Stomach pain

[frankiehoney]

For approximately a month I have had excruciating stomach pain. I had a baby 5 months ago and had terrible heartburn for the last 2 months of pregnancy and I wondered if it was that that was re-surfacing. I have also had a LOT of stress in the last year and through my pregnancy.

However, it got to the point where I was in so much pain I felt winded. I have pain up towards my lungs and in my stomach. It stops me eating etc.

I have been given some OMEPRAZOLE 20mg capsules (one a day) by the emergency doctor and they seem to help, but yesterday I was about 4 hours late taking it and was in agony all day. Normally I take it first thing in the morning and I am starting to be able to eat again.

I have had lots of blood tests, I am waiting for the Helicobacter screening blood test to come back and also one for Coeliac Disease to come back as they said it may be wheat/gluten allergy and IBS. I am so worried. The pain is bad.

I have my bloods taken last week and I had a bad cold and when my white blood cells test came back they were elevated.

Any ideas on the stomach pain? and white blood cells?

thanks

[frankiehoney]

Thank you for your reply. Hope you also feel better.

[thephdtobe]

If you had a bad cold it would make sense that your white blood cell level was elevated, as they are helping to fight off that cold.  There is nothing worse than intense stomach pain, and diagnosing whatever is causing your issues could take a very long time (an unfortunate reality).  I was diagnosed with Crohns when I was six years old and it took 4 months.  Stress of course makes every issue in life especially physical discomfort worse.  Then there is the question of allergies and treatment.  As you are waiting, and this is something small but it never fails me, and that's hot water.  When I have been sick in my life, I have also been incredibly clean because Ill take 40 minute showers multiple times a day.  While I am in the shower increasing the heat as time goes by I can breath and the pain dissipates.  It's not the answer, but until you figure things out, see if it helps.  Wish you the best.

[frankiehoney]

Thank you so much for your response and info!
My gut (literally) instinct is towards it being bacterial H Pylorai, I am awaiting results for this as we speak, I am worried which probably doesnt help matters seeing as we produce more acid when stressed! My doctor will only act on gastroscopy once we have blood tests back. I have also been screened for wheat / gluten intolorance. Its very tedious. I just hope its something simple thats not life threatening! the pain is pretty intense, I was doubled up in pain while trying to push the pram to the doctors - never a good look!
thanks again.

[MeggieMae]

They thought I had an ulcer so I did some research. Those meds can take up to three months to work supposibly. Have the tested you for the ulcer causing bacteria? H pylorai? How about schedualing a gastroscopy? It being in your stomach makese think ulcer, and I've heard they can be quiet painful. I hope you figure it out and find relief for your pAin. Also look up the ulcer diet, when my doc thought that's what it was he said stay away from caffiene, chocolate and spicy food. But I mean stay on top of it, start documenting your pain and symptoms. Someon told me taking like a tums or rolaids along with the prescribed can help also another person has told me she needed to try a few of the meds and mixtures of them to find the right ones that worked. I hope this helped a bit. I feel for you if it'd an ulcer, I hear it's pain is underrated

[frankiehoney]

the pain is central in the stomach and above the belly button. The meds Im on are actually for an ulcer or excess acid and do help when taken - its a horrid pain!

[MeggieMae]

Where excatly is the pain located? Right in the stomach? Did the doctors not think ulcer?