Spent the day in the ER ... and now I need suggestions

[WorkinOnMe 596]

So, I woke up on Monday with this really annoying pain under my ribs on my left side. As the morning wore on, the pain increased until I was practically doubled over. Felt a lot like when I had gallbladder attacks before they took that out 3 years ago. I called my PCP and was ushered right in to be seen. PCP couldn't figure it out and sent me to the ER straight away. Lucky for me, my surgeon was already at the hospital, so he consulted with the ER Doc. To make a looooong story short, after about 6 hours of tests, blood work, more tests, and more blood work they reached the conclusion that they have no idea what is causing the pain. Not appendix, pancreas, or spleen. Not an ulcer, or GI related. Not gas. I had a CT scan, a GI "cocktail" to numb my stomach and esophagus, a prescription strength gas medication, and IV fluids for dehydration. Basically they've ruled out any life threatening possibilities and all tests are negative.

So, here I am, back at work. I have pain meds, nausea meds, and a muscle relaxer .. but can't take any of that and still function. The pain has receded marginally and at least I am not doubled over any more. I have instructions to take it easy & go back to my PCP next week for a follow up.

In the meantime, I am looking for suggestions on anything that might help make me more comfortable without knocking me out like the prescriptions do. I am not exercising (per Docs orders), so that makes me even crabbier. Anyone ever have anything similar?? Or suggestions on something that might help??

Thanks in advance!

[andromache 16]

I had something similar a few years back. Their best guess was an intestinal spasm. Hasn't recurred.

[HopeandAgony 566]

How far out from surgery are you? I am only pre op, but during my last meeting with my surgeon he explained that pain in that exact spot you describe is common. What it actually is, is scar tissue pulling apart (from your sleeve surgery). It can result at any time, virtually from any random movement that might have stretched you a slightly different way than normal. It can be very painful he said, and can last for days to weeks, but none the less it's common and it's always right there on your left side. It is not cause for concern and doesn't mean your stomach has opened.

Could this possibly be your case as well? Any random movement that could have been different and caused you to pull apart scar tissue?

Edited November 4, 2015 by HopeandAgony

[WorkinOnMe 596]

@@HopeandAgony Thanks for the info! I am almost 6 months post op. Like I said, my surgeon consulted in the ER, but never mentioned this. I am hoping it is the case and it goes away in a few days ... too much to do to keep me down for long!!