Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Do Pain In Lower Sternum Area With Headaches And Fatigue Suggest?
Question: I have pain in my upper abdomen, lower sternum area with back pain, loss of appetite, low grade headache and fatigue. I went to bed at 6:30 last night and slept till 7:00 this morning. No pain while laying in bed.
I have terrible back problems from a helicopter crash so I take Hydrocodone, valium and tramadol. Recently had a very large swelling in a gland under my left jaw. I was put on a regiment of steroids and antibiotics. I finished the packet of small pills, but have quit taking the huge other pills (don't remember which was which) to try to stop this pain.
I have terrible back problems from a helicopter crash so I take Hydrocodone, valium and tramadol. Recently had a very large swelling in a gland under my left jaw. I was put on a regiment of steroids and antibiotics. I finished the packet of small pills, but have quit taking the huge other pills (don't remember which was which) to try to stop this pain.
Brief Answer:
Gallstones or peptic ulcer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Upper abdominal pain and back pain are very characteristic symptoms of gallstones or pancreas issues. Especially if associated with nausea, vomiting or lack of appetite. The pain can come and go. Food can greatly aggravate the symptoms.
Stomach irritation or ulcer should be also considered especially that you have been taking lots of different medicines recently. Some of them (steroids for example) can be the reason of stomach problem.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. Abdominal ultrasound, blood work, liver test should be done at first. If nothing will be found, gastroscopy should be the next step.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Gallstones or peptic ulcer.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Upper abdominal pain and back pain are very characteristic symptoms of gallstones or pancreas issues. Especially if associated with nausea, vomiting or lack of appetite. The pain can come and go. Food can greatly aggravate the symptoms.
Stomach irritation or ulcer should be also considered especially that you have been taking lots of different medicines recently. Some of them (steroids for example) can be the reason of stomach problem.
I suggest you to consult your doctor. Abdominal ultrasound, blood work, liver test should be done at first. If nothing will be found, gastroscopy should be the next step.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had hepatitis A at 4 & 6 years old, don't drink, and have been chronic anemic for years. Blood count usually 4.2-4.5.
Could these play a part?
Could these play a part?
Brief Answer:
Anemia should be checked with gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Detailed Answer:
No, hepatitis A has rather nothing to do with the pain. Chronic anemia at your age has to checked with possible colon cancer and bleeding from stomach. I hope you have had colonoscopy done when anemia was detected. If not, please have it done. Colon cancer can remain hidden for even 10 years.
Gastroscopy is also necessary in case of such pain and anemia. But gallstones are still possible.
Anemia should be checked with gastroscopy and colonoscopy.
Detailed Answer:
No, hepatitis A has rather nothing to do with the pain. Chronic anemia at your age has to checked with possible colon cancer and bleeding from stomach. I hope you have had colonoscopy done when anemia was detected. If not, please have it done. Colon cancer can remain hidden for even 10 years.
Gastroscopy is also necessary in case of such pain and anemia. But gallstones are still possible.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Went through extensive tests for bleeding due to anemia, came out negative.
Brief Answer:
Please have mentioned above tests done.
Detailed Answer:
Good to jear that. Please follow as in first reply.
Please have mentioned above tests done.
Detailed Answer:
Good to jear that. Please follow as in first reply.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
