Sharp pains just to the right of my belly button

[MisB]

I know all of us are different, and I will take anything said as general advice. I'm just not in a good place right now and with current history not sure what to do.

I've been dealing with 2 places of major inflammation since April. I had been doing better until a couple of weeks ago. Generally when I have pain, it moves through my colon along with whatever I ate that caused the irritation. As I have not been eating a lot, I've not had much pain.

Last night I started getting these real sharp distinct pains just to the right of my belly button in a place that normally doesn't hurt. I've taken Lortab 10mg for pain and can still feel the discomfort. I'm nausuase, but only threw up once. I am now holding down Ensures, yogurt and water.

I called both my GP and GI today, neither is available until Monday. Nurses said to go to ER if necessary.

My last visit in the hospital the GI told me they would remove the IV and let me go home if I could keep 3 or 4 Ensures down per day along with other beverages. So, other than pain management, what are they going to do?

Part of me says it could be a new inflammation or something totally different like appendix or gallbladder and should be checked. The other part says they are going to put me on IV's, run tests, poke me with a lot of needles which hurts because I have bad veins, keep me a couple of days for nothing, and send me home. Therefore, if I can tolerate it, stay home and tough it out. Obviously I'm well enough to type, but then again I could probably type in my sleep. Momentarily the pain has calmed down to a pinch instead of sharp sword, but I can still feel it and pin-point right where it is.

So, with this information, what do you think you would do? Remember, I will keep all comments and suggestions as such and know that we are here to support each other, not tell each other what we should or shouldn't do, even when we ask for it. Just getting a general idea from some of the smartest and most caring people I've met lately. Thanks for any input.

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hey Bev, sorry you are feeling poorly. Have you had a bm? Do you have bloat? If no bm, have some listen to your belly to see if your bowels are moving, if they are not and you are in alot of pain, you could be having a partial obstruction. I would go to the ER;; Vomiting is one sign, no bms or no bowels moving is the other. Listen to your body, if you cant keep fluids down you will dydrate. Sorry I can't help you more. :hang:

 

[MisB]

Hi Pen, thanks for the quick reply. I had a BM early today, and I have bloating. I'm keeping enough fluids to avoid dehydrating at this time. That's one thing I watch for because if I dehydrate they can't get an IV in. The pain is easing, but I took another pain pill, too. The pain pill makes it less painful and more of just a discomfort, but it's still there.

And you are a big help. Having you all here is sometimes the best medicine there is. Thank you. Trying to just hang here for a while to keep my mind busy and I'll keep you posted when I decide something.

 

[Lisa]

Ok - having dealt with crohns' for as long as I have, I know that you learn what is NOT a pain associated with your disease.......sounds like you know something is just 'not right'.....

As for the pain - does it seem to get worse then better? And did it start toward the back and move around toward the right? If so, it could be 1 of 2 things - either a kidney stone, or appendicitis......

If you are making frequent trips to the bathroom with the feeling you have to pee, and nothing is produced, that is a sign of a kidney issue - either infection or stones (been there, had the ER visits!).....

If the pain is coming and going, try pressing down on your abdomen (or having someone else do it) on the lower right side where you appendix is.......what you are looking for is rebound pain -when the pressure is released, if you fly through the roof in pain, that is a sign of appendicitis....again, been there, had the ER visit and appendix out!

Also, when I am in extreme pain, such as the kidney stones, I WILL throw up from it.......

Hope you feel better soon, please let us know what is going on!

 

[dreamintwilight]

IF it were me, I'd probably tough it out for a little bit. But, definitely head to the ER if you start vomiting! Sounds kind of like a partial obstruction to me too, like Penny said, but I cannot be sure of course. You have to listen to your body. The only thing that would make me think that maybe you shouldn't stick it out too much longer is the fact that you said it's a new pain in a place that normally doesn't hurt. Could be something different than a typical flare and may need some extra attention. But, you know best! No one wants to go to the ER, but when it no longer becomes bearable...well...best head on over before it gets any worse!

 

[ameslouise]

New pain that is sharp and stabbing? That would send me to the hosp for sure. Sharp and stabbing is never good. If it's getting better, not worse, I guess that's a good sign.

Do you have a fever?

I usually opt for "Better safe than sorry." I went to the ER last fall and it turned out to be heartburn. Lots of tests and poking, but at least I learned I didn't have an obstruction.

Good luck - I do hope you feel better soon - Amy

 

[MisB]

Pasobuf, Marisa, and Amy, ya'll are the best. Thanks for being here.
Never heard of the appendix test before, but had to try. Just had my husband press on my tummy and it hurts more pushing in than when he lets go. It is VERY tender on the entire right side. Also made me go potty. Felt like I was delivering a watermelon, but stool was very thin. So, I'm having BM, no vomiting, just very, very miserable and somewhat painful. Especially after having it pushed on. I just told my husband I'm toughing it out, but hopefully don't double over at 3:00 a.m. and have to go then. Maybe it will just go away. I'm at a 50/50 right now.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Yeah...I was 50/50 going to the ER when I ended up having my partial obstruction. I was like you in that I was nauseous and not vomiting uncontrollably or anything. I actually allowed myself to vomit those couple times to get some relief form the nausea the morning I finally decided it was time to go to the ER. And I knew my bowel habits weren't "normal" for me either. I was still able to pass some, but not a full BM like I usually am able to once a day. I also couldn't remember the last time I passed any gas either, so I felt bloated.

 

[Jeff D.]

My thing is if you have the idea that you should go to the ER then you should go. I'm sorry it's taken a while to get back to you but I believe you should go now to the ER. If anything you can get some pain relief but having a CT scan and x-rays may be good to have as well just in case. You could have a partial obstruction or any other myriad of things going on right now. I'll be praying for you. Feel better soon

 

[MisB]

Thanks again everyone. Jeff - But you're not too late. I'm stll hanging in there and appreciate your concern. It's been a couple of hours, and it's eased down more. I'll see what happens when the pain pill wears off. Last time I went to ER I was still curled up in a ball after taking the pain meds. Marisa - I know I've been dealing with partial obstruction, this is just a different location and the pain is a little different. I'm hoping to tolerate it until I can get in to see one of my doctors on Monday, either one, don't care, as long as it's not ER. Our ER's here tend to suck. I swear the first one tried to kill me. If I can get through the night and it's bad tomorrow, I'll see if one of my doctor's associates is available. To keep my mind busy, I'm playing with my family on facebook and keep popping in and out of here. This is the absolute best medicine ever invented. Thank God for computers, internet, and the magnificent people here that take the time to share. :ghug: Pain pills working - I'm getting emotional and mushy......sorry!

 

[Jeff D.]

I'm glad the pain pills are working and that I wasn't too late. If you are still having a lot of pain when the pills wear off call your GI's emergency number so you can get in touch with who ever works with him and is in residency that day. Then go to the ER, bring the phone number and have them call the resident so you can get immediate help. Then he can order some tests and pain meds so you don't have to deal with idiots in the ER. Trust me I've been there before.

 

[Keona]

:hug: I know the feeling, Hang in and trust your gut Beverly. Decisions to go to E.R seems to be a time sensitive decision for a lot of us...
Take good care

:hug:

 

[BLM]

Hey Beverly, so having Crohns I recently had a trip to the ER for sharp stabing pain in my lower right quadrant, like appendicitis. When they tested they found my mesenteric lymphnodes to be swolle and infected giving me a diagnosis of mesenteric adinitis. This is simply infection and inflamation of the mesenteric lymphnodes...mimics appendicitis. The treated me with lotsa of antibiotics and pain meds. I stayed for several days before it was safe for me to go home. If not treated could lead to sepsis or even infection in blood....nothing to mess around with. When in doubt go to the ER. Whats the worse that can happen, you get rehydratred and some stronger pain meds, and relief knowing that its nothing too serious. Keep us posted!! Good Luck~

 

[MisB]

What a difference a few hours can make. Pain pill is working good - pain is currently minimal. Been snuggling in my bed with my hubby, 2 dogs, and all you on my laptop with my daughter in and out. My mom and niece have been in the other room keeping an eye n me too. Nausua is subsiding so I re-created the liquid meal the served me in the hospital. Ensure, yogurt, Lactaid, blueberry juice, and a jello. I have to make sure I don't get dehydrated. Things seem to be settling down. Took my sleeping pill which I think is finally going to kick in. I really appreciate everyone's support tonight. I was really bad earlier today but with the love and support of a great family and wonderful friends, I think I can survive anything. I'm looking forward to see how I feel in the morning. I can not tell ya'll enough how wonderful you are. Hope everyone has a great night, or morning depending on where you are.

 

[Jeff D.]

You have such a positive outlook and I'm so happy about that. I pray you get a good nights sleep my friend.

 

[DustyKat]

Hey Bev,

Sorry mate, with the time difference have only just logged in. How are things going with you now? I hope more than anything they have settled down.

Thinking about you and sending you healing thoughts and :hug::hug::hug:

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Sophia]

How do you feel?

Hi,

I really hope you are feeling a bit better now! It's a good idea to ask for advice here, it seems that lots of people have experience with this and it's always good to learn from others.

Do you have a fever? I have found that if I have sharp pains like that and they come with a fever too (not necessarily extremely high, but like 38 degrees), then I am more alarmed than if the pains come alone.

If the pain is really strong and almost unbearable for you, I would not be in doubt - I would go to the ER to have it checked out. Better safe than sorry, right?

Like others have said, I think we have an intuition when it comes to our pains after having Crohn's/IBD for a while, so we "know" when the symptoms are/can be related or not.

I don't know if this is comparable to the pain you are feeling, but two weeks ago I had a sharp pain in my right side below my rib cage and down to my navel. When I walked, coughed or moved it would get worse. I was a bit concerned as I had never had this type of pain before, and it came with a fever too. However the pain was not unbearable, so I just let it be and was careful for the upcoming days. It disappeared after three days, and I'm fine now.


I really wish you all the best, and I hope your pain ceases soon! Good luck!

Big hug,

 

[dreamintwilight]

Ah, yes. Florida hospitals. I keep forgetting you are there. My mom had her fair share of terrible hospital experiences when she went through her cancer treatments and those weren't even ER services. So, I understand where you are coming from. Glad to hear the pain pills are working and hopefully you slept well last night. Just take it easy this weekend

 

[Astra]

Hiya Beverly
hope you're doing ok now?
with the time diff, only just come on, hope I'm not too late?
I agree with others, we know our bodies and our pain don't we? anything new or different and we tailspin!
I was blocked back in Jan and bloody hell! did I know it! The GP came to my house and pressed my tummy then had to scrape me off the ceiling! then he phoned an ambulance!
Prior to that, I was projectile vomiting and violent D, hadn't 'been' for 4 days and when I did it was urgency but nowt came out! only little malteser sized balls! ha ha
glad I went to A&E, they saved my life, I was gonna perforate and the gastro told I had an infection and CRP was 261.
just follow your gut instinct but do not ignore vomiting, sure sign of blockage
hope you're ok, take care
Joan xxx

 

[MisB]

Just a quick note to tell you all I'm feeling better. The sharp pain is gone, I just feel like I've been hit by a truck. I finally got some sleep and just got up a little while ago. Having my liquids for breakfast and watching a movie with my mom and niece. I'm due for a pain pill, but don't need it, thank God. So, I'm just chilling for the day. I'll be checking the forum later, but for now, just enjoying the fact that I'm not in pain and still at home. Thanks for being here everyone. I made it through this without the ER!!!!!!! Ya'll are the best.

 

[Jeff D.]

I'm glad you aren't in pain and that you didn't have to go to the ER. I hope your pain stays away and that you can get the hit by a bus feeling to go away soon.

 

[Astra]

Great news, let's hope it stays away
chillax Beverly
xxx

 

[gidget29]

Hi Beverly,
I am new to this but hurt like that three weeks ago when i went to the ER. They found inflammation and put me on IV with Flagyl and I was in such pain that they gave me morphine, then a stronger one (Dalatan) when it did not ease off. That is what led to my colonoscopy yesterday. If you hurt bad enough, they will at least give you pain meds and keep you a couple of days like they did me. You are probably having a flair up! I don't give good IV's either but you do what you must if the pain does not ease up. I know it is frustrating. I am hurting as I type, but trying to keep my mind off of it! Hope you feel better soon, and will be praying for you!

 

[Sophia]

Great news, dear! Hope you stay well now! Watching movies with mummy sounds nice. I should do that, too when I get the chance!

xoxo