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Original poster

Please help - so fed up and been ill for months - is it an ulcer/ibs/gallstones or what?

186 replies

kuckingfunt · 15/04/2011 21:47

I am waiting to see gastro specialist after 6 months of hell.

These are my symptoms:

dizzy/lightheaded
pain that I get under both ribs (just under boobs)
vomitting
pain goes into back
2 stone weight loss
occasional pain in chest towards right breastbone
constipated a lot

I can't see a pattern with it being worse after eating anything in particular, it just seems to be anything can set it off. It also isnt horrendous every minute of the day, it comes and goes.

I am getting desparate now though, had every blood test you can think of, had brain scan, had ultra sound for gallstones. My next step is to see the gastro specialist.

I have thought it could be a peptic ulcer, a duodenal ulcer, gallstones, ibs.

Anyone any idea and can any of the above make you feel dizzy?

I'm really getting down about this now - I can't plan anything as I never know how I will feel, I can't work as I am ill almost everyday. I had to cancel a holiday as I wasn't well enough to go, I can't even plan to even go and see friends as I just don't feel up to it. I feel like my life is on hold until I find out what is wrong. Today has been a bad day, pain and vomitting and I have spent most of it in tears to my DF - it has been going on 6 months now and I am so fed up of it.

OP posts:
foxinsocks · 22/04/2011 20:13

They can do though I suppose it would be unusual. Poor you. Those anti nausea tablets didn't agree with me so I have other ones. If you are anywhere near sw London, I am quite happy to share them with you (I know you shouldn't but in many countries you can get them over the counter!)

(you've checked you're not pregnant?)

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 22/04/2011 20:26

nowhere near you foxinsocks but thank you anyway for your offer. I will ask the doctor to change my meds if I need to - the problem with them at the moment is just keeping them down so they do work.

No, not pregnant - I'd be at least 6 months if it was that Grin

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foxinsocks · 22/04/2011 20:57

Grin at least you've ruled one thing out!

Poor you, I am counting down those days till you get seen

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 22/04/2011 21:09

yes, although at least I would know I would be ok in a couple of months if it was that Grin

Thank you, I really need this sorting out. I have spent most of today in tears again, it is getting me down so much.

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haribofan · 22/04/2011 21:29

Gosh kuckingfunt, I have only read bits of this thread but I really feel for you. I can understand that it's totally ruining your life at the moment. I find it shocking that a&e can send you home with some pills when you're in such acute pain with these chronic symptoms. I think if it was me I would go back to a&e and cry until they admitted me or something. Poor you, I hope the next few days pass quickly for you.

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 22/04/2011 21:38

Thanks haribofan (love your name Grin

I was almost begging them last weekend to fix me in A&E! But they said that because I wasn't bleeding internally then I had to wait - it is only just over a week to go now, but that is a long time when you feel so shit!!

OP posts:
alypaly · 23/04/2011 00:00

if your pancreas is dicky, your amylase blood results would normally be high.

foxinsocks · 23/04/2011 00:26

How did they know you weren't bleeding internally if they never did a scope?

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 23/04/2011 10:25

Exactly foxinsocks - they said that if i vomit blood then I should go back as that would show I was bleeding internally. I could have a slow bleeding ulcer though without vomiting blood couldn't I?!

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haribofan · 23/04/2011 16:49

I hope you are having a not too bad day today. I still find it shocking that you are being left to wait like this. You're very brave- I don't think I would cope but then I'm the sort to shout and stomp if I or one of my DC are suffering! Have you got dc to look after and are you managing to work atm?

foxinsocks · 23/04/2011 18:38

Is it 10 days to the endoscopy or 10 days to the consultant? As if it's just the consultant appointment, it could still be ages till the endoscopy? Still the consultant could help more with the symptoms I would have thought (yes and my feelings too re the ulcer - having said that, dbil's father had a perforated ulcer and nearly died. He was literally vomiting litres of blood but it took weeks of pain to get to that stage when it was bleeding internally and not picked up. Not that I am trying to scare you but obv, first sign of blood and you better get back to hospital quick!).

FanjOeuForTheMammaries · 23/04/2011 19:05

I get attacks of gastritis which make me feel really sick and dizzy, but pain is right in centre of stomach..

FanjOeuForTheMammaries · 23/04/2011 19:07

Also feel fluey and shivery with it, so yes it can definitly make you lightheaded

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 23/04/2011 19:24

Well I havent eaten yet today but am just about to. Have had moderate pain but not agony so far. But I haven't moved because I feel so lightheaded and dizzy.

Yes, its 10 days until I see the consultant and then I will still have to wait for the scope - we are going to push for it to be done urgently. If they won't then may have to find some money from somewhere and go private, I can't go on like this. My DP is looking after me really well thankfully. If I see any sign of blood I will get straight to hospital though.

Fanjo, yes I get it in centre too but mainly in my ribs.

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haribofan · 23/04/2011 20:32

Can you phone and pester the consultants secretary? In your position I would, I don't know how you can function like this. Surely you are losing a considerable amount of weight? You could tell the sec you'll most likely need a scope and is there anyway they can pencil you in on the list for it. You could also make it clear that you'd be very keen to take an earlier appointment to see the consultant if anyone cancels etc.

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 23/04/2011 20:35

I am on the list for cancellations haribofan - already tried that. Its a good idea about asking them to pencil me in for the scope though - I will try that one. Yes, I am now approaching 3 stone weight loss the only good thing about this

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Am36butfeel66 · 23/04/2011 20:58

Hi Kuckingfunt I have just read your thread- you are having a rotten time!! I have chronic nausea and right sided abdominal pain caused by gall bladder motility dysfunction so I empathise with you too well.

I really think that as the vomiting and now diarrhoea has been going on so long that you need to get your bloods done again as you would be at risk of getting dehydrated. The dehydration would cause headache and dizziness too. You also need to be given alternative anti emetics.

Stemetil is a useful drug for nausea caused by vertigo and migraine, but IMO not as good for stomach related nausea. I am on Cyclizine, motilium, and ondansetrone for nausea, and the combination of these helps my nausea a lot. Also metoclopramide is good for nausea and related bowel problems, but unfortunately for me I am allergic to it.

Have you tried travel sickness bands on your wrists? I find them a real help as you can wear them all the time and don't have to swallow a tablet.

foxinsocks · 23/04/2011 20:59

They will fix you and you will hopefully put some of the weight back on speaking as someone who lost 2 stone then put 3 stone back on ffs

When I had my endoscopy, someone next to me had gastritis and had been vomiting for months poor woman. I heard her speak to the doctor and she sounded quite bleak that it was 'just' gastritis lol (I think annoying as there isn't a quick fix!).

I really hope it is something easily fixable for you as you don't want to suffer much longer :(

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 23/04/2011 21:16

My bloods were all only done a short while ago. I have been dizzy for months though, when all this started I wasn't being as sick as often so I don't think it is dehydration.

Thanks for the info on the anti sickness tablets, I will speak to GP. Haven't tried the bands although have tried the travel sickness pills to help the sickness and dizziness, they did nothing. They think the dizziness is unrelated but arent sure what it is. I think it is related.

Fox I dont want to put the weight back on, but I bet I do!

What is the endoscopy like? I am dreading it!

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Am36butfeel66 · 23/04/2011 21:58

For the endoscopes I've had I was offered to have it with or without intravenous sedation. First time I had sedation, but I realised that it didn't actually make me go to sleep...just made me feel drunk, and meant that I had to stay in the day procedure unit until that had worn off, whereas the second time I didn't have the sedation, and the whole process was much quicker and I was home sooner.

Each time they sprayed the back of my throat loads with lignocaine which numbs it completely..I couldn't even feel to swallow after about 2min after the spray. You then lie on your side and a mouth guard is put in your mouth and then the tube is put in. They talk to you constantly which puts you at ease. I gagged a bit on the tube but just tried to breathe through it and very quickly the whole thing was over and the tube was out.

They may take a biopsy during the scope, but I didn't feel mine being done. After the procedure the dr was able to tell me straight away what had been found and I was then started on medication that day. The local anaesthetic of my throat wore off fairly quickly and I was then given tea and toast before heading home.

I was terrified before about it, but I would have another one done if I needed it without feeling scared. The tube makes you gag, but there is nothing you can do about that..just try and stay as calm as possible and concentrate on your breathing and it will be over quick. Mine only lasted about 5 min or so from the tube going in to coming out.

foxinsocks · 23/04/2011 22:00

It was very quick I thought

I chose not to be sedated as I react badly to anaesthetics. You should be able to choose so if you are frightened, go for it. I was in pain when I had mine done so by the time I had it, I was just relieved it was being done!

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 23/04/2011 22:28

You both had it without sedation...yikes Grin

I have a bad gag reflux, I gag at anything and everything! If you are sedated does it stop you gagging?

How long does it take for the sedation to wear off? I'd love to have it without sedation but really dont think I will be brave enough!

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CantSleepWontSleep · 23/04/2011 22:54

Oh kf I am counting down the days with you. I so hope that your consultant can come up with plausible explanations and a plan of action to confirm a diagnosis quickly.

foxinsocks · 24/04/2011 07:17

You can't really gag as it's so big. It sort of sits on the bit that would let you gag so you can't.

I also really concentrated on my breathing and watched the screen. If you are at all worried go for sedation! I couldn't on that day as dh went to work that night and I had the kids on my own and my reactions to anaesthetic are so bad, it just wasn't worth it!

Original poster
kuckingfunt · 24/04/2011 10:35

Thank you both. And thank you everyone for talking to me on here - it really does help speaking to people who have been through similar.

Today I have woken up. Had a cup of tea in bed, got up, went to the loo and did a weird poo (sorry TMI), then I was sick again. Since yesterday I have had this pain in my right side, almost towards my back just at waist level. This is when I think it may be gallstones, but I don't know if this is a symptom of gallbladder problems. Oh I don't know, I am just fed up of it all now Sad

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