Sharp pains in stomach and Shoulder

[flatterycat]

Hello all

Well what a day I've had. Having convinced myself that I have any number of terrible diseases I ended up in the out of hours medical center! Basically I have had awful 'stich like' pain in my left side of my stomach along with the same pain in my shoulder. Anyways I decided to google my symptoms (I know I know!):blush: Reading the stuff I found filled me with absolute fear, I haven't slept, or eaten because of the anxiety rushing through me. I convinced myself that I had a ruptured spleen, ectopic pregnancy or some other dreadful condition. It appears that pain in the upper left stomach and shoulder is indicative of the above!!!!

I went to see the doctor. She examined my stomach, asked a load of questions and then took a urine sample. Turns out I have blood in my urine! Upon examining me she said she thought it was muscular, but that based on my sample I could have a UTI. I have to visit my own doc tomorrow.

Now I'm all over the shop! Still thinking it's something awful - when I move into a certain position, burp or hiccup the pain is excrutiating. I don't feel it unless these movements happen. The pain in my shoulder happens at the same time as the stomach pain, with the movement and is as painful.

I can'y believe these symptoms are related to an UTI or that they could be muscular! Keep trying to reassure myself, but then I feel the pain and the anxiety floods my body.

Can anyone give me any advice? I would be so grateful.

Many thanks

Sarah

[feartie]

I don't really have any suggestions about the pain I'm afraid. Just wondered though if you had your period at the time that the urine test was taken? I once got a false positive because of that (red blood cells found) ~ though it didn't occur to me at all (I use tampons, so just didn't think) and the doc didn't think to suggest it as a possibility until the second test came back ok. Then suddenly it made sense. *sigh*. A week of fear for nothing!

Hope it passes soon...

Fx

[flatterycat]

Me Again

Thanks for your reply feartie. I'm worrying now cause I've not had many replies, so in my fretful mind it means there must be something wrong cause no one can recognise sypmtoms.

Anyway and update. Last night the side/shoulder pain got a little better, but I was then kept awake all night with terrible tummy ache! Right in the centre of my stomach - it was horrible. I didn't feel sick or need the loo, but the pain was constant.

I have now been to my doctor this morning who examined my stomach. He has taken a urine sample to send away and said that he doesn't think there is anything to worry about. He said it could be kidney pain if there is blood in urine, but didn't want to treat me until he gets the results back. Asked if I could be pregnant - knows I am trying - but I'm not due for a week.

I think I have now got myself into such a state that it is too hard to differentiate from stomach problems and anxiety.

Thought I would report back.:)

Sarah

[feartie]

Good to hear how you're doing Sarah, although not good that you're still so worried of course.

I know what you mean about not being able to tell any more what's the original pain, and what's anxiety. I'm going through something similar right now as I've had different sized (and now shaped) pupils for a week and am v worried. I've had such a sore head at times, and have felt so sick, but that could just be anxiety.... or of course it could be the myriad horrible things I'm imaging it could be! It is tough.

Good to know that the doc doesn't think it's anything to worry about, but I know that that wouldn't be quite enough to reassure me either! :-) Still, much better than them seeming to be concerned.

Do you suffer from back/neck pain/tension at all? The only thing I've had that sounds vaguely similar is from my dodgy back and neck. I've got lax joints and especially when tense have terrible problems with it. It can cause very sharp pains pretty much anywhere in my torso. I'm used to it now, but it was pretty frightening to begin with.

Does a glass of wine/beer/whatever help at all? If I have some sort of symptom, a good test for me of whether it's anxiety or something else is to have just one glass of wine. If it eases, it's likely tension related!

Hope the results come back from the doc soon giving you the all clear. And then I hope you're back at the doctors having a far happier kind of test, one where you're hoping the result is positive! Good luck with trying to get pregnant...

Fx (Linda x)

[ItWillPass]

I have had all the same symptoms. I think when we are anxious we produce a lot more gas, which can cause those sharp knife like pains. I have also had blood in my urine without any type of infection. It is so hard to be us. Just to worry and worry and worry and worry. It is like circle. The cramps are making you anxious, but I think that being anxious also makes the pains worse. Anyway, I just wanted you to know you arent alone. Try lying on your left side. That always helps with my stomach issues. Also, sip chamomile tea.

[flatterycat]

Thanks Linda

My friend has different sized pupils - she's fine and is another worrier like us! I can see how you being focussed on your eyes makes you sensitive in that area and then you feel the sore head and sickness. Like you said it is so tough.

I went back to work today, having taken Monday off. It was a struggle because I'm a teacher and have to have my witts about me, otherwise the kids would run rings!!!!

I'm still really worried though and adding to my worries. I have now convinced myself that I have Kidney, Bladder or Stomach Cancer. I googled blood in urine and that's what came up. :wacko:

I've see it now in two parts - the first is the pain in the side that started on Friday. I woke up this morning and thought it was better but I was so wrong! It has steadily got worse throughout the day. Basically when I laugh, take a deep breath, hiccup or burp:blush: I get a really sharp pain in my side, which also hits in my shoulder. It's like a stich!

The next part is the stomach. I am bloated and have griping pains as well as feeling full after I eat.

I'm sorry to go on! I'm just really confused. My hubby keeps saying it's probably a musular thing and that I might just happen to have a UTI as well!

It's so frustrating. I've recently come off citalopram (ssri) and have been doing really well. I just want to get on and be happy again, without these terrible feelings of doom coming over me.

Thanks for your support with the whole pregnacy thing! We are only in the second month of trying BUT have major things against us. Firstly Hubby has recently had a vasectomy reversal (BLESS HIM) and I am 38, so it won't be easy, BUT, the fact that he had the op and that we are trying means so much. So I think if it happens it happens...

Sarah:)

[feartie]

Hi Sarah,

How're you feeling today? Did the kids behave?!

I'm doing better as I saw a specialist today and he *thinks* it's nothing sinister, just a fairly common syndrome, and will check me again in 3 weeks time. I'm reassured that it's nothing immediately threatening at least. It's one of these vague things that can be caused by many things. I suffered from ME, or something along those lines, 10 years ago, and have been mostly well for a long time. I'm guessing this may be a relapse as I've been very stressed and pretty depressed lately, and the eye thing is likely caused by a viral infection apparently (as all my ailments seem to be!).

Anyway.

Don't worry about "going on" ~ that's what we're here for. We understand! :) Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever feel happy and "safe" again. It's hard to regain the confidence of the person we were before hitting anxiety and health problems... but not impossible. I've been there at times ~ all be it fleetingly!

Do let us know how you get on at the docs when you go back. In the meantime, I hope your symptoms ease...

Sending fertile vibes your way! :)

Lx

[flatterycat]

Hiya Linda

Thanks for your concern. I am still a real mess. I went back to the docs and the results were all clear. I told her I was still having the pains and she examined my stomach etc again and then did another dipstick urine test. This again said there was blood in my urine. Anyway I said that I have had this now with urine tests over a three year period, so she said that she wanted to refer me to get it checked out! So now I am really freaked!:weep: I now have to wait for a referral to a uroligist and for a xray of my kidneys! Very Scared. Can't sleep or eat and now having pains in lower back, side and stomach still.

I told the doc I was scared that it might be kidney cancer and she said it was more likely a stone or that I just happen to be one of those people who have blood in my urine for no reason.

I have spent hours googling the symptoms and have terrified myself silly. I found a website with tales from kidney cancer patients describing their initial symptoms. I was holding on to the belief that if this blood in urine has been going on for so long that was a good sign - i would be very ill by now. BUT after reading their stories I have found out that people have been in pain or had other things for years before being diagnosed with cancer. Why oh why do I do this to myself?

I'm desperately trying to get on with things now. At least I have the football to watch on Saturday!!!!
Hope you are well.

Sarah x

[feartie]

Oh Sarah, I'm sorry to hear you're having such a scary time. Poor you, waiting is definately the worst thing. I was in a right old state before I saw the eye specialist this week, but thankfully I'm much better now.

I googled my symptoms too, and also scared myself silly. I felt like I had to be armed with knowledge though, as 2 doctors and an optician weren't very familar with the causes of suddenly different sized pupils. I'm not sure if it was worth it.

Anyway, on reassuring thing is to know that it sounds like some people have urine in their blood for no known or harmful reason? I realise this probably doesn't help too much because you have pain too, but it is something to consider... they're not definately connected.

Perhaps in the meantime you can try to focus on it being either nothing, an infection, or a kidney stone (both common ailments) - and take some positive steps toward helping that to heal. It can't do you any harm and will hopefully do you good! I'd suggest Googling on "kidney cleanse" (and ONLY that! :-) and see if you can find some advice on how to treat minor ailments. I came accross something to do with Kidney cleansing when reading a book called "The Amazing Liver Cleanse". Have a read of the synopsis of that on Amazon, it may give you a little reassurance...

I hope the footie is entertaining and takes your mind of things for a while! First match in the new stadium, right? I've not much of a clue about football I'm afraid!

Take care and let us know when your next appointment is...

Linda x

[flatterycat]

Hello there
Another update!
Well, after an awful weeken of not sleeping or eating I went private today and had the IVP xray. I was a real mess in the xray dept and the exam took about an hour. Anyway the nurse said they would send the results to my doctor in two days. At the end of the session the nurse said that the doctor would give me some feedback. I was really worried then, but as soon as I went into his office he told me everything was fine and I had nothing to worry about. He said everything looked good. I was SO relieved.
I still have my appointment at the uroligy dept, as this was what I was referred to first. From what I have read, the IVP is what the consultant does first and then, based on those results decides on other tests.
Although I feel much better, I am still feeling a little anxious. I have thought things like Perhaps they were just telling me that to make me feeel better?' and other such thoughts!!!!!! Can

[flatterycat]

Hello there
Another update!
Well, after an awful weeken of not sleeping or eating I went private today and had the IVP xray. I was a real mess in the xray dept and the exam took about an hour. Anyway the nurse said they would send the results to my doctor in two days. At the end of the session the nurse said that the doctor would give me some feedback. I was really worried then, but as soon as I went into his office he told me everything was fine and I had nothing to worry about. He said everything looked good. I was SO relieved.
I still have my appointment at the uroligy dept, as this was what I was referred to first. From what I have read, the IVP is what the consultant does first and then, based on those results decides on other tests.
Although I feel much better, I am still feeling a little anxious. I have thought things like Perhaps they were just telling me that to make me feeel better?' and other such thoughts!!!!!! Can anyone understand that??????

The other worry I have had is that I have Lung cancer (I know - I don't do things by halves!!) I have always had a loud barking cough, but recently after a cold I have developed a slightly hoarse voice. I have also had the odd pain in my shoulder and collar bone. When I googled I found lung cancer!!!!!!! I am trying to tell myself that if it was that I would not be able to jog for 30 minutes or be as active as I am - but my mind seems to keeping planting these horrible thoughts.

Sorry this is so long again!

Sarah x

[pippa99]

Hi Sarah,

I was wondering if you ever got to the route of your shoulder and abdo pain? I have exactly the same symptoms of excruciating pain in my upper left abdomen and my shoulder that's really sore when i take a deep breath in burp or hiccup? I've had it for a few days and i too have self diagnosed myself with all sorts of horrible things i've found on google!

Anyway i hope it is not still giving you trouble and you are well

pippa

x

[flatterycat]

Hello Pippa

Never found out what it was, but it went away after a little while and wasn't anything horrible x

[bluebellfae]

I just want to.say I get exactly the same thing, its under my right rib and shoulder. I hate it. also my h2b is having a VR soon, you sounded like me in your posts! hope your well hun.xxxx