Beginning of a flare

beginning of a flare

I'm on day 3 of moderate to severe pain and low grade fever. The pain is in lower left abdomen and is a burning, stabbing type pain along with the usual contraction type pain across my belly button. I feel like I need to throw up but i'm not nauseaus. I can't sleep because the pain wakes me up. The only thing that makes me feel better is a hot bath or heating pad. Very temporary relief. I just want an answer to what causes these episodes. I don't care if they call it IBS, Crohns, diverticulits or whatever! I know I'm not crazy and that this pain is real and it keeps me from doing things I want to do. I'm sorry for whining. I know most on here are having much bigger problems than I do. Just really tired and frustrated. If there is nothing "wrong" with me, then I want to feel better!!

Hi cb323
Pain is the body's way of warning us something is wrong and causes visits to doctors
to find out what is happening and what can be done to correct it.
Your pain needs to be properly investigated by a specialist GI.
Have you had a colonoscopy and blood work ?
Blood tests can sometimes indicate internal inflammation but if negative does not rule out inflammatory conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.
Very often the colonoscopy will show causes,but again is not absolute.
Try to see a GI for evaluation.
Do not continue to suffer without knowing what is wrong.
And no you are not a whiner.The forum is here to help you and I am sure there will be others along to help and advise you.
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

Trysha, I've had all kinds of test this year. CT's showed narrowing, pill cam only showed minimal inflammation. Scopes and biopsies were normal. I live in a large medical community and have seen 2 great GI's. Either there is nothing to be found or I'm going to be one of the hard to to diagnose. I have a long history of tummy problems but this year I can't shake it. I lost almost 50 lbs in 6 months. Frequent fever, pain and diarrhea. I could except an IBS dx since they can't find anything but I've been told the weight loss and fever don't go along with that dx. I don't know. I just feel like if I knew what caused the problems, I could help prevent it. Thanks for your support.

Hi cb323,
Some of your symptoms are suggestive of IBD., certainly not of IBS although it is possible to have both.
Hopefully you are still being investigated by the GI.
I have crohn's but also have IBS can be confusing at times.
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

CB, so sorry to hear you're starting to flare. It's such an awful feeling to know a flare is starting. You don't need to apologize, you're not whining. And just because there may be others who have it worse than you, that doesn't mean your problems aren't real and aren't awful too. Have you called your doctor? I always call my GI when I'm in a flare, as he likes to do tests when I'm flaring. I think that there is a better chance of getting a positive result from tests when you're flaring, so if you haven't called the doc yet, please do soon!

You said you know the pain is real and that you're not crazy, and that's absolutely true, you're not crazy and it is real. But I'm wondering why you said that - are you perhaps implying that your doctor makes you feel crazy or that it's not real pain? If so, time to start looking for a new doctor! I hope that's not the case and that I'm just reading too much between the lines. Anyway, I'm rambling now - but I really hope this flare isn't a bad one and that you can get to feeling better soon. Hang in there, sending you a big hug!

Thanks Cat. I had one doctor tell me that I was just depressed and that my stomach wouldn't get better until I got my head straight. He said it was just ibs and that i would just have to live with it. I don't see him anymore. My current doctor says he knows its not just in my head and seems concerned. Everytime a test comes back normal, I start to doubt myself and feel like the doctors do too. I mean, if they can't find anything then there must not be anything to find. After finding this forum I know that's not true. I never had any idea that it could be so difficult to get a diagnosis. I've started to feel a little better. I have stuck to just liquids for a couple of days now and it seems to be helping. I haven't called the dr yet. If it gets any worse i will put in a call. Thanks for again for your hugs and support.

CB...hang in there. I know...easier said than done. I think i'm starting another flare too...so misery loves company, right?! Well, not really...I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but my point is that you're definately not alone.
My doctor had been great up until this last visit, when I commented that I felt like someone had switched my energy to the 'off' position. His comment as he walks out of the room is 'oh, well, maybe it's the weather'. Um - HELLO??! I felt like asking him if he REALLY did just say that. So I think that my doctor is now also beginning to think some of my complaints are imaginary. If this is what he leans towards during my next visit, you can be sure i'm going to start looking for someone else. It's our right to have a doctor LISTEN to us and try to work with us.
If it's any consolation, my symptoms are almost exactly as you describe them. So...you're NOT crazy, not imagining it. It's valid. Keep going until someone LISTENS to you and is willing to work with you.
I wish you a short flare, at least one solid nights' sleep, and a decent doctor appointment to get the ball rolling. Take care of you. Here's hoping that tomorrow will be a better day! :hippy:

Thanks for the encouragment Ever. Isn't it sad that we find some comfort when someone else has the same symptoms. It does somehow make it seem more legitimate. Less crazy! I read your story and we do have a lot of similar symptoms. I agree with you, I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Except maybe my doctor just for a day so that he would understand what I am feeling! I really do like my doctor and I think he is also frustrated with no answer. I hope you don't have a bad flare and feel better soon.