6 weeks of pain without diagnosis

[mollieyoung_27]

Hello!

I’m new to the community and I thought I’d post here to stop myself constantly Googling symptoms and trying to find an answer - I’m really hoping there is someone here who has had similar symptoms to me and can shed some light on my symptoms (and maybe provide me with some form of hope)!

Stuff to know before reading…

- I do suffer with panic/anxiety but it’s managed by Sertraline (100mg) - I did go up to 150mg but it really didn’t agree with me so I’ve moved back to 100mg.

- I have had 2 stomach bugs this year but either time I wasn’t sure what caused it, both with vomiting/diarrhea/fever etc so my immune system is clearly struggling a bit

- Over the last 6 weeks I haven’t had a fever, havent vomited or fainted

- I have been checked for pregnancy and that was negative and I have since had a period

So, my current problem started 6 weeks ago, I went to work as normal in the office, came home and started feeling really sick. I’m an emetephobe so I did start to panic and I haven’t panicked in a long time. I had the worst panic attack I have had in ages and felt really rough for a few days (which I thought was just anxiety hangover and it would pass).

I then developed a rash which is called Pityriasis Rosea and the doctor just said it’s probably just a viral infection, which wasnt helpful as it didn’t give me much hope for when I was going to feel better.

When the rash went but the nausea didn’t pass and my stomach was cramping (no vomiting or anything, just nausea) I wanted to get myself checked. So, 2 or so weeks later, I did a stool sample, full blood work and a urine test and all came back clear, which is really annoying when you’re not feeling well.

The pain then moved to my back, so my mid back is sore whenever I bend but I’ve not done anything to actually damage it (I don’t think!) I had a CT scan to see if my kidneys were damaged (unlikely as it would’ve shown up in my urine/bloods, but I am desperate) and CT came back clear.

The nausea is so much worse after exercise, and not like intense exercise, just any exercise - I’m also incredibly fatigued all of the time, sleeping 10-12 hours a night when I get the chance.

There is slight abdominal pain under my ribs on the right side, so I’m thinking gallbladder inflammation or similar? I am waiting on an appointment for an ultrasound but it’s going to take 6-8 weeks unfortunately.

If anyone has suffered like me and has any advice, please let me know! I am living on lucozade, ginger beer, peppermint tablets and my bed… 😂

#gallbladder #help #nausea

[Eivissa]

Possibly a vascular compression? I get pain under my right rib after eating and with exercise/ movement. Sometimes it's so bad I also get nausea. My CT scan showed vascular compressions...MALS & SMAS

[mollieyoung_27 in reply to Eivissa]

That’s interesting, I’ve never heard of that - how was it diagnosed? I know if I eventually need an MRI i’ll have to wait a long time for one!

[Eivissa in reply to mollieyoung_27]

I requested a scan specifically for MALS as I had read an article that matched my symptoms.

[mollieyoung_27 in reply to Eivissa]

I see - it’s funny cos MALS and gallbladder inflammation have similar symptoms and I’ve been thinking my gallbladder is the issue - hopefully i’ll have some answers soon

[Eivissa in reply to mollieyoung_27]

Good luck 🍀

[xjrs]

Your viral infections may have been COVID-19. Many people don't realise that COVID-19 can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and in some people these are the only symptoms, so they assume it is something else. COVID-19 can actually cause IBS in some people or make existing IBS worse. There is not enough information in the public domain about all of this, which is a failure of public health bodies.

Pointers to me are the fact that you had a fever and that you are fatigued all the time (which doesn't sound usual for you).

If you have had a viral infection that has affected your gut, you may want to try a good probiotic like Alflorex. COVID-19 and other stomach infections can cause bacterial imbalances which can give symptoms. Good probiotics can help bring things back in balance.

Interesting about the back pain. This is where I experienced my IBS pain and for me, it seemed to be triggered by certain foods. Alflorex helped me to become more tolerant to a wider range of foods.

Regarding the nausea, try Rennie Deflatine when this happens. It may be due to trapped gas.

[mollieyoung_27 in reply to xjrs]

Thanks for your reply, I did think I could have COVID-19 which is taking a while to shift, I didn’t do a test at the time because I didn’t have the common symptoms. The problem is with these viral infections is that a lot of the advice to get them out of your system is to rest, but it’s hard to rest when you still have to work etc! I actually ordered some decent probiotics yesterday which should be coming tomorrow, I’ll see how I get on with those.

Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it! I hope your IBS is manageable ☺️

[Frasina]

I don't have advice for you as I think the doctors are doing the right tests etc..but I will say that some bugs/infections take many weeks if not months to clear up. Frustrating you have to wait for an ultrasound as that may be useful but in the meantime you should try to eat bland foods (you still need your strength).

[mollieyoung_27 in reply to Frasina]

Hi Frasina, I agree, it’s just the waiting thats difficult for sure. I reckon my immune system is completely shot after being ill so much this year and my body is struggling to get past the post viral fatigue and overworking itself to heal. I am eating and drinking, but I’m sticking to the beige foods, which is really boring, but better than nothing. ☺️ Thank you for your response!