My symptoms started in Dec-Jan with a discomfort under my left rib. It felt similar to a baby kicking (no, I was not pregnant at the time). I mentioned it in passing to my GP who suggested food intolerances & was unwilling to discuss it further. I have a history of bowel issues & was told to wait until I saw my GI doc later in the year.
Fast forward to March, the discomfort was also accompanied by gurgling, pulsating, a feeling like there was a fist under my rib and some pain. The main area of concern was a spot in the soft part of my mid-section (slight left of centre) which would hurt, particularly after eating.
I sought an opinion from another GP who agreed to run some tests. I had blood tests (incl h.pylori), stool tests and an ultrasound, which from memory all came back ok. The GP advised me against getting a CT due to radiation risks.
By June the mid-section pain continued, always in the same spot. It seemed to be around my stomach/pancreas region, a gnawing, deep sharp pain & was also accompanied by nausea & pain in my back. I desperately sought more medical advice. More blood tests were done- this time included lipase, amylase, CA19-9, which thankfully all came back normal. The GP suggested gastritis and wanted me to take PPIs. I did not take these. I was advised to stop taking iron supplements (which I had commenced a few weeks earlier) and this reduced the nausea.
In August I underwent a endoscopy & colonoscopy. Endoscopy showed no evidence of gastritis.
A palpation exam around this time showed that the pain was under the muscle as I could not feel it when my abdominal muscles were crunched.
The pain has persisted for 9-10 months and has increased in severity in my back. It comes and goes- some days worse than others. It is often worse when I eat. I feel it at night in my back when I lay on my right side. The back pain feels similar like a muscle cramp or pulled muscle and the front pain is more a stabbing pain. The pain is in the same spot both in the front & back of my abdomen.
I am desperately worried about pancreatic issues. Namely in the tail of my pancreas based on the location of the discomfort. I have a family history of pancreatic cancer.
I know the next step to finding answers is a CT scan, but I am reluctant due to radiation and my fear of an allergic reaction to the IV contrast.
I am aware that with pancreatic issues it is so important to be diagnosed quickly. It has so far been such a long, frustrating and fear-inducing process & I feel I have not been taken seriously by medical professionals due to my age (mid 30s).
Currently feeling anxious, alone & uncertain, which is never nice. I’m seeking support, guidance & maybe some encouragement. I am interested to hear from others who might have gone through similar or anyone who may have an idea on what has been causing my pain.
