Lower Left Side Pain With Lump

[Crystal Brown]

Hi,

I did do a search to see if this problem was already mentioned on the forums and found some information. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to post under that thread. I guess it had been closed.

I was dx with Celiac in 5/2007. I've been religiously gluten-free since. The docs (prior to losing my health insurance) did a blood test to check for CC, but the blood test came back negative. This test was done at the end of 2008.

Anywho, here's the thing.. I've got this annoying, sharp, stabbing, sometimes burning pain on the lower left side - it's in the vicinity of the ovaries. I've had 2 ultrasounds (the outer and the inner).. the only thing that showed up was some severe tilting to the left. The last test was back in 9/2008.

As time has gone on, the pain seems to have gotten a little more frequent (every hour instead of just once a day) and I've developed what my Mom and I call "the little friend".. It's lumpy and hard. My little friend gets worse when I have been backed up (the big "C") for two days or so. She also gets bigger before my Aunt Flo comes to visit.

I know the response will be "go to the doctor". I'd LOVE to =( But I am without health insurance.. so I am seeking suggestions in the meantime, so I can be prepared when my health insurance comes back

One other thing.. at the time of my dx I was 98 pounds.. in 9/2008, I dropped down to 93 pounds (all while on the gluten-free diet).. and now I am back up to 98 pounds.. but it fluctuates. It's almost like I'm feeding my belly, but none of it is sticking to the rest of me. The belly gets huge - at points scary looking - but then once the BM comes, all of that weight is gone. I'm really confused. I know this sounds like classic Celiac symptoms, but I am SUPER gluten-free.. down to the bone!

Thank you to anyone who can help

Crystal

[RiceGuy]

Well, the Celiac belly didn't find me until some time after I went gluten-free, and stayed for about a year. So from my experience, I'd say it can take some time. However, I think I may have been able to resolve it sooner had I started the supplements earlier. The pains I had went away soon after starting supplements of B12 and magnesium.

Based on that, my suggestion would be to take some supplements. Some of the most commonly deficient for Celiac include B12, magnesium, B-complex, vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and omega-3s.

Also, don't overlook other possible food intolerances. Dairy is often troublesome, especially during the healing process. Other things to be mindful of include soy, corn, eggs, nuts, and nightshades.

HTH

[ravenwoodglass]

Hi,

As time has gone on, the pain seems to have gotten a little more frequent (every hour instead of just once a day) and I've developed what my Mom and I call "the little friend".. It's lumpy and hard. My little friend gets worse when I have been backed up (the big "C") for two days or so. She also gets bigger before my Aunt Flo comes to visit.

Crystal

Have you ever had a colonoscopy done or GI study with contrast that you would drink? Is this something that was always there and has just gotten bigger and more troublesome or something that has cropped up in the last few months?

The advice to supplement and try eliminating other possible sources of reaction is a good one. If you haven't already I would at least drop soy and dairy and see if that helps.

If it doesn't help quickly have you checked to see if you can get temporary medical assistance from your state? You don't have to ask for cash assistance or anything else. Some states will allow you to apply for just the medicaid. Another option is to go to the ER or a walk in clinic when it is prominent and you are in pain. Many clinics will work on a sliding fee scale and if you are in pain an ER would have to help regardless of your ability to pay if it is a state run and not a private hospital.

Your 'little freind' concerns me greatly. It could be nothing but it also could be something serious and I really hope you will find a way to check this out.

[tarnalberry]

A rushed trip to the emergency room and days in the hospital is going to be far more expensive than a trip to a sliding-scale fee clinic now, or even your old doctor. That sounds like absolutely nothing to mess with, and I would indeed say "go to the doctor", and not dilly-dally about it.

[Crystal Brown]

Well, the Celiac belly didn't find me until some time after I went gluten-free, and stayed for about a year. So from my experience, I'd say it can take some time. However, I think I may have been able to resolve it sooner had I started the supplements earlier. The pains I had went away soon after starting supplements of B12 and magnesium.

Based on that, my suggestion would be to take some supplements. Some of the most commonly deficient for Celiac include B12, magnesium, B-complex, vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and omega-3s.

Also, don't overlook other possible food intolerances. Dairy is often troublesome, especially during the healing process. Other things to be mindful of include soy, corn, eggs, nuts, and nightshades.

HTH

Thank you for the advice. I did experiment with removing dairy and nuts from my diet, along with sugar. I did this for a month and the only thing I noticed was a change in having less nasal symptoms, the left side still was doing its thing.

I think the supplements are a good idea. I know I am low in Vitamin D, Iron and Folic Acid. However, before my diagnosis, the doctor couldn't figure out how much I needed of each... So, I'm a little lost as to the amount I should be taking, but I'm sure this is something I can find out online.

I am glad the supplements helped to stop your pain, just wondering what may have been causing it?

Thank you again,

Crystal

[Crystal Brown]

Have you ever had a colonoscopy done or GI study with contrast that you would drink? Is this something that was always there and has just gotten bigger and more troublesome or something that has cropped up in the last few months?

The advice to supplement and try eliminating other possible sources of reaction is a good one. If you haven't already I would at least drop soy and dairy and see if that helps.

If it doesn't help quickly have you checked to see if you can get temporary medical assistance from your state? You don't have to ask for cash assistance or anything else. Some states will allow you to apply for just the medicaid. Another option is to go to the ER or a walk in clinic when it is prominent and you are in pain. Many clinics will work on a sliding fee scale and if you are in pain an ER would have to help regardless of your ability to pay if it is a state run and not a private hospital.

Your 'little freind' concerns me greatly. It could be nothing but it also could be something serious and I really hope you will find a way to check this out.

Thank you for the information

So far, I have been lucky with my little friend not having me double over in pain. The pain is bad, but not horrible. If it gets to the horrible point, then I will visit the ER and pay out of pocket. I wont go into too much detail, but my health insurance is in limbo due to a discrepancy with my prior employer. I have been advised not to seek out other means of insurance because this will jeopardize getting my previous insurance (which was Cal-Cobra) back. Long story short, the previous employer is responsible, but the process of getting things squared away is taking a long time.

My little friend has been growing since last year. I've always had the pain, even prior to my diagnosis, but the "friend" has been a recent addition.. I would say in the last 3 months it has really become noticeable. I have not had a colonoscopy yet - this was something scheduled prior to my insurance being canceled. Do you know if the contrast has iodine in it? Just wondering.

I appreciate the information, I look forward to going into my doctor's office prepared with suggestions and armed with facts =) Oh, that's the other thing, I have to find a new doctor

Anyway, thank you, thank you!

[Roda]

Thank you for the information

My little friend has been growing since last year. I've always had the pain, even prior to my diagnosis, but the "friend" has been a recent addition.. I would say in the last 3 months it has really become noticeable. I have not had a colonoscopy yet - this was something scheduled prior to my insurance being canceled. Do you know if the contrast has iodine in it? Just wondering.

I am an x-ray/CT tech. If you were going for a routine upper GI series you would drink barium sulfate. If you were to have a barium enema then barium is introduced via a tip thru the rectum. In cases where a blockage is suspected, a person is a possible canidate for surgery, post op, and some other reasons, iodinated based oral/rectal contrast is used. If you were going for a CT scan of your abdomen/pelvis routinely given is a less dense barium sulfate for you to drink and inject an iodine based contrast(IV contrast) into a vein to show up the blood vessels, kidneys, and anything that has a blood supply. As for the oral iodinated contrast for CT is used for the same reasons as the upper GI series and for emergency patients. The major contraindication for avoiding the IV contrast is an allergy to iodine. If the doctor/patient feels that the IV contrast is necessary for diagnosis there are premedications that can be given prior to exam. There are also two types of IV contrast.. nonionic and ionic. The nonionic is perceived to be safer with less reactions. The difference is how the iodine is bound chemically. The nonionic does cost significantly more than the ionic. Some CT exams however can not be effective without the IV contrast, however you always have the option of not using the IV contrast at all if there is concern or ask if there is an alternative exam.

Here is a link for you.

Open Original Shared Link

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice in any form. Talk to your physician for the most updated and accurate information.

Sorry. I can't stand it when I mistype something. Hopefully there are not any more typos

[Roda]

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice in any form. Talk to your physician for the most updated and accurate information.

Here is another link I found for you to read:

Open Original Shared Link

Here is a quote from the article about oral contrast:

"REACTIONS TO ORAL CONTRAST

Rarely, anaphylactoid reactions have been attributed to oral contrast media, but these are mostly limited to case reports (44

[Crystal Brown]

I am an x-ray/CT tech. If you were going for a routine upper GI series you would drink barium sulfate. If you were to have a barium enema then barium is introduced via a tip thru the rectum. In cases where a blockage is suspected, a person is a possible canidate for surgery, post op, and some other reasons, iodinated based oral/rectal contrast is used. If you were going for a CT scan of your abdomen/pelvis routinely given is a less dense barium sulfate for you to drink and inject an iodine based contrast(IV contrast) into a vein to show up the blood vessels, kidneys, and anything that has a blood supply. As for the oral iodinated contrast for CT is used for the same reasons as the upper GI series and for emergency patients. The major contraindication for avoiding the IV contrast is an allergy to iodine. If the doctor/patient feels that the IV contrast is necessary for diagnosis there are premedications that can be given prior to exam. There are also two types of IV contrast.. nonionic and ionic. The nonionic is perceived to be safer with less reactions. The difference is how the iodine is bound chemically. The nonionic does cost significantly more than the ionic. Some CT exams however can not be effective without the IV contrast, however you always have the option of not using the IV contrast at all if there is concern or ask if there is an alternative exam.

Here is a link for you.

Open Original Shared Link

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice in any form. Talk to your physician for the most updated and accurate information.

Sorry. I can't stand it when I mistype something. Hopefully there are not any more typos

Wow! I really appreciate the links and the thorough information about contrast dyes.

My experience with iodine has been rash and itching. To me, that isn't a big deal, however the x-ray tech/CT tech always runs off and comes back saying, "Well, looks like we wont be using contrast dye today."

I also have big issues with shellfish - but these are mainly gastrointestinal symptoms along with a heat rash.

In the last 5 years, I have had a CT Myelogram, MRI of the brain, CT Scan of the brain (with dye - prior to me developing the itchy problem) and an Upper GI Series with Biopsy. I have had MANY more tests, but these are the only ones I can think of that may have had contrast dye.

I know the nonionic has not been offered. Is this something I could ask for? I tell ya, when I get my insurance back, they are just gonna LOVE me =)

Thank you again!!

[ravenwoodglass]

I just wanted to give you an additional note on the contrast in the barium solution that you drink. In most cases it is not gluten free. You need to ask specifically for your doctor to order the gluten free solution. It will be a clear solution and thin not thick. Do mention your reaction to iodine each time you are tested, they will most likely not be able to use it on you. I learned the hard way with the barium on a GI test and the next one that was done they used the gluten-free solution and I had no bad reactions to it at all.

[Crystal Brown]

I just wanted to give you an additional note on the contrast in the barium solution that you drink. In most cases it is not gluten free. You need to ask specifically for your doctor to order the gluten free solution. It will be a clear solution and thin not thick. Do mention your reaction to iodine each time you are tested, they will most likely not be able to use it on you. I learned the hard way with the barium on a GI test and the next one that was done they used the gluten-free solution and I had no bad reactions to it at all.

You read my mind! I was just about to ask.

Okay, so I definitely need to have the doctor order it prior to the test?

I just want to throw this out here, since you mentioned the barium solution not being gluten-free... Is it common for the prep for a colonoscopy to contain gluten? Prior to my dx of Celiac, I was scheduled for a different colonoscopy. They had me do a combination of Miralax, Gatorade and these other pills (I can't remember the name at the moment). Wellll, I started the prep and instead of it going out the back.. it came up out the front :/ Needless to say, that colonoscopy never happened, because everything was coming out the wrong end. The doctor at that time didn't know what to do with me, so I switched from him to the doctor who did diagnose me. So, I guess it was a blessing in disguise. I still have to wonder though if that prep contained gluten.

Great info and thank you again

[ravenwoodglass]

You read my mind! I was just about to ask.

Okay, so I definitely need to have the doctor order it prior to the test?

I just want to throw this out here, since you mentioned the barium solution not being gluten-free... Is it common for the prep for a colonoscopy to contain gluten? Prior to my dx of Celiac, I was scheduled for a different colonoscopy. They had me do a combination of Miralax, Gatorade and these other pills (I can't remember the name at the moment). Wellll, I started the prep and instead of it going out the back.. it came up out the front :/ Needless to say, that colonoscopy never happened, because everything was coming out the wrong end. The doctor at that time didn't know what to do with me, so I switched from him to the doctor who did diagnose me. So, I guess it was a blessing in disguise. I still have to wonder though if that prep contained gluten.

Great info and thank you again

Whether the prep had gluten or not I really can't say. In some the flavorings that you add may not be gluten free but the active ingredients before you add the flavors should be. I also became very ill from the prep but for me it was the 'pills' that they had me take after I got cleaned out with the GoLightly, what a misnomer that is. Sometimes I wonder if there are times when that stuff is just too harsh for our already taxed systems. Have you been back to the doctor that diagnosed you? Also when the Cobra comes in do you know if they will make it retroactive to the time that you became not employed? If so you might be able to get an appointment with the doctor who has seen you before, explain the situation and get them to wait until things are settled for payment.

[Roda]

When you had the CT scan and had the itchy rash how long was it after they injected you? Usually any type of reactions happen withing the first 15-20 min. However delayed reactions have been reported. The shellfish problem in and of its self is not a contraindication as stated on one of the links I found and from professional opionins from radiologists I have worked with. The itching and rash after you had the CT is a red flag. If you did truely have a reaction you could potentionally have a worse reaction the next time. I have scanned people that have had prior reactions come in for exams with the IV contrast that were premedicated prior and do fine. However, the premedications are not a 100% guarantee you still won't react in some way. The premedications have to be prescribed by your doctor. This is something that you and your doctor need to discuss to see if the information to be gained is worth the risk. Some people feel it is and some don't. As for what ravenwoodglass said about the gluten free status I have not really looked into it. Barium sulfate alone is a natural occuring element and is gluten free. It is the additives that would be in question. I did find this site: Open Original Shared Link on page eight it lists barium sulfate. The "clear/thin solution" she is talking about sounds alot like the oral iodinated contrast. It is diluted in water to achieve a certain concentration depending on what exam you are having. The literature supports that the barium is better except in certain circumstances that I described earlier. You can always ask when you schedule a barium exam what brand they use and see if they will verify the gluten status. You would need to talk directly to someone (best bet would be the supervisor) in the radiology department.

I was gluten free when I had my colonoscopy. I never gave it a thought to ask about the prep. I was given about a gallon size jug of Go Lytely that I had to mix with water. Obviously it caused the big D. I have had two occasions that I believe I was glutened and both times I got wicked heartburn. That was my main complaint along with the unknown reason for anemia. I did not have any problems with it. Here is the prescribing info on it Open Original Shared Link I have heard of them giving magnesium citrate for bowel prep also. I believe that it by its self is gluten free, but you would need to read the lables for any flavorings etc. You can buy this at most drug stores under various brands.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice in any form. Talk to your physician for the most updated and accurate information

[Roda]

I forgot to answer your question on if you could ask for the nonionic contrast. My experience has been that most places I have worked only offer the nonionic as standard. But, this is not always the case. When I was in college at my clinical site(this was back in 1992-1994) the radiology department had both. It was their standard to use the ionic unless someone was sensitive or they requested the nonionic. I think they did this for buget reasons. I hated it because a lot more people were throwing up. Yuck! Just ask.

[GFinDC]

I wonder if it would be cheaper and also worthwhile to do an ultrasound instead of the MRI? Seems liek if the "friend" is near the skin that an ultrasound would be able to pick it up ok?

[Crystal Brown]

I wonder if it would be cheaper and also worthwhile to do an ultrasound instead of the MRI? Seems liek if the "friend" is near the skin that an ultrasound would be able to pick it up ok?

I've had two ultrasounds and nothing showed up. I've also had two pelvic ultrasounds and one of those showed the severe tilting to the left. Is there another type of ultrasound that I'm unaware of?

I have titanium rods in my back and I know with x-rays they will interfere with the clarity of the image. I wonder if this is the same when ultrasounds are performed? I'm just curious..

[Crystal Brown]

Whether the prep had gluten or not I really can't say. In some the flavorings that you add may not be gluten free but the active ingredients before you add the flavors should be. I also became very ill from the prep but for me it was the 'pills' that they had me take after I got cleaned out with the GoLightly, what a misnomer that is. Sometimes I wonder if there are times when that stuff is just too harsh for our already taxed systems. Have you been back to the doctor that diagnosed you? Also when the Cobra comes in do you know if they will make it retroactive to the time that you became not employed? If so you might be able to get an appointment with the doctor who has seen you before, explain the situation and get them to wait until things are settled for payment.

Yes, the Cobra is retroactive. The problem is that my previous employer ended their contract with my health insurance carrier. So, instead of having coverage with Health Net, they're trying to put me with Kaiser. If they had switched to a provider like Aetna, I wouldn't hesitate at all to go to one of the previous doctors in my group. It's a big hairy mess and the funny thing is, the employer is offering me (a Cal-Cobra beneficiary) Kaiser, but only offering Aetna to its active employees. The whole situation doesn't comply with Cal-Cobra rules, so that is why things are in limbo. I'm waiting to hear back from the DMHC (Department of Managed Health Care) and have been instructed to hold off signing up and moving forward with this Kaiser business. Sorry for that being so long

I did go back three times to the doctor that diagnosed me. The last time I saw him was at the end of 2007 and at that time, I didn't have my friend yet.. Just the pain and the trouble gaining weight. I did mention those things to him and he just said to keep eating. Oh and that I should be fine as long as I adhered to the gluten-free diet. I ended up switching medical groups at the beginning of 2008, so that I could be closer to home. The doctor that dx me was an hour away.. and even though HE was sort of worth the drive, the drive to see a participating PCP (if I had a cold or some other problem) was not worth the drive and the two toll bridges

So, I switched to a great medical group, found a great PCP and ended up with an OK GI doc. Anyway, 2008 ended up being a very long and stressful year - Grandmother was found on the floor in her apartment after 7 days.. she died 3 weeks later.. and then my Dad ended up in a 8 car pile-up, with severe trauma to his neck and a large hematoma pressing on his airway. <----- So, those two things alone required me to divert the attention off of my lower left side pain and on to helping out my Dad and my Mom (her Mom was the one who passed away). This basically postponed doing anything till the end of 2008. Luckily, I did have the 1 visit with the new GI. That's when my 2nd pelvic ultrasound, Celiac panel (to test for cross-contamination) and a bone density scan had been done. He also ordered a colonoscopy and another Upper GI Series, but those were scheduled after the date the insurance was canceled. Again, sorry for the dissertation, just trying to provide an accurate picture of my situation

I will definitely check out the GoLightly (such a funny name) and I'll see if I can find out the name of the pills they had me on for the colonoscopy. Fun stuff!!

Thank you, thank you (again)

=)

[Crystal Brown]

When you had the CT scan and had the itchy rash how long was it after they injected you? Usually any type of reactions happen withing the first 15-20 min. However delayed reactions have been reported. The shellfish problem in and of its self is not a contraindication as stated on one of the links I found and from professional opionins from radiologists I have worked with. The itching and rash after you had the CT is a red flag. If you did truely have a reaction you could potentionally have a worse reaction the next time. I have scanned people that have had prior reactions come in for exams with the IV contrast that were premedicated prior and do fine. However, the premedications are not a 100% guarantee you still won't react in some way. The premedications have to be prescribed by your doctor. This is something that you and your doctor need to discuss to see if the information to be gained is worth the risk. Some people feel it is and some don't. As for what ravenwoodglass said about the gluten free status I have not really looked into it. Barium sulfate alone is a natural occuring element and is gluten free. It is the additives that would be in question. I did find this site: Open Original Shared Link on page eight it lists barium sulfate. The "clear/thin solution" she is talking about sounds alot like the oral iodinated contrast. It is diluted in water to achieve a certain concentration depending on what exam you are having. The literature supports that the barium is better except in certain circumstances that I described earlier. You can always ask when you schedule a barium exam what brand they use and see if they will verify the gluten status. You would need to talk directly to someone (best bet would be the supervisor) in the radiology department.

I was gluten free when I had my colonoscopy. I never gave it a thought to ask about the prep. I was given about a gallon size jug of Go Lytely that I had to mix with water. Obviously it caused the big D. I have had two occasions that I believe I was glutened and both times I got wicked heartburn. That was my main complaint along with the unknown reason for anemia. I did not have any problems with it. Here is the prescribing info on it Open Original Shared Link I have heard of them giving magnesium citrate for bowel prep also. I believe that it by its self is gluten free, but you would need to read the lables for any flavorings etc. You can buy this at most drug stores under various brands.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice in any form. Talk to your physician for the most updated and accurate information

The itching occurred rather fast.. I was at the ER when this occurred and I just remember getting the CT with contrast dye, going back to my ER room (after the test) and then itching a lot. The nurse came in and I explained that I was really itchy, they took a look at a few different places on my body and that's when the nurse asked how long I had the rash for? My response.. What rash?? Long story short, the doctor came in and said that I was probably reacting to the iodine.

Thank you for the information on the Go Lytely I spelled it wrong in one of my other posts.. Oops!

That magnesium citrate sounds like a good idea.. See, this is why I came to you wonderful Celiacs - I can be VERY prepared when I finally get to see my GI doc =) Whomever he/she may be.. I just have to remember to write all this down...

[Roda]

The itching occurred rather fast.. I was at the ER when this occurred and I just remember getting the CT with contrast dye, going back to my ER room (after the test) and then itching a lot. The nurse came in and I explained that I was really itchy, they took a look at a few different places on my body and that's when the nurse asked how long I had the rash for? My response.. What rash?? Long story short, the doctor came in and said that I was probably reacting to the iodine.

Thank you for the information on the Go Lytely I spelled it wrong in one of my other posts.. Oops!

That magnesium citrate sounds like a good idea.. See, this is why I came to you wonderful Celiacs - I can be VERY prepared when I finally get to see my GI doc =) Whomever he/she may be.. I just have to remember to write all this down...

The metal in your back should not interfere with an ultrasound. On CT it will cause what we call "streak artifact". Different tissues, organs, air, bone, etc. have different mass and x-rays penetrate through them differently. The more mass (dense) a material is the less x-rays can penetrate or go thru them. So bone would stop more of the x-rays while they would penetrate or pass through air. So the metal in your back would absorb more of the x-rays and it "bounces" off of it in different directions causing streaks to appear. You can still have a CT with metal in your body.

Yep it definately sounds like you reacted to the IV contrast and pretty quickly. It is good that you let the x-ray techs know every time you go. Your doctor should be aware of this when he orders the tests so he write the order accordingly.

I was really nieve about the whole colonoscopy prep. I took laxitave pills first then drank the golytely over the day. When I got to SDS the nurse told me the doctor wanted a warm water enema. Ugg. I got a real good dose of humility. Now I can sympathize with my barium enema patients to a degree.

[Crystal Brown]

The metal in your back should not interfere with an ultrasound. On CT it will cause what we call "streak artifact". Different tissues, organs, air, bone, etc. have different mass and x-rays penetrate through them differently. The more mass (dense) a material is the less x-rays can penetrate or go thru them. So bone would stop more of the x-rays while they would penetrate or pass through air. So the metal in your back would absorb more of the x-rays and it "bounces" off of it in different directions causing streaks to appear. You can still have a CT with metal in your body.

Yep it definately sounds like you reacted to the IV contrast and pretty quickly. It is good that you let the x-ray techs know every time you go. Your doctor should be aware of this when he orders the tests so he write the order accordingly.

I was really nieve about the whole colonoscopy prep. I took laxitave pills first then drank the golytely over the day. When I got to SDS the nurse told me the doctor wanted a warm water enema. Ugg. I got a real good dose of humility. Now I can sympathize with my barium enema patients to a degree.

Ooo, a warm water enema, that must have been delightful! Oh, the things I have to look forward to!

What do they do if they need to see the bone under metal? I know they preformed the CT Myelogram so they could see the nerves under the metal, but I'm wondering how they would find something like a fracture?

You're so helpful!!! =)

[Crystal Brown]

Just wanted to share that the plot has thickened... I think..

The last few days I have had the big C, this was after a spout with the big D... Well, today I've had two BM's. This is the first time I've had mucus and blood in my stool. This isn't a film mucus, but more of a thick mucus. The stools were formed, but floating and seemed to be clumped together with strands of blood mixed within the stool and a clump in the mucus. The blood isn't bright red or dark red, it's somewhere in between.

Just to clarify, I REALLY feel bad for advertising this with everyone.. Just hoping someone may have had a similar experience and can shed some light on what may be going on.. Sorry for the graphic details, really!

I feel pretty confident that I have been armed with what tests will need to be performed, but would love any suggestions or ideas of what this may all sound like. If possible...

I can't thank everyone enough for your thorough help.

=)

[tarnalberry]

with these symptoms, PLEASE go to the doctor, local clinic, ER. blood in the stool, in addition to a lump in the area you describe is NOT a good sign. don't wait another few days to hear about the insurance issue, PLEASE BE SEEN!

[Crystal Brown]

with these symptoms, PLEASE go to the doctor, local clinic, ER. blood in the stool, in addition to a lump in the area you describe is NOT a good sign. don't wait another few days to hear about the insurance issue, PLEASE BE SEEN!

I really appreciate the concern and will see what can be done tomorrow. I will not be going to the ER though. In my experience, you go to the ER and they just tell you they can't do anything about a colonoscopy, because you need to schedule an appointment with a GI doc. I guess because of the prep, they wont do it unless you're an emergency case (like on your death bed). I think my best bet would be to call my previous GI doc, explain my symptoms and find out if he'll even do a colonoscopy or blood tests without the insurance.

Maybe I've had the strange experiences, but any ER visit or urgent care clinic visit has just resulted in some x-rays/CT scans of the area, some sort of medication to mask the problem and then a slew of the usual blood tests.

I will be seen asap, promise

[GFinDC]

Guess the ultra sound is not the answer then. There is something called diverticultis that might fit the symptoms. Of course it could be other things also. Got a link here that tells some about it. I wouldn't follow their diet advice though! They suggest lots of fiber with gluten grains, All Bran cereal, not good for us. If you wanted to try some fiber, I think psyllium husks are good. If you try them, make sure to drink water with them, and or mix them into your food. Not too much either, 1/3 teaspoon to start would be good. If you want to try psyllium out, I suggest get some and put it in a small glass of water so you can see what it does. It tends to absorb water. If you put in a bunch of psyllium and not much water it will get pretty thick and slimy. So plenty of water is a good idea and not much psyllium. I have some capsules from Vitamin Shoppe I take that have acidolphilus in them also. I also got some loose powder (Yerba Prima brand) that I can mix into food before I eat it. You probably shouldn't take more than 1 teaspoon a day of the stuff. I really think it is best taken mixed into your food or after eating with a glass of water. And please do see a doctor about your friend!

Open Original Shared Link

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Psyllium seed husks, also known as ispaghula, isabgol, or simply as psyllium, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (genus Plantago), a native of India and Pakistan. They are soluble in water, expanding and becoming mucilaginous when wet.

Psyllium seed husks are indigestible in human beings and are often used as a source of dietary fiber. They are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. They are also used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit. The inert bulk of the husks helps provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Some recent research is also showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.[1]

The husks are used whole in their natural state, or dried and chopped or powdered for easier consumption. In either of these forms, one takes them by mixing them with water or another fluid. They are also available in capsules. Over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Serutan, Fybogel, Bonvit, and Effersyllium have psyllium husks as their main ingredient. They may be combined with other ingredients (e.g., Blackstrap molasses is sometimes used with psyllium seed husks for its high mineral and vitamin content, as well as being an excellent carrier). A typical dose is one to three teaspoons per glass of water.

Psyllium seeds are very similar to the seed husks and can be used for many of the same purposes, although their use is less common.

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Points to Remember

* Diverticulosis occurs when small pouches called diverticula bulge outward through weak spots in the colon, or large intestine.

* Most people with diverticulosis never have any discomfort or symptoms.

* Diverticula form when pressure builds inside the colon wall, usually because of constipation.

* The most likely cause of diverticulosis is a low-fiber diet because it increases constipation and pressure inside the colon.

* For most people with diverticulosis, eating a high-fiber diet is the only treatment needed.

* Fiber intake can be increased by eating whole-grain breads and cereals; fruits like apples and pears; vegetables like peas, spinach, and squash; and starchy vegetables like kidney and black beans.

* Diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become inflamed and cause pain and tenderness in the lower left side of the abdomen.

* Diverticulitis can lead to bleeding; infections; small tears, called perforations; or blockages in the colon. These complications always require treatment to prevent them from progressing and causing serious illness.

* Severe cases of diverticulitis with acute pain and complications will likely require a hospital stay. When a person has complications or does not respond to medication, surgery may be necessary.

[Roda]

Ooo, a warm water enema, that must have been delightful! Oh, the things I have to look forward to!

Not all GI doctors do this I'm told. For mine it was an extra step to make sure the previous day's prep actually worked and to further clean out if necessary. I'm not sure how old you are, but regardless pursue the colonoscopy. I did because they detected occult blood. When the did the test the doctor found a polyp and removed it. It was not the precancerous kind, but still glad I went through it. The occult blood was from internal hemrhoids. I don't need another one for 10 years, barring any more problems. I know it is recommended to begin screenings at 50. I guess by the time I hit it I will have two under my belt. Yeah! (I'm 36)

What do they do if they need to see the bone under metal? I know they preformed the CT Myelogram so they could see the nerves under the metal, but I'm wondering how they would find something like a fracture?

you're so helpful!!! =)[/size]

That is why in regular x-ray we do at least two views at 90 deg. of each other to see the area in different positions.