I really need another opinion because I can't get any definitive answers from my doctors on this problem. Thank you in advance for reading my long post - but I feel the need to be detailed.
I began having severe upper abdominal pain (directly under breast bone) in Sept. 2006. Doctors first thought it was gall bladder but blood and ultrasound were NEG. At first it wasn't bad, but began to increase in severity and frequency. On vacation for Thanksgiving in Florida, I went to the ER at Baptist Medical with severe abdominal pain (started after eating) - was admitted - and diagnosed with ACUTE PANCREATITIS. I was told that normal numbers for Pancreas were around 20-30... mine were over 2,000. I was put on an IV and not allowed to eat or drink. The following morning, about 8 hours after the first blood work, my numbers were down to 200-300. The doctors didn't know why I rebounded so quickly - but I was released in only 2 days. While at the hospital I was given the following tests: Ultrasound, CT Scan, and ERCP along with a lot of blood work. All tests were normal.
After returning from FL the pain returned days later. I was sent to a gastroenterolist and the following tests were performed: Ultrasound, MRI & additional blood work. All tests were normal.
At the end of my rope, I discussed gall bladder surgery with my GP. She thought it to be the most likely cause since I don't drink alcohol and had recently (8 months prior) given birth to my first child. I met with a surgeon a week later and he was convinced it was my GB. Three days later I had my gall bladder removed. This was six weeks ago (12/11).
Two days after surgery, I could tell the pain was still there. The doctors have run out options and are just feeding me random medicines to try to find something that will work. All the while, the pain is beginning to increase in severity and frequency yet again. Pain medicines (OTC nor hydrocodone) do not work. I have tried the following medicines: Pepcid AC/Complete, Prevacid OTC, Protonix, Dicyclomine, Carafate, Phenergan and random OTC pain meds.
I don't know what to do so have turned to you for another opinion on what to look for. The pain has been so severe this evening after eating Manicotti that I considered going to the ER. The problem is, it's an expensive visit just for pain relief and no long term resolution. I have not noticed any trend in foods that I eat and the pain coming or not. Pizza is fine one time --- kills me the next. The pain, a severe burning sensation, does seem to occur most often after I eat and seems to be more debilitating in the evening.
The only thing that semi-helps is bending and pressing on my stomach HARD. I can't stand up or hardly breathe deeply when the pain is occuring.
Bowel movements do not relieve the pain nor does belching. Stools are normal sometimes. Other times, diarrhea, foul smelling, green/brown. I don't know if this has anything to do with it or not.
Help please! I can't take care of my son.