- Joined
- Jun 18, 2009
- Messages
- 341
Hello everyone. I have to admit that I have been lurking around here for a couple of weeks to try and figure out if I have an IBD. I hadn’t signed up before as I wasn’t sure I was worthy (not sure that is the right word) of your time and support as I have only been dealing with this for a few months.
In March I noticed that I had some dull back pain along with a cord of pain that reached inside my right hip. Since I have only one kidney (removed when I was 3) I went in immediately as I thought it was a kidney infection. After some tests determined it was not a kidney infection and ruled out some other common ailments. I was sent home with Cipro, just in case. Over the next couple of weeks the pain spread
to my side and stomach—around and above belly button with the central pain where my appendix is.
I’ve had three CT scans, a few internal and external ultrasounds—one CT scan and one ultrasound found fluid in my abdomen. All other blood tests and urine tests came back normal. So preliminarily we have ruled out the appendix. A colonoscopy was ordered, and at the time of the exam the dr told me my colon looked good, and later sent me a letter in the mail diagnosing me with colitis, which I thought was an odd way to do things. He also ordered two more blood tests, ASCA and ANCA, tests I have learned are used to differentiate between IBDs. I also had an upper GI with a small bowel follow-through which showed a section of my small intestine by the ileocecal valve that didn’t fill with barium so possible slimming of the intestines in that area.
Based on these results and the fact that my tummy ‘porcupines’ when I eat at times, and I can feel certain foods move all the way through me, I think this is a GI problem. But others aren’t convinced. A second GI sent me back to a surgeon to see if again it was appendicitis and he said no. My ob/gyn has offered (woohoo) to do a laproscopy so that we can rule out appendicitis once and for all, and endometriosis, he also wants to take pictures of all structures inside to see if there are any other problems that he can see. My regular dr is behind this procedure being the next step, so it has been scheduled for next Thursday.
I’m feeling a bit anxious about having a surgery, that I don’t think I need, where I don’t think we are going to find anything since I am pretty sure it is a GI problem. I also am a bit nervous for someone to go in my belly and swirl my intestines around, afraid of how I am going to feel afterwards. I am excited about the surgery for one reason, and that is my mom is flying out to be here with me! I did some research and have asked for a referral to a new much better GI than the others, but my regular dr has declined this and said that the next step he wants to take is this lap. Ok…whatever YOU want. I am feeling confused and passed around and not listened to. I really can’t imagine doing this for years like the majority of you had previous to being diagnosed.
I am 29, I am a grad student in chemistry, which is why I live in Michigan, but I am from Nebraska. It has been a bit difficult the past few months living away from my family and friends, but I am doing alright.
I am very familiar with the website and I think that you all are very strong and supportive and hilarious. I have been almost addicted to this forum in search of clues and for the entertainment, so thanks.
Lisa
In March I noticed that I had some dull back pain along with a cord of pain that reached inside my right hip. Since I have only one kidney (removed when I was 3) I went in immediately as I thought it was a kidney infection. After some tests determined it was not a kidney infection and ruled out some other common ailments. I was sent home with Cipro, just in case. Over the next couple of weeks the pain spread
to my side and stomach—around and above belly button with the central pain where my appendix is. I’ve had three CT scans, a few internal and external ultrasounds—one CT scan and one ultrasound found fluid in my abdomen. All other blood tests and urine tests came back normal. So preliminarily we have ruled out the appendix. A colonoscopy was ordered, and at the time of the exam the dr told me my colon looked good, and later sent me a letter in the mail diagnosing me with colitis, which I thought was an odd way to do things. He also ordered two more blood tests, ASCA and ANCA, tests I have learned are used to differentiate between IBDs. I also had an upper GI with a small bowel follow-through which showed a section of my small intestine by the ileocecal valve that didn’t fill with barium so possible slimming of the intestines in that area.
Based on these results and the fact that my tummy ‘porcupines’ when I eat at times, and I can feel certain foods move all the way through me, I think this is a GI problem. But others aren’t convinced. A second GI sent me back to a surgeon to see if again it was appendicitis and he said no. My ob/gyn has offered (woohoo) to do a laproscopy so that we can rule out appendicitis once and for all, and endometriosis, he also wants to take pictures of all structures inside to see if there are any other problems that he can see. My regular dr is behind this procedure being the next step, so it has been scheduled for next Thursday.
I’m feeling a bit anxious about having a surgery, that I don’t think I need, where I don’t think we are going to find anything since I am pretty sure it is a GI problem. I also am a bit nervous for someone to go in my belly and swirl my intestines around, afraid of how I am going to feel afterwards. I am excited about the surgery for one reason, and that is my mom is flying out to be here with me! I did some research and have asked for a referral to a new much better GI than the others, but my regular dr has declined this and said that the next step he wants to take is this lap. Ok…whatever YOU want. I am feeling confused and passed around and not listened to. I really can’t imagine doing this for years like the majority of you had previous to being diagnosed.
I am 29, I am a grad student in chemistry, which is why I live in Michigan, but I am from Nebraska. It has been a bit difficult the past few months living away from my family and friends, but I am doing alright.
I am very familiar with the website and I think that you all are very strong and supportive and hilarious. I have been almost addicted to this forum in search of clues and for the entertainment, so thanks.
Lisa
