Left upper Quadrant pain for 18 months!

by Lewis R
(Leighton Buzzard)

Hi,

About 18 months ago I had to call an ambulance as I had severe pain in my abdomen on the left side. I was discharged and they told me it was an intercostal injury.

For 2 months i had to sleep sitting up as the pain was unbearable with my back going into uncontrollable spasms for hours. At the time i had bad bowels and a terrible cough (suspected covid).

The pain is predominately on the left side just under the lowest ribs and around the side of my body, but sometimes travels around to my back

I've been referred to the msk team and I've been seeing a private osteopath. Both have strongly said they don't think its anything mechanical

I've recently contacted covid again and my bowels have struggled once again with the pain on my side intensifying especially with the persistent cough that i now have.

I'm led to believe it may be bowel related but no doctor seems to take any notice when i try to tell them. Its effecting my mental health, and I'm also having to take numerous days off work which i cant afford :(

Does anyone have any idea as to what else this could be and what avenue to go down privately as i'm looking to try and sort this out woth my own money

Thanks you, Lewis






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Dear Mr. L.R,

I am truly sorry to hear of your ongoing pain for 18 months now.

I noticed that you aid it is worsened by coughing and sitting up seems to provide some relief.

You also think that this might be bowel related.

How old are you (below or above 50)? Has there been any associated unexpected weight loss or change in bowel pattern? What is your appetite like? Is there any unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath?

What have you had done by way of investigations? Did the blood tests you did include CRP? Did you have a CT scan done? What about colonoscopy (if you are above 50 years of age)?

My thoughts of what might be causing your left upper quadrant pain for 18 months or more now, would include things like:

- Costochindritis (Inflammation of part of the rib)
- Myofascial trigger point pain (muscle pain from muscle knotting)
- Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Spastic colon).

I would not think that a primary problem of the bowel itself, like inflammation or bowel cancer would persist for 18 months without other associated significant symptoms.

Please take a look at each of these conditions listed here and see if any of these fits your experience.

I look forward to working with you so we pin-point the cause of your 18 months of pain and overcome it.


- Omatseye Edema, MD