In a big rut over abdominal and back pain that’s getting worse

[Anxiousamyj]

I have had rib and back pain for years. It improves when I'm on a good diet and exercise regime. I also went through ultrasound and blood work to check for issues. I didn't have any and neither do you. You are fine, especially considering this has been a fear of yours for years. It's your HA Boogeyman. Hugs to you, as I know it's scary, but the doctor would have found something on ultrasound or in blood work if you were that terribly sick. You are ok.

[jojo2316]

So just like you said to me, I think your history speaks for itself. You suffered from identical symptoms in 2016 (and before that too?), which were evidently not pancreatic cancer because you are still alive and well; so do you really think this time is different?

[Aussie11]

Thank you for your replies and for the reassurance. I’m sure the symptoms are a bit different, but it’s reassuring to think they are similar and this is probably one of the things that has kept me (slightly) sane. It’s hard to distinguish between things being different or me just thinking they are! I stupidly scared myself before going to sleep last night as I read things online that I shouldn’t have. I’m away for the weekend so hoping I can take mind off it and enjoy life for a few days!

[Aussie11]

Well that was short lived. I’m away for a long weekend and thought it would get my mind off things, but my son is sick and I’m feeling worse, so we are heading home early tomorrow. I’m having these really weird fluttering/buzzing feelings in my back and in my stomach. It’s like gas moving around, but more vibration type feeling and has kept up irrespective of going to the toilet etc. In hindsight it’s been doing it a bit before this but it’s quite intense today. Does anyone else experience symptom like that? I’m worried I’ve got something pushing on my intestines!

[Hypomania]

Well that was short lived. I’m away for a long weekend and thought it would get my mind off things, but my son is sick and I’m feeling worse, so we are heading home early tomorrow. I’m having these really weird fluttering/buzzing feelings in my back and in my stomach. It’s like gas moving around, but more vibration type feeling and has kept up irrespective of going to the toilet etc. In hindsight it’s been doing it a bit before this but it’s quite intense today. Does anyone else experience symptom like that? I’m worried I’ve got something pushing on my intestines!

I'm very similar to you, as I'm constantly worried about PC despite clean tests (blood tests and an ultrasound).

What you're describing kind of sounds like the typical gut issues you get with anxiety. I often get the weird fluttery feeling in my bowels when in nervous, and sometimes I actually feel it through my lower back. I cant remember the actual term for it, but it's your intestines getting ready to evacuate quickly as per the flight response.

Also, it seems.like you've been experiencing a variety of symptoms you attribute to PC for a couple of years, which logically, does not make a lot of sense given that you'd likely be dead by now. Try to take comfort in the fact that you've felt these sensations before and you're still here to tell the tale.

It's a little ironic for me to give this advice given that I'm "positive" I have 3rd/4th stage PC despite clean tests and no hallmark symptoms, but I know this is good advice!

[Aussie11]

Thanks for the reply and reassuring words.

Today I went to dr, more to just tell her about my anxiety around all these symptoms and to chat it through. I described my pains in back and side and she listened to my chest and back and said she can hear a crackling so has ordered a chest xray to check for fluid on lung. Other than low grade fever, I haven't had any other signs of cold/ flu etc. so she's not sure what would be causing this. She thinks this could very likely be the cause of the back and side pain (obviously the gastroeterologist is looking more into the stomach burning etc. with the endoscopy later this week). I'm happy that she's looking into things more and hopefully this will bring some answers, however of course it has made me feel a bit anxious over what they will find on the x-ray - well the cause of it if they do find fluid anyway! I have kept describing my pain as like being blown up with trapped wind, but now my mind is racing about whether it is actually fluid I'm feeling! Dr also took blood tests again to check for inflammatory markers and autoimmune markers, but also she included blood glucose level in there (not sure for that and slightly worried that if it shows as high this might mean diabetes and then I start thinking back to PC again!!). Hopefully I'll know more by mid week.

[jojo2316]

It sounds like things are happening and that you will get answers soon. Keep posting with how things are going!

[Aussie11]

Feeling very nervous about getting X-ray and blood test results tomorrow. The pain in back of rib and under left ribs just keeps getting worse and more constant. I currently fear lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer, biggest still being pancreatic. My anxiety is sky high and I just want to snap out of it and wake up and everything be ok. I cant get excited about Christmas or even think about things in the new year, as I’m so petrified I will be too sick by then. If I get through this patch with no deadly cause, I think I have to see a psychologist or go on anxiety meds again. I’m just desperate to know that I’m not dying!

[jojo2316]

Not long now Aussie - this bit immediately before test results is the worst -so it’s OK to be feeling anxious. But you will be fine, after tomorrow things will start to look up. Just be kind to yourself today. Keep venting on here if it helps! And Keep us updated. Xx

[Aussie11]

Got results today and X-ray was fine but bloods showed high ESR at 35 (inflammatory marker), all other levels fine including blood sugar. Dr still thinks there’s something with lungs, and is thinking autoimmune/inflammatory conditions. Also exploring this due to my toes turning white and numbish today (suggestive of an autoimmune thing). I told her my fear re pancreatic cancer and she said my pancreas is lower down. This gave relief for a moment but didn’t convince me based on things I’ve read re where pain is felt.

She got me to have more bloods to test ESR again, and also test for autoimmune things. She’s referring me to a general physician specialist to look into things further, and also referring for chest CT (for lungs, not looking at pancreas etc). Weird thing was my other inflammatory marker CRP wasn’t raised which she said was unusual. Has made me panic that this must mean cancer (of somewhere!). My back and shoulder are hurting so much and I’m convinced my eyes are slightly yellow in the corners. I didn’t mention that to dr though as thought jaundice would show in bloods.

Also scared that by focusing on pancreas I might be overlooking something else and that I have something that’s spread to my back. I’m driving myself insane!!