I'm Back ... Again... and Scared

Updated on October 19, 2009
S.F. asks from Charlotte, NC
21 answers

you can look back on my past requests... gall bladder, etc., and yesterday I had a hida scan that came back negative. Now, tomorrow I go for abdominal/pelvic CT scan and I'm so scared. Crying all the time, and nervous that this may reveal something awful. I'm TRYING to be positive.... it's hard. I love my life, I love my kids (3 and 11) and want to be here for them and healthy. I guess what I am looking for in the mom community is some encouragement. I'm losing my mind. The pain is there and I'm scared.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Had the CT today with contrast. NASTY stuff to drink, and two GIANT cups full. CT results were called back to me about 3 hours later. Revealing a benign cyst on my left ovary and benign cyst on my liver. So - I'm being referred to a GI for the abdominal issues since nothing outstanding shows on the CT with my intestines and bowels. Who knows what the cause is at this point, but I'm thanking GOD for a decent outcome on the CT. Thanks for all of your encouragement and prayers. You all ROCK.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Huntington on

hello i was wondering have they checked for kidney stones yet.also have they checked for sugar levels.or for diverticultus. i had gallbaldder pain and it sounds like you have it to me. they took mine out.just dont panic they will find the problem.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from Raleigh on

I agree, PRAY and ask God to not only ease your anxiety but to heal you. Ask him to find the doctor who will reveal what is going on in your body. Hey it can't hurt right?

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.A.

answers from Miami on

Sarah I am new here to the mamapedia but from what it seems I know God has every reason why he invented this place for mothers. God loves you and knows what he has in store for you, every day you have thank him for it and thank him for what special gifts he has given you (your children). I will pray for you and your family but dont think negative and know that everything that he puts you through is because he has a mission in life for you and when it is time he will reveal it to you. God bless you and be strong, remember you are not alone he is holding your hand every step of the way!

V.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.D.

answers from New York on

Hi Sara,
I really feel for you...anxiety is so powerful and mind bending that unless you have really experienced it, you just do not know what it like. You feel imprisoned by your own scary and thoughts and while other people think you are being irrational, all of these thoughts are totally rational to you. I totally get it. You are not going crazy, you are not freaking out, it sounds like the anxiety just went above the level of normal that can be dealt with. I too always think the worst and fear if I do not that the worst will actually happen. The problem is that the worst actually does happen (yet seldom) and that is always my thought. I read that 85% of the bad things that you think about will not happen...yet my anxious mind always thinks the things I am worrying about are in that 15%..Ha! Message me if you want to talk further since I know what you are going through. About your pain, it really sounds benign to me and if you have all the scans that is promising. I used to get sever pain in the front and in my back after eating a really heavy and garlicy dish and then once when I swallowed pills without water...i think my gi tract was so irritated and that the pain radiated all over. I thought it was gallbladder worse and then yes I went in to bigger and better things....like esoph cancer. please! it was heartburn and maybe even a hiatal hernia. Once I was dizzy for about a month and I went to my doctor, she know I freak out so she sent for a brain catscan. Yep, nothing was wrong...I convinced my self I had ms and a brain tumor. I figured out it was from reading too much while lying down. Geez! Honestly, people that do not think like this think it is totally irrational, but to me it is very real and I accept that and get it.
Take care and let us know what happens!

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from Nashville on

I've been thru what you are going thru. Actually I'm still going thru it. I had the hida scan and even though it only showed minor problems with my gallbladder I eventually elected to have it out. The surgeon said the gallbladder was definitely diseased and had some stones. If I hadn't elected to have it out then I would have eventually had to have it out in an emergency situation and by then it could have affected my liver and pancreas. I've also had the abdominal CT scan, 3 times. The hardest part is drinking the nasty stuff before hand and they may also put in an IV with some contrast. Mine showed narrowing in my small intestine and now after my 4th colonoscopy they had diagnosed me with severe Crohn's disease. I'm still waiting on some biopsies and taking steroids but they will be starting me on some IV meds soon that are supposed to really help with it. Have you had diarhea with the pain? or constipation? I have diarhea, 10 to 12 liquid bowel movements a day. I think I know where every bathroom is in Nashville and Hermitage. Let your kids comfort you. Nothing calms me down and helps me relax more than snuggling with my 4 year old daughter. Your 11 year old might not snuggle with you but he could help you do things around the house. My stepdaughter at that age loved to help me cook and bake. Or start a hobby together. Nothing distracts me from my problems more than doing something with my daughter. This weekend we built a doghouse and tonight we are going to make ghosts for our trees for Halloween. You can also contact me if you would like to talk. I have real wide shoulders for crying and support.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.G.

answers from Louisville on

Sarah,
Not to try to diminish the seriousness of your pain or the test but this is quite a common procedure. The HIDA goes by several names but is commonly called a gallbladder scan, and they are done everyday across the nation. The purpose of the hida, as you probably already know, is to determine if there is a blockage in the bile duct. This can be anything from fatty tissue to a tumor. (Don't panic! Almost all tumors are benign - non-cancerous - and not life-threatening.)

The good news is, it sounds as though you are in good hands. Your doctor is being thorough in his or her diagnostics.
The pelvic is simply expanding the search to a broader area (kidneys, bladder, stomach, uterus, etc.). Again, this test may find any one of a number of problems - almost all of them benign; almost all of them readily treatable. Those that are not? More good news, surgery can correct the condition and you should be good as new in a 6 - 8 weeks! In the unlikely (albeit possible) cases where more extensive treatment is necessary, long-term treatment is available and you should still be able to dance at your three-year old's wedding and babysit his kids!

The worst thing you can do is to worry and agonize over the worst case scenarios. Worry causes stress. Stress creates a chemical imbalance in the body & produces harmful enxymes into the system (which can result in ulcers and other problems). Even worse, if you do require surgery, the added stress can hinder recovery. So try not to stress. If you trust your doctor, take your questions and concerns to him or her. Ask what the long-term indications might be and what your options are for whatever the diagnosis. If you don't trust your doctor, or if your doctor is not readily accessible for conversation during visits, you probably need a new doctor... one you can talk to and confide in.

SOAP BOX ALERT: Don't ever feel you have to stay with a particular doctor just because you have been a patient for a long time. You are an equal (if not greater) partner in your health care and, if your doctor doesn't see it that way, you need a new doctor. Don't ever be afraid to question a doctor's dgX or to ask questions... LOTS of questions. Your doctor can only GUESS at what you are feeling and can only GUESS at how to treat your complaint. (How many times do doctors say "try this"? It's totally a guessing game because everybody responds differently to medications (and everything else in life!)) 'Try on' a few different doctors until you find the one that 'fits'. It's your health and your life. You need to surround yourself with people who will support that.

Good luck. Keep us updated.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.S.

answers from Greenville on

Hi Sarah! I feel you, but know That God is there with you.Proverbs 3:5-Trust in the Lord with all your Heart and lean not to your own understanding.Know that by His stripes you are healed,& Psalms 118:25

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Charlotte on

Have you asked your doctor to give you something for your nerves and anxiety? I ask this because anxiety and stress can increase pain even more than it normally would be. With that said, take a deep breath. Even if you don't feel stressed subconsciencly your body can feel it and cause different adverse effects. Pain is a big adverse effect of stress and anxiety. Just because bad things have happened to loved ones in your family does not mean it will happen to you. I experienced a lot of tragedy over the past 18 months. We've had 3 deaths in my family, all related to cancer. Two of my loved ones I was very close to. I have what I think is a normal fear of getting cancer, meaning I fear getting it. I don't obsess over the thoughts of getting, that's unhealthy. By the way - you're never guaranteed your next breath so to worry about if you're going to get something or if something is already wrong isn't benefiting anyone. You are worrying about the unknown. Every day brings unknown events in our lives but I don't worry about what's going to happen today when I wake up. I have two very small children that depend on me for everything, I could sit and fixate on what if something happens to me or what if something is wrong with me now. I had to go for a diagnostic mammogram 3 weeks ago because I had bloody discharge coming from my breast with no swelling, tenderness, or pain. I went to have my test and waited on the results - that's hard to do especially when there is a possibilty of cancer. But I didn't worry, I stayed focused on what I was doing that day. Yes, the test was in the back of my mind, yes the prospect of having cancer was in the back of my mind, but I didn't worry. I got my test results and found that I had mastitis from where I stopped breastfeeding my 18 month old 6 months ago. I still had an active duct that got blocked and infected. My point is, time is very precious and wasting your time worrying over what will or will not be is not good for anyone. It's not time you can get back. I don't know about you but my time is priceless. Take life a day at a time. When/if they find a problem then worry about it. Sure, you're going to think about having that test and your going to think about waiting on getting the results but that's different than worrying. Your case sounds a lot like what happened to me a few years a. I had pain exactly like you describe, same tests, and they never found anything. They attributed my symptoms and problems to nerves/anxiety, and depression. I was placed on medicine for about 6 months with vast improvement. I weaned off of the meds and was completely off within a year. I also spent time losing weight and trying to excerise on a regular basis which helped alot. I hope it's nothing at all but if it is hopefully it's something treatable and minor. Good luck with your test, I'll be praying for you.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Lexington on

Sarah-

I know that your pain and fears are very real. I have a friend who suffers from Crone's disease. She read a book by Jordan Rubin called "The Great Physician's RX for Health & Wellness: Seven Keys to Unlock your Health Potential". She said that since she has been following the dietary recommendations in this book that her Crone's disease is much more manageable and she feels tremendously better.

I know a couple of friends who have developed milk allergies and complain of pain similar to that which you describe whenever they eat anything that has milk in it. Allergies can develop later in life. You might try keeping a food journal and make note of days that are better and days that are not so good and compare them to see what you've eaten. Hope this helps and God bless you and strengthen you during this time.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Memphis on

I do recall seeing your past posts. You need to calm down (I know that is hard considering everything you are going through) Spend every possible moment with those precious babies and pray. It is going to be ok. God has a plan for you, we just don't know what it is yet. Take really deep breathes and it is going to be ok...your babies need you to be strong. They don't understand why you are sad and there is no reason to concern them until you find something out.
I will pray for you. In the meantime....take those breathes and be strong. Fight for what you have.
Jen

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.R.

answers from Nashville on

I have been through every test that you have taken thus far and then an upper and lower GI scope. I had the exact pain and it turned out to be simply a bacteria in my stomach and IBS. I noticed that some people suggested that you ask your
doctor about it being possibly a bacteria did you do that? I am not joking when I say that my symptoms were exactlly as you say yours are. After the antibiotics my pain went way down and only occasionally have a bit a pain from the IBS. Mainly if I am not getting enough fiber. I hope you can calm down because stress makes both of those things much worse and that will just scare you more.
Take Care,
Tam

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Nashville on

if the pain is still in the gall bladder area, have them redo it. I had a friend recently that they checked the gall bladder, same symptons as what you have, ruled it out. 2 weeks more of tests and then redid the gall bladder test. Guess what?? It was the gall bladder. They said they get many negatives on that, and catch it the 2nd time. Dont panic, pray, and trust that they will find a minor issue to be fixed. Good luck and God bless!

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from Nashville on

I DO know that gall bladder is frequently mis-diagnosed ..so don't rule that out just yet. Do change drs if you feel your feelings and health is not being respected. And yes ...I don't know if you are a praying lady or not..but God is always there to listen whenever you turn to Him...and He does have good plans for you and your precious family. Chances are it is nothing that serious. You are in my prayers. ((((((HUG))))))

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.L.

answers from Nashville on

Sarah ~ I agree first & foremost with those who are telling you to seek God in this matter of "health & healing" (from what you think you may have to your anxiety issue). I wholeheartedly agree with Michelle! Read the scripture from the Bible she has given you, trust & believe in God's word & have hope & faith that you are healed from all of these matters. God & His word will give you a peace that surpasses all of this that you are dealing with & you can get back to being a mom. Also ask God to guide you to the right doctors. He can do all of these things for you if you just let the fear go & give to Him to handle. :-) Lean not unto your own understanding, but in ALL things acknowledge Him; let God direct your path.

Psalms 91
Psalms 103

I will keep you & your boys in my prayers. Keep your head up (even when you are on your knees praying)!!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.J.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi Sarah,
I understand what worry and fear can do to someone...but that is when you need something bigger than you and your problems to believe in and hope in....God says to cast your worries and fears and burdens on Him. Most of what we fear never comes true...and if it does we all need something solid to stand on...that's why my faith in God is so important to me. I have and continue to face trying times in my life...some are so very painful and hard...I don't know what the future holds for you or me...but I do know THE ONE who holds our future. Instead of losing your mind...spend that wasted time in prayer...calming yourself...and asking God to speak to your heart.....
Jer. 29:11....claim it.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.R.

answers from Knoxville on

Sarah, It is hard to go through things like this. When I was having female issues one test took 2 weeks to come back. At first I was just sick about it, then a wise friend told me to just pray on it. If God would bring me to it then he would bring me through it! I pray that God would help me to have peace and the strength to face whatever I needed to. All the worrying will not change it so just pray on it! If your not a praying person then just try to live each day to the fullest! I do remember some of your previous post, I do not remember if you had your gall bladder out or not? I had a friend who went through a similar situation with her gall bladder, they finally did take her gall bladder out and she felt better after that. I will pray for you!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from Memphis on

Hey! The power of positive thinking and faith will help you through this time! Think the best-believe for a good report from your test! Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things NOT seen! So tho u can't see the results right now...have faith and believe the results are good! Surround yourself with positive people for the next few days! If you read the bible find as many HEALING scriptures as you can! And read them daily! If you don't read the bible...either start! Or activate the power of positve thinking! Hang in there! We all here will be thinking about and praying for you!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Wilmington on

Did they think the benign cyst on your liver could be causing some of your right upper abdominal pains?

I'm happy for you that the results were otherwise negative!!
Good luck and keep us posted.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.S.

answers from Raleigh on

You have a right to be scared. Try to start to meditate. In a quiet place, say over and over, all of the things you love, all of the things that are good. Give your life to a higher power. Let go and let God. Right now, you have no control over anything but your search. Get some good books and read them, do things with the kids. Keep yourself as busy as you can. Please keep the faith, because the more positive you are, the better your treatment will be. Love and encouragement, K.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.M.

answers from Nashville on

I worry like you do but you have to think positively for your kids. Maybe it is something that can be fixed once they know what it is and you will have worried for nothing. My husband told me once not to worry about things b/c you CAN will it to happen. Deep breaths and let us know how your test results turn out. W.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.R.

answers from Nashville on

Sarah, I'll be praying that the doctors find out what's going on and for peace for you. Isaiah 26:3 helped me in my last crisis: "You will keep him in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal." S.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions