Stomach Pain, new here...

[JeanCP]

Hi, been watching this forum and would be great if anyone can shed some light on my issue..... I have had a dull stomach ache, middle, for over two months now. I have had an endoscopy, a ct scan with contrast, and neither had any issues. The consultant has said in a letter, no further tests required! But my stomach still hurts! Have booked a follow up with my Doctor, but at a loss. It never goes away, and is never a sharper agonising pain. I have been on a Keto way of eating for most of 2020 and lost 4 stones. Blood pressure, heart, all good. I’m 60 and other than arthritis, in good shape. They have stopped me taking Naproxen, in case that was the culprit, but still have the pain, now on celecoxib, paracetamol and the occasional codeine tablet for pain. Any ideas? TIA.

[bubblyalex]

Have they done a colonoscopy. Maybe the issue is at the other end. Perhaps a gastroenterologist would be good. I am no doctor or qualified an any way. Maybe keto is a problem for you. I do hope it gets better x

[JeanCP in reply to bubblyalex]

Hi Alex, yes, I was surprised this was not the next test. ( not that I wanted it!) as far as Keto, I think it has a very bad press. I just eat fresh of everything, nothing premade. Fresh meat, eggs, chicken, fish cheese and fresh vegetables No bread or processed foods. For fats, butter, extra virgin olive oil. It’s been amazing, and I was never hungry!

[Marionfromhappydays]

Do your Drs think following a keto diet has any involvement with your stomach ache ?

[JeanCP in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Hi Marion, I haven’t told them...and as it came on after over 9 months on Keto it didn’t seem related? Thx

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to JeanCP]

If you've drastically changed your diet I would have thought it would be relevant to your Drs and could possibly be relevant to your stomach pains?

Keto is high in saturated fats (animal fats) so this might be having some effect ??

Have you had some blood tests for anti parietal antibodies ? Its a common autoimmune condition that can cause gastritis but I would have thought the Drs would have tested for that.

I have these as well as thyroid antibodies and RA and sometimes get like a painful grinding like pain in my stomach.

Hope you find a remedy soon

[JeanCP in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

I will be telling them on my next visit, have had a full set of bloods but will mention the above. Keto is about good fats not processed fats, extra virgin olive oil is well renowned for its health benefits, and butter is better than processed margarine? I think Keto gets a very bad press, but followed properly it is just low in carbs which turn to sugar in your body. Appreciate you responding. X

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to JeanCP]

I'm not a big fan of the keto diet but wouldn't want to disparage anyone for following it.

Take care x

[JeanCP in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

😊👍

[Dodo1943]

I’d be interested to discover how did you identify your ‘stomach’ ache? I’m very aware of the several areas in the abdominal region that are capable of producing pain there.

Since the mid-60s I suffered with ‘IBS’ and have a family history of serious intestinal problems which prompted gastrointestinal investigation prior to RhA diagnosis in March 2016. I’m currently recovering from a colonoscopy last week which revealed diverticular disease to which I attribute the ‘stitch’ type of pain I’m suffering now.

I have bi-monthly blood tests due to Methotrexate medication but the last set included a check on my ovaries, so I’m confident that my current GP is covering all angles.

I benefit from high pain tolerance so I successfully weaned off Prednisolone gradually and have avoided all painkillers since March 2017. I’m in clinical remission from RhA and grateful for the phone consultations provided in place of F2F by my Rheumatology Senior Nurse, who advised me to request GP-referral for trigger finger surgery which was accomplished in August after a Covid-19 negative test. I had a second negative test prior to the colonoscopy.

I cannot speak too highly of my Rheumy team and the Methotrexate that is keeping my RhA at bay!

[JeanCP in reply to Dodo1943]

Hi, sounds like you are doing great. The only way to describe my pain is a constant dull ache midriff. Just above the belly button. Sometimes it’s bad enough I unconsciously hold my stomach, but normally it’s just an ache. Thx.

[Green230461]

Many years ago I had the same thing after many tests they gave me a laparoscopy and said I had interstitial cystitis. Had treatment and nothing since! Like me they could be looking at the wrong bit - mine was a bladder issue. Good luck!

[JeanCP in reply to Green230461]

Wow! Thank you. Will mention it at my appt on the 8th.