Possible Causes of Pain Beyond Pancreatic Cancer
I'm a 24-year-old female, 5'7" with no gallbladder, and I've been experiencing some alarming symptoms. Whenever I feel this severe pain right beneath my right shoulder blade, it’s soon followed by a burning sensation under both my ribs. This discomfort is excruciating and can last anywhere from five to twenty minutes. Recently, I’ve been unexpectedly dealing with constipation when I typically have loose bowel movements. Additionally, my urine has been noticeably darker, and I’ve observed white mucus in my stools over the past few days. This intense pain has occurred daily since early March, and it comes with a foul taste in my mouth, along with an occasional ammonia-like odor in my urine. I underwent a clear contrast CT scan at the end of February, just a week before these symptoms emerged. Since the onset of this pain followed the scan, it leads me to believe that a pancreatic tumor may have been overlooked. I’ve also been struggling with intermittent heartburn, a condition I never faced prior to these issues. The sensation in my back resembles a sharp, internal cramping or pinching. Initially, I thought it might just be a peculiar gas pain, yet it has persisted every single day since March began. Unfortunately, no healthcare professional seems to take my complaints seriously anymore, despite my frequent visits. Please, I urge you to understand that the intensity of this pain can be overwhelming, lasting for a few unbearable minutes each time.
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 3:01:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear that you're experiencing such intense and distressing symptoms. It's understandable to feel concerned, especially when the pain is frequent and debilitating. Let’s break down your symptoms and outline some important steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Symptoms like severe pain, burning sensations, constipation, and changes in urine color could be linked to several conditions, not just pancreatic issues.
- Prioritizing immediate symptom relief and self-care strategies is crucial, while monitoring your symptoms closely.
Explanation:
The pain beneath your shoulder blade, combined with burning sensations in your abdomen, darker urine, and changes in bowel habits, could point to several conditions such as:
- Biliary issues: Since you no longer have a gallbladder, there could be issues related to bile flow or gallstones in the bile duct.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Your new experiences with heartburn could be a sign of acid reflux.
- Pancreatitis or pancreatic issues: It’s understandable to worry about this, especially with the CT scan history, but other considerations are essential as well.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal disturbances: These can cause pain and changes in bowel habits.
The foul taste and ammonia-like odor in your urine may suggest dehydration or issues related to your renal function.
Next Steps:
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Hydrate: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. This can help with both your constipation and possibly the color of your urine.
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Monitor the pain: Keep a daily pain journal noting the intensity, duration, triggers, and any correlating dietary habits to help identify potential patterns.
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Dietary adjustments: To manage heartburn and constipation:
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods.
- Consider increasing fiber intake gradually through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to aid bowel regularity.
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Relaxation techniques: Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga may help alleviate some discomfort.
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Record symptoms: Continue to document any additional symptoms, including changes in pain pattern, appetite, or urine characteristics, and consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider who can further investigate and take your concerns seriously.
If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new concerning symptoms (like jaundice – yellowing of skin/eyes, severe abdominal pain, fever, or persistent vomiting), please seek urgent medical help.
I hope you find relief soon, and please remember that your concerns are important. Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance!
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