To not want to be in pain

[Nishky]

I have had a pain in my side for 12 months- I have had scans and blood tests which have not revealed anything.

I have now been told that I should be glad that the tests revealed nothing. Which of course is true.

Surely though it can't be normal and it is having an impact on me day to day.

I have more blood tests and internal scan, but the doctor has asked for these because of irregular periods ( although I am 48 so not a total shock)

The suggestion was that I take painkillers, but I don't want to long term

YADNBU I wouldn't want to resign myself to reliance on pain killers either. Have you approached anyone else to get a second opinion? Is BUPA (or similar) an option?

Is the pain on the right? Could it be divertculatis (or something like that).

I have one on the left - last time the guess was inflamed colon

Doesn't help

Just want to know what it is so I appreciate your frustration and yanbu

They will hit IBS soon

A diagnosis by exclusion

Thanks for the replies- the pain is on the left- I did ask to be tested for IBS- is that possible? Or is it just reached by exclusion.

I do have a health type thing with work so may approach them. I have considered BUPA as I know you can pay for a one off consultation.

Bound are you having any more tests.

I wi await the outcome of latest tests as although it ordered specifically because of the pain they may show something.

As far as I know IBS is basically a GP saying "Fuck knows, lets call it IBS. Nothing we can do. Goodbye."

Unfortunately doctors are rubbish with pain which can't be easily explained by a scan/test. You must keep pushing for help for now, but there might just be nothing they can do. Does it feel muscular? Internal? Related to your bowels? I think with unexplained pain you have to do a bit of digging yourself, research online, take pain killers and see if they help, maybe ask for a referral for a pain clinic. It's shit, but there is still just so much that isn't understood.

Have you been referred to a specialist if some kind? It really does need working out properly...

I have clear ovaries based on scan a year ago

I have consistently raised esr levels which means nothing of itself

I have had intermittent and at times severe pain in left hand side for about 3 years always the same place and irregular bowel movements for years. The pain lasted an entire menstrual cycle 2 cycles ago I wonder it its hormonal

I have not been offered any more tests just told to come back if I start bleeding really

Is yours constant?

To answer a few questions, not referred to a specialist, it feels internal and I do think related to bowels, but I have only felt that in the last few weeks. When it first started last year I did not think that it was.

It is constant, certainly not severe, but definitely there, uncomfortable, and depressing all the time.

Thanks for the advice re the pain clinic- that is a good idea

What is your bowel pattern like? Could it be diet related?

I had a pain under my ribs for ages and it was gallstones- I'm the on,y person in the world to gain weight while having them, typical. I was then investigated for IBS via Bupa, a colonoscopy showed nothing. However my smear test came back as abnormal, I'm fine after treatment but please rule anything gynae out- its very unlikely and I'm much older than you no doubt but cover everything.. And don't live with pain, there's a reason for it.x

Have you been tested for endometriosis?

Thanks Shona- I am glad they managed to diagnose you eventually. The doctor is sending me for an internal scan - so hopefully that will give a view of gynae issues.

I did think of endometriosis last night actually Noidea

I am not sure re dietary hidden, my bowel pattern has not changed since the pain developed

I don't think a GPs strength is diagnosis of something like this, of you are thinking bowels, then get a referral to a bowel doctor (err, I actually have no idea what the name is oops!).