It began 20 years ago. I took my mother to the ER because she had horrible abdominal pain with vomitting and diarrhea. She was diagnosed with a pancreatic infection, given antibiotics, and sent home.
Twent years later and countless visits to ERs, urgent care clinics, private doctors, pharmacists, countless tests and exams, we don't know what it is.
Her symptoms: every two to three months or so she gets horrible abdominal pain with vomitting and diarrhea. She feels bloated and the hearburn is uncontrollable. Bowel movements don't really relieve the pain or bloating for long. She describes the pain as sharp and intense and her guts feel as though they will explode.
Her current doctor (one of many) has ordered countless blood tests, upper GI, colonoscopy, etc...all they have found is that she has motility problems and/or divurticulitis...they are not sure. Either way, nothing helps!
My mother has modified her diet countless times and has resorted to eating mashed up food to relieve her symptoms. She has been prescribed several medications and nothings helps.
The symptoms will go away for a few months and then they come back with a vengeance. Usually pain medication is all her doctor gives her.
My mother has type II diabetes and high blood pressure. Both are under control and do not cause her any problems. She was once diagnosed with fibromyalgia and depression. Another doctor contested that diagnosis and said she only had mild arthritis. In the mean time, he hands and legs swell to a very painful level. All she is given is anti inflammatory meds along with pain meds.
Does any of this sound familiar? Any suggestions?
Thank you for writing, Daughter.
It seems that you are trying to help your mom deal with, and sort out, quite a few complex medical issues. Has she ever been told that she may have inflammatory bowel disease? I ask, because, from the information you've have provided, it doesn't seem as if IBD is at the root of your mother's problems. Please realize however, that although MyIBDCentral.com is a site dedicated to information and issues related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we can not diagnose medical conditions.
I understand that you wanted to share your her situation with others, and hopefully, get some helpful feedback. I suggest that you contact the internal medicine department at the university medical center closest to your home, and try to get the first available appointment with the department chairperson.
In the meantime, I think you will find HealthCentral.com's "A-Z Health Encyclopedia" helpful:
www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/408/index_A.html
My best.
Hope