upper abdo pain and swelling

[heyupchick]

Hi All, I'm hoping that someone will help me figure out what is going on!

I have been getting upper abdo pain for the past six months.  It's difficult to explain, but it starts off with a tightening in my upper abdo and then within five minutes, it goes to cramp like waves which have me doubled up.  The pain also goes to my back.  The spasms can last anywhere between 20 minutes and 2 hours.  Strangely, the pain just seems to finish, no warning that it is going, it just stops!  

My GP thought it was gallstones, sent me for ultrasound and that came back as normal.  I have had lots of blood test, and each one comes back with raised ALT, enzymes in liver and raised CRP.  GP says do not worry about these.  

I have had a CT scan now which I am waiting on results.  Also more bloods.  Looking on the blood request form, I noticed the Gastro doc requested a test called Ca 1-19 or 9-19, I work at a local hospital and know what Ca is abbreviated for.  If anyone can give me ideas on this test, would be grateful.

I also have swelling on my left upper abdo, right by my rib.  Also red spider like marks along my upper abdo.  My doc said these red marks were because i was using a hot water bottle which was too hot!  I haven't used a hot water bottle for weeks and weeks now with the pain, however, the red marks are not disappearing.  Could they purely be due to hot water bottle or something else.  Also the swelling confuses me.  

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.  Or anyone that is experiencing the same would be hlepful.  At least I would know I'm not on my own with this.

Many thanks all,

Katie

[ggreg]

Katie,
I'm not sure, but the symptoms you describe sound like the gas I used to have when I was younger.  After a big meal in the middle of the day on Sundays, I'd get that doubling-over pain.  My grandmother told me she used to have that, and suggested I drink an alka seltzer.  That took care of it immediately.  It lets the gas out that builds up in the tummy, which can hurt and bloat you up where you have that swelling.
GG

[kiernan]

i would ask the doctor to do an endocopy. that will let him see down into the stomach . a friend of mine had simialr symptoms and she had a narrowing in the hole that let food through to the intestine. She would bloat up alot. i cant remember the tecnical term for it. but the cat scan should show it.