Lower stomach pain - an update, plus a flare

[Indigo2417]

This is partly an update on my last post regarding the lower left stomach pain that I’ve been getting and partly a flare. First, the stomach pain. I saw a GP last week ( different one ) ref the results of my recent ultrasound scan. The radiologist couldn’t get a clear picture, so did an internal exam. Not very informative. It said my right ovary is ok, but left one obscured. GP examined me and said he would refer me for a CT scan, which he thinks will be about a month. So, I’m waiting for an appointment for that. My Pred tapering has been going at 0.5mg per month and in mid June I reduced to 6mg from 6.5. Have had some slight ache in the hips when I wake, but nothing too bad. Then, over the last 2-3 days I’ve been feeling very tired. Falling asleep over lunch and having a nap straight after. I put this down to waking up regularly anytime between 3am and 5am. Yesterday, I got strong aches across upper back and shoulders and felt generally quite unwell. Overnight, both hips ached quite a bit and this morning the upper back/ shoulder aches again. Rang the surgery and was booked in for a F2F appt with a different GP. Unsure of how they would react regarding upping Pred dose, but he was ok. He suggested I go back up to 7mg and see how things go. If I’m still getting pain after 2wks on 7mg, said to go up to 8 and ring surgery to let them know. No need to book another appt. Wait and see how things are in 4 weeks before trying a reduction. He said its a difficult condition and I got the impression that he did understand about it. Quite a relief, really. Sorry for the long ramble.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

No problems about a ramble -and it isn’t 😊.

Try what they suggest, but just make sure you don’t get into the ‘I’ll hang on and see what happens’ - if you feel it’s not working then invoke the flare protocol as described in link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Creeping sometimes works, but very often it doesn’t, so you might need a bolder approach.

Also be aware that the fatigue is likely to be adrenals, they have had even more to cope with recently with stomach issues and lowering pred, so are no doubt flagging somewhat.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Indigo2417 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the advice. I think the GP was a bit wary of going up to 8mg straight away, because he said you’ve done the gradual reduction and you’ll have further to go down again. Also, my last blood test was showing CRP less than 5 on 14th May and I was on 7 then. Will see how it goes. I feel a bit rubbish at the moment, but I was quite pleased he seemed sympathetic and understanding.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Indigo2417]

Yes but if you use the flare protocol you don’t have that issue.. it up, quick blast at higher dose and down again [albeit to slightly above previous dose]. Some don’t get that.. but do it their way and fingers crossed it works.

Bloods have a habit of lagging behind symptoms… something else they don’t always get.

No being negative about your doctors -just saying they don’t always know these things.

[Indigo2417 in reply to DorsetLady]

Fingers crossed, yes. I was initially in two minds about speaking to the GP as I was unsure of their reaction. I thought they might want me to stick it out for a few days to see what happened. But I felt in the end that I ought to keep them informed so that it goes on my records. Now I’ve seen him I feel obliged to try what he says.

PS. Its always a different GP as our surgery is run with locums.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Indigo2417]

I would say try the back to 7mg - but first have 3 or 4 days at adding 5mg to the current dose. That will be less in the longer term than discovering the going back to the previous dose isn't quite enough and then constantly playing catch-up. Have a thorough clean out and then back to dusting ...

[Indigo2417 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, PMR Pro. I do feel inclined to do something like that. Just for a few days. As I said to Dorset lady, I was in two minds about phoning this morning , but I felt maybe I ought to let them know. Then I was offered a F2F appt, surprise, surprise!! However, I do feel a bit like I did when this all started and maybe it will need a bit more to clear it up. Trouble is, they only give me 28 tablets at a time, so if they are checking on how often I’m ordering, I’ll have to explain. Maybe I’ll have to quietly build up a stock for emergencies. Thanks again🙂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Indigo2417]

You do need a buffer as a stock for an emergency. You cannot stop them suddenly now so being so stingy is very silly.

[Kendrew]

Hi Indigo2417

Regarding your abdominal pain, I thought you might be interested in my 'abdominal pain update'.

If you recall, I was experiencing similar symptoms to you.

I had an ultrasound scan that ruled out ovarian cysts...... because yes, as Pro has already mentioned, my gynaecologist also was adamant that you can still suffer from them, even at my grand old age of 66yrs!! 😄

A colon CT scan showed mild diverticular disease in my sigmoid colon. (That's at the left hand side) but nothing else of significance.

The gastroenterologist mentioned that left sided lower abdominal pain that comes and goes is frequently caused by diverticular disease and one of the most common reasons for lower left abdominal pain/discomfort.... and for some reason, it appears to be quite common in older ladies!

This now would appear to be true in my case!

Obviously its very important that all other potential conditions should also be ruled out as one of two other things may also manifest with similar symptoms.

Hopefully you'll find the answers you need sooner rather than later and I wish you all the best sorting both this and your tapering regime out.

[Indigo2417 in reply to Kendrew]

Hi Kendrew. Yes, the GP I saw last week mentioned about diverticular disease. He said if I needed another ultrasound they would give me laxatives beforehand. Apart from that, he said if the CT scan didn’t show anything up, he could refer me to a gastroenterologist. I’m waiting for the CT scan first anyway. Hope your holiday is going ok. 🙂

[Kendrew in reply to Indigo2417]

Really hope you get sorted.

Holiday is going well so far thankyou. Pacing myself but enjoying myself. Son and daughter in law arrive Fri for a week and we're all going to have some surfing lessons!

Sieze the day as they say!!