What Is Wrong With Me? Gynae or Gastro?

[RanchoRelaxoWithoutRelax]

Please advise me what might be wrong with me (I know strangers online can only help so much, but honestly, I’m fed up and confused so all ears).

A couple of weeks ago I went into hospital with suspected biliary colic. Terrible upper abdominal pain. Scan showed no concerns with gallbladder so that was that. No ongoing advice or appointments so I guess they were content that I’m okay. They did give me some Omeprazole. I took some today after quite bad pain after dinner, however I’m very uncomfortable again so not sure they worked.

Since this happened, I’ve had almost constant lower abdominal pain over the last 2 weeks which feels like period pain. I also get occasional pain higher up in my abdomen when I eat or drink anything. Not always, but sometimes. I also quite often experience bloating and burping after eating.

I’ve never had any gastro issues so this is all new. I’m 41 so could it be perimenopause which I hear can mess with indigestion etc.

I can’t work out if this period pain could actually be a gastro issue, or whether it’s totally separate to the bloating and burping, but does indigestion pain go that low down? Sometimes I feel the pain in my back too.

I think I need to go back to the GP but I can’t work out if this is a gynae issue with the cramping, or an indigestion issue. It’s so difficult getting an appointment I can’t imagine I’ll get one quickly so any advice or insight is welcome!

Anyone?

What type of a scan did you have? I had similar symptoms but an ultrasound didn't show anything. Afterc10 months of problems, I paid for s private consultation and the doc said ultrasounds miss so many gallbladder/ bike duct issues which can only be seen on a mri. Low behold, the mri showed a massive gallstone deep in the bile duct.

It was an ultrasound.

would gallstones cause pain so low down?

I think you're that it's hard to tell if it's gynae or gastro as everything is si squashed in down there.

I'm no expert but just wanted to flag up that ultrasounds can be limited at ehat they show up.

I would see the GP asap.I don't wish to alarm you.
My DM has had these symptoms and she had OC.She left it ages and it was late stage as symptoms can be vague.
Im know lots of other things can cause stomach and GYN issues.However
They could at least do a CA125 blood test to rule this out.

I agree go back to GP - just get a routine appointment otherwise if you can't work, a same day appointment, and insist on more tests ie blood tests.

What are your instructions for omeprazole? Wondeerimg if you are supposed to be taking everyday for a period of time

I have a lot of the same issues.

Although I was diagnosed with IBS 25 years ago. Gynae issues for the same period of time.

Although it was mostly controllable during these years as soon as I turned 45 it all became so much worse (sure peri plays a big part).

I have awful bloating, gas, pain, burping. Pain in lower and upper digestion system.

I have had a hole plethora of tests. I’ve been diagnosed with SIBO and endometriosis which I think is causing a lot of my issues so it is definitely worth pushing for more tests and scans (I’ve had dozens of US scans and the are very limited to what they pick up. I had an us last Oct which picked up nothing, a mri a month later which showed deep endometriosis and adenomyosis).

I have nothing but sympathy for you, it’s miserable.

Omeprazole must be taken regularly, every day. It kicks in after a few days, sometimes longer. Did you read the leaflet in the box?
I would advise taking it as prescribed. Keep a food diary and a stool diary and make a follow up gp appointment.
I am sorry. It sounds awful.

Thanks all.

Actually feel quite weepy reading your replies. I feel quite validated as I felt a bit silly after the US was clear and just went home with no idea what, if anything, would happen next.

Had a severe stabbing pain in lower left side this morning but was quite fleeting. Now feeling nauseous. Both of these were new. Last night was the worst bloating to date, looked heavily pregnant.

It’s a beautiful day and I just want to go back to bed. So fed up.

I had similar symptoms and lost a lot of weight as it was so painful and bloated every time I ate. GP sent me on 2 week pathway for endoscopy and colonoscopy. Not pleasant procedures and both on the same day but I did get the results straight away. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis. It was a flare that eventually died down. Put on antibiotics. Still haven't seen a gastroenterologist 2 years on. I have to ensure my bowel movements are regular.

Please check for fibroids too. I had one break last year and had severe stabbing pain in the abdomen & back.

Menopause stuff tends to come on gradually not suddenly.

I have endometriosis and thought I'd had a re-occurrence but after a lot of thought and a few tests, I think it's gluten intolerance plus maybe SIBO. Probably made worse by strong antibiotics the gynae gave me for what she thought was a pelvic infection.

I think MRI is a good idea if you can get one. I had US but while that ruled out endometriosis recurrence, it didn't rule in anything else. Blood tests have shown Gilbert's but I think that/SIBO can be associated with the gluten issues.

My endometriosis was originally picked up via gastroscopy/endoscopy, after about a year of omeprazole. I had migraines for years and I think too many NSAIDs have not helped the gluten issues.

Gall bladder issues can cause sudden pain. As far as I know I don't have those but I can think of half a dozen friends who have between 35 and 45.

Definitely complicated down there!!

I should add that I don’t think it can be OC as I’m not losing weight. If anything, I’ve put weight on.

I really appreciate your messages. They’re so helpful.

I have similar and am absolutely terrified it's OC. The only thing that's keeping me sane is the fact that, I too, have not lost any weight so am hoping it's not OC. I am seeing GP next week.

You haven't answered the question about how regularly you're taking the Omeprazole.

You should be taking it regularly, not just when you feel you need it:

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/omeprazole/how-and-when-to-take-omeprazole/

How regularly are you going to the toilet (for a poo)? And are you more windy than usual?

I’ve not been taking it regularly. The directions on the box say take one daily, but the doctor said to take 2 when I need it.

Poo is normal (sorry TMI). Definitely more gassy, hardly ever fart but quite belchy which is unusual for me.

Now I’ve read that link I’m wondering if I didn’t listen to the doctor properly, although DH was with me and we both thought he said take 2 as and when.

Maybe we were wrong though.

Your gallbladder can have neither stones, nor sludge and still not be functioning properly. Can cause all manner of gastric/digestive issues.

Omeprazole (and other ppis) are definitely a take one a day first thing before eating thing to combat stomach acid.

Have you had a h.pylori test?

You have misunderstood. The doctor probably meant take 2 if one daily wasn't helping. Always read the leaflet in the box of any medication you are prescribed.

No h.pylori test.

Its like a needling in my lower left side today, a little bit aching in my back.

I’m usually healthy and active and feel like a misery at the moment. It’s just relentless discomfort or pain all the time with no answers.

I’ll go back to the GP but am worried that it’s so vague and variable that it’ll just be impossible to get to the bottom of. (See, I said I was being a misery at the moment)!

Have you had a coeliac test? A lot of this sounds familiar to me and that was my diagnosis.

No, not had a celiac test. Literally went into hospital with breathtaking upper abdo pain. By the time I got there it had mellowed. They did a US and said all looked fine and sent me on my way with a prescription for Omeprazole.

The ongoing symptoms have been happening ever since. The lower abdo pain is pretty much constant and very much like period pain. The other symptoms (more severe pain/nausea/belching etc come and go).