Stomach pain worse but already on steroids?

[jetsma]

Had 3 weeks of Prednisolone for a problem with my eyes. After 1week off Prednisolone my eye problem returned so they put me on it for another 8 weeks. I'm 4 days in and my tummy pain seems to be getting worse but the bowel problem and eye problem has for now settled. I was also given more omeprazole to take for my tummy but it wasn't explained why.

The stomach pain is worse than the bowel problems and I have no idea what causes it or how to ease it. I take reflux meds but they don't touch the problem when it flares up. It is liked being bagged up but there's nothing there & nothing to move. It eventually takes over and radiates to my back meaning no position is comfortable. I've seen loads of GPs about this and none help. Now I'm under the care of gastrodoc they won't do anything anyway as they won't step on his toes.

I'm waiting for a camera down into my stomach and cat scan test but have no idea how long that will be. Don't return to the gi doc until end June and he only works 1 day a week so hard to get appointment.

He told me at last appointment, if it was IBD as the biopsy suggested the Prednisolone would take all the symptoms away. As this hasnt happened yet and they seem to be worse if even just for a shorter period, I'm confused and getting a bit scared.

Been fighting this four years now and while I'm slowly getting somewhere with the medical profession, I feel I'm left suffering in the meantime while they are taking their time over arranging tests and appointments.

Anyone have any advice what I can/should do in the meantime? Teetering on brink of madness here

 

[Trysha]

Has anyone taken a look at your gallbladder?
Have you had any tests of pancreatic function?
Don't continue to suffer with this, go to emergency and tell them you can't take it any more.
Sounds as if you need a new GI who will take proper care of you.
Are you near any of the good teaching hospitals?
Sorry to hear you are suffering so much and hope you will soon have the proper qualified help you need.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[Rebecca85]

What dose of pred are you taking for your eyes? As you were only on it for 3 weeks before I am guessing it was lower than typically used for IBD. So maybe it's not enough to give you complete relief from the stomach problems?

 

[jetsma]

Started on 40 then 20 then 10. Am now on 40 again for 2 weeks then 30x2 then 20x2 and 10x2. Am hoping it helps.

 

[Astra]

I don't understand, your gastro won't undermine the GP??
That's bollocks, excuse my French!
I would never take the word of my GP over the gastro!
With the best will in the world GPs are not specialists in IBD.
Speak to your GP, demand a referral back to gastro and start insisting and persisting!
As a UK citizen it's your right to choose where you go for treatment, if the current gastro won't play ball, find a new one, pronto!
Good luck
xxx

 

[jetsma]

Sorry I was unclear. The Gps won't do anything as I'm now under the care of the gastrodoc. It was late when I wrote this and hadnt proof read. The gastrodoc is in no hurry and I'' impatient.

 

[senoraharvey]

I've been controlling my flare with 3 shots of whole leaf aloe vera juice every day & GNC Ultra Probiotic Complex 50 ... 1 pill per day and I have had a noticeable decrease in pain since starting and I've only been doing it for a week. Very happy with the results.. and it's natural and not too expensive. The probiotic is a little $$, but not the aloe vera juice which I think is helping me more. Best of luck to you!