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What Causes Severe Upper Abdominal Pain?
Question: I am having sever pain in my upper abdomine. My stomach is hard and the pain is like a bowling ball sitting just below my breast in the center. Its difficult to stand up straight and impossible to lie down. It comes and goes but for the past 2 days its been steady
Brief Answer:
As detailed below, please give feedback and follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/55 - severe pain in upper abdomen - hard - pain is like a bowling ball sitting in center just below breasts - difficult to stand up straight - impossible to lie down - comes and goes - but steady for the past 2 days - visited a Doctor - normal EKG - Prilosec and Zantac did not help - Pepto bismol helps but time is the only thing that takes away the pain ...
The problem may be related to stomach/pancreas or liver and gall bladder.
Since the suffering so much I would advise you the following to get an early diagnosis and proper treatment:
Preliminary ultrasound of abdomen to be followed by CT scan of the abdomen.
Upper GI Endoscopy.
Tests of blood: CBC, liver functions, amylase and lipase for pancreatitis, other tests as per the clinical evaluation, preferably by a General Surgeon and/or Gastroenterologist.
I would also advise you to get admitted for clinical evaluation, investigations and proper treatment.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
As detailed below, please give feedback and follow-up
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/55 - severe pain in upper abdomen - hard - pain is like a bowling ball sitting in center just below breasts - difficult to stand up straight - impossible to lie down - comes and goes - but steady for the past 2 days - visited a Doctor - normal EKG - Prilosec and Zantac did not help - Pepto bismol helps but time is the only thing that takes away the pain ...
The problem may be related to stomach/pancreas or liver and gall bladder.
Since the suffering so much I would advise you the following to get an early diagnosis and proper treatment:
Preliminary ultrasound of abdomen to be followed by CT scan of the abdomen.
Upper GI Endoscopy.
Tests of blood: CBC, liver functions, amylase and lipase for pancreatitis, other tests as per the clinical evaluation, preferably by a General Surgeon and/or Gastroenterologist.
I would also advise you to get admitted for clinical evaluation, investigations and proper treatment.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I don't drink alcohol at all, and never abused it. Can I still have problems with my pancreas? When I get these attacks it wakes me up from a deep sleep usually about 3 or 4am. I sweat and get the chills and my stomach is bloated but it is extremely hard. It can also go away as fast as it comes on. Usually lasts about 2 hours or so
Brief Answer:
Get a proper diagnosis asap
Detailed Answer:
Pancreatitis can occur even without history of alcohol.
With the additional history, there is another possibility of stomach volvulus that you need to discuss with your Doctor and get the investigations in this direction too as this is rare to occur hence rarely thought about.
Obstruction of some sort that gets relieved is the most probable cause which needs to be diagnosed.
A proper diagnosis is very important as the medical science depends upon the facts to get the proper management.
Get a proper diagnosis asap
Detailed Answer:
Pancreatitis can occur even without history of alcohol.
With the additional history, there is another possibility of stomach volvulus that you need to discuss with your Doctor and get the investigations in this direction too as this is rare to occur hence rarely thought about.
Obstruction of some sort that gets relieved is the most probable cause which needs to be diagnosed.
A proper diagnosis is very important as the medical science depends upon the facts to get the proper management.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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