroid once you have one autoimmune condition. Stomach issues are then quite common and SIBO is often misdiagnosed as IBS. Also it’s often advised to go on a gluten free diet as gluten can be very inflammatory.

You could keep a food diary for a few weeks and note what you have eaten when you get your pains. You will soon see if there is a common food or substance like gluten, diary(lactose) or soy being the main offenders. Then cut it out for a week or two and then introduce again to see if you get the symptoms. Only do one item at a time so you know where you are.

[Quuen in reply to Star13]

I will look into my thyroid levels being checked. I didn't know there was a link! I know i am lactose already so i do watch what i eat but gluten could be a new trigger? Thanks for the tips!

[Boeingbabe]

Could be gastroparesis + please check symptoms

[Mctd]

I suffered and still do suffer with a bad stomach and abdominal pain and like you, was told it was IBS. It eventually got so bad that I was struggling at work, add in all the other issues we have with autoimmune issues it fast became a nightmare. I was eventually admitted to hospital with suspected appendicitis and they found a condition called Diverticulitis. I was diagnosed with MCTD last year along with fybromyalgia and my rheumatologist seems to think there is a link between the two. Which came first I'm not sure, but I definitely think he's right. Hope you get sorted

[Quuen in reply to Mctd]

Thank you for sharing. I will have a look into diverticulitis because i am so sure there is something more than IBS going on. My first rheumatology appointment isn't until August, so hopefully they will be able to find out what is going on. Please may I ask how you manage your pain?

[lowraind in reply to Mctd]

I was going to suggest diverticulitis. Please do not ignore it. I did and almost died for doing so. Ended up with a colostomy and then a reversal, and still suffer til this day because of all the internal scarring.

[Quuen in reply to lowraind]

Thank you for sharing. Im sorry to hear that happened to you. Big hugs. I will be raising my concerns with my GP!

[KnitSewPurl]

Just for your info - I have had ibs for a long time over 20years now . And it is part of my life some days I actually go 3-4 times a day . For a few days then it settles down . Then it starts again this week has been a good week so far. Ì have not had any gluten intake this week . Just ate nuts occasionally in the day. And it seems to have helped to calm down the gut and the pain. Had soups for lunch with no garlic or mushroom in them and no bread. Main hot meal for dinner .

Just a thought , Have you had a barium meal- Endoscopy done at all to check your bowels to see if what is causing it. Ultra sound scan not normally can show everything. Hope you can get things sorted out soon ..

[Quuen in reply to KnitSewPurl]

Thank you for sharing. No, i haven't had a barium meal endoscopy. Thats a good shout. I will be enquiring to have one done. I will try staying away from gluten and see if this makes a difference. Thanks for the tips

[Alidoll66]

Yes I get this, I find even when I bend over my stomach hurts and I get reflux. My GP isn't interested, I've just to to wait on a rheumatologist appointment. I spoke to another lady who has it and she said her worst symptoms are her stomach problems.

[Quuen]

I am in the exact same boat and i had the same thoughts! So now im waiting to see dermatologist to express my concerns. Thanks for sharing