HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Abdominal discomfort with muscle spasms

Support Forums
>
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/4/2013 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, it all actually started when I had a sore back and progressively got worse and Started feeling pressure in my chest due to the sore back. The pressure was on both sides as well as the sore back. The most intense pressure was behind my sternum. The scariest part was when i found a little blood in my saliva. it wasnt a forceful cough but when i cleared my throat in the morning, i found blood. I also would feel my heart beat when trying to sleep. I went to the doctor and concluded inflammation in my rib muscles and back had me do an X-ray. Results were normal. Blood pressure was normal and normal heart sounds. He also prescribed me ibuprofen and the soreness and pressure went away except the pulsing heart beats when trying to sleep. A couple weeks later I found a bump on my left lower abdomen. No pain when I pressed on it and eventually went away. Then I started getting pressure and discomfort in my lower abdomen and I can hear my bowel movements. No pain, but The worst pressure and discomfort is when I lay in bed and get muscle spasms in my legs. I also found that my stool was black. Is this something serious or something that will go away on its on? Thanks,

Jerry
Posted 5/4/2013 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jerry I think you should go back to your DR about the black stools. If they are black it is usually a sign of internal bleeding. Your GERD/reflux could have caused a bleeding ulcer which also explains coughing up blood and the chest pain. Dr should do a scope or ct scan to rule these out. I am not a Dr but did work in the medical field for 27 years. Hope this helps.
Posted 5/5/2013 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jerry, welcome to Ibs forum and Healingwell. We are glad to have you aboard but hate it's under these circumstances. I too, would suggest that you get back in to see your Dr about the black stools, because as Tina mentioned this COULD be a sign of internal bleeding. i think the chest inflammation that you were referring to is called costochondritis, that is why the ibuprofen helped. My second thought...Did this black tarry stool and coughing blood start after you began taking the ibuprofen, because i too have ulcers and Ibuprofen (and all other NSAIDS) are a HUGE no no for me, to the point that it is listed as an allergy on all my files. Nsaids like these are so harsh on the stomach and make my ulcers bleed even if i take ONE otc NSAID. So try to remember if it started before or after the ibuprofen,. Also sometimes when i've been constipated my stools are black and tarry as well which is not from bleeding but from sitting inside for so long. Im sorry your having such pain, worry and difficulty, i do hope you find some answers, relief and peace of mind.
Posted 5/5/2013 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
the blood in my saliva started before I was taking the ibuprofen and sore back and pressure in chest occurred. since the x-ray came out normal, my doctor thinks that the inflammation burst some of the blood vessels and thats where the blood came from. When all my symptoms in my chest passed, I started getting pressure and discomfort in my lower abdomen. I have been taking the ibuprofen, thinking that I had gastritis, but no relief. Not sure if the ibuprofen made it worse, but I always noticed throughout the years that I only pass stool 2 or 3 times a week and Im sure this problem made me more constipated and eventually was able to pass a tarry black stool. Tina mentioned GERD and Im starting to believe this is the problem. Like I said, I only pass stool a couple times a week, always normal looking, except recently with this problem and me being 21 and under stress with school, I had a terrible diet. GERD is a chronic problem and I believe my recent diet had made it worse. I also have taken pepcid and has worked wonders. I no longer have discomfort. I also have cut out caffeine and fatty foods for awhile and I guess im gonna have to watch my diet throughout now. I will still be looking out for the black stool and hope it will go back to normal. If not, then I will be visiting my doctor again. But do you guys think that my chest symptoms are connected with my gastrointestinal problems? I also wanted to thank both of you for your concern and input and that it has helped.

Jerry
Posted 5/5/2013 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
I used to get reflux so bad it felt like I was having a heart attack. Went to the hospital and they gave me a concoction caled a "pink lady" that helped, so yes gerd/reflux/ulcers can all cause pain felt in the chest and back.
Posted 5/7/2013 7:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jerry, I agree, going back to see your doc is important to rule out other things besides IBS, as having blood in the stool is considered not a regular part of IBS, although it can happen if you have fissures from having hard difficult to pass stools. Full blood tests should be done by your doc to check things like your liver too if your stools have changed colour. Also, have these symptoms always been with you on and off for many years, or are they new, all of sudden? If they are completely new for you, this is important for your doctor to know too:) Often, stress is a big factor in IBS and often overlooked or 'brushed off' by many doctors and this is unfortunate because learning how to prevent stress from causing physical injury to the body and causing physical symptoms like digestive disorders, heart palpitations and high bp is really key to getting well. To help with this, having a daily short 10-20 minute relaxation practice works wonders:)

Post Edited By Moderator (Michelejc) : 5/18/2013 6:38:06 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/18/2013 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
DrDani:

Rule number 8:

8. If you are a medical professional, do not use the forums to distribute professional medical advice and/or promote your services.

Please remove your signature. Thank you.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply