Can anyone help me figure out what to do?

Hello! It's been a year since I posted anything on this site. My hysterversary was yesterday and as far as that goes, it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I am having other problems though and I'm scared to say the least.

Let's see where to begin. I think I'll just make this as short as possible. I was diagnosed in 2003 with Hypothyroid. Been taking Synthroid and I think that all seems to be fine. I was also diagnosed in 1991 with PCOS AFTER the birth of my 3rd child, which made no sense to me at the time, but whatever.

In May of 2004, 11 months before my hysterectomy my DH took me to the emergency room because I was having severe upper right abdominal pains. They did a CAT scan, ultrasound, and colonoscopy, but could really find no real reason for my pain. (They thought it was my gallbladder.) I just assumed at the time it was "female" related and that they were just putting me off from having a hysterectomy. They did however, find a small tumor on my right adrenal gland. Six months later we did another CAT scan and nothing had changed. Basically since then, I had pretty much forgotten about it.

About 3 weeks ago, out of the blue I got really constipated, which for me never happens because I have IBS. To make a long story short, I thought I riped a roid. I dealt with it for about a week and a half until it hurt so bad I couldn't go have a BM. I called my doc and he referred me to a colon and rectal specialist. I go see this specialist thinking I just have hemmorhoids. The next thing I know he's talking abcess and surgery and CAT scans, etc. I opted for the CAT scan first. The next day he calls me and says the CAT scan didn't show an abcess but that CAT scans weren't 100% at picking those up especially when it's very low in the rectum. He did tell me that I had an enlarged right adrenal gland, and a cyst on my liver. I told him that the adenoma on my right adrenal gland use to be the size of the end of my pinkie finger. He just told me that wasn't his area of expertise, if the problem he saw me for continued call him back, and basically that was the end of our discussions.

Wow, this is turning into a novel. Sorry Sisters! Needless to say, I'm still having problems with constipation, which I'm taking stool softeners, drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fiber. I'm also still having trouble having a BM because of the pain and bleeding. It's almost like just on the inside of my rectum it's swollen and it bleeds like you wouldn't believe. My DH told me this morning to call the specialist again. I have to add that seeing that doctor was the most humiliating experience I've ever had and I've seen tons of doctors for problems on the other side.

Has anyone else had anything like what I've described above with the rectum, adrenal gland and liver? I think my biggest fear is that the tumor on my adrenal gland is cancerous and has spread to my liver. I don't want to sound like a hypocondriac by saying that and I hope no one thinks that I am.

Why hasn't my doctor referred me to an endocrinologist? Do I call this specialist back about my bottom? I'm at my witts end here. I hope there is someone out there who understands what I'm talking about and can give me some advice. Any information whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.

I am sorry you are having these problems. I have not had what you are describing and hopefully, this is not too serious.

I would pursue this with your dr until you find answers to your pain and problems. I wish I could be of more help.

Let us know what you find out. Okay?

Hang in there

s

Thanks for the compassion Suzy. Still having major problems with my bottom, but the good news is the CAT scan is nothing to worry about, we will just check it again in 6 months.

So glad your Cat scan was clear.


s

Sue

Wanda: I had the bleeding and pain you talked about a few yrs. back. Bad bleeding and pain with every BM and it was so hard to go. Did all the Fiber & softener things and it was still painful. The dr. told me I had a slight rectal tear and that was causing the bleeding and pain. Gave me a foam insert and that seemed to take care of the problem somewhat. But I've been of softners ever since. Have to be very careful about straining. Not sure if this helps, but thought I share. Good Luck

I'm sorry that you are in pain. From what you described, I'm surprised that the gastroenterologist didn't do a colonoscopy to see what the CT scan didn't pick up. He would be able to tell definitely if there were a tear or a big hemorroid that wasn't doing really well.
If you are still in pain, I'd ask for a second opinion.
What does your regular doctor say about the cysts on your adrenal gland and liver? Does he want to do follow up?
I'll be sending you good energy to cope with the pain.
Janie