Please help, mass in the abdomen

[Ruby89]

Hi, I am new, and my English is not that good, so I apologize in advance for that but I hope that you can understand. I’m 34 yr old, new mom, currently breastfeeding, very skinny and loosing weight. 

I was diagnosed with celiac August 1, blood test and biopsy. I’ve been on GFD since. 
Yesterday I was taking a shower and massaging my abdomen, so I noticed sausage like shape mass/lump(almost like you feel a bowel horizontally ) above my belly button, and when laying down gas get stuck there and is actually like a bulge until pass that spot. Almost all night I read about the lymphoma on the small intestine ( not good idea I know). But what worries me the most now is that I also found another spot next to the belly button on the right side of abdomen that is also oval shape and very big. Not painful. Is not easy palpable when laying down but everyone could feel it when I’m standing. In panic today I went in a walk-in clinic and the doctor just confirmed the same, ordered CBC blood work( results tomorrow) and send me for ultrasound. I found one place that was able to see me today and the technician said that she couldn’t see tumor or hernia but also said that Lymphoma is not visible on the bowels on the ultrasounds. Results in two days. I got home, with slightly increased temperature (37.5, another symptom of lymphoma), maybe from anxiety, but I just noticed that the temperature is now good but start sweating. Also I suffer from severe anxiety and depression ( not treated for years), but this is unbearable now. I don’t know what to do, gonna try to call gastroenterologist tomorrow, but she won’t see me soon. I can’t have CT scan because of breastfeeding, I have MRI appointment coming in November for cyst on my pancreas, but that’s too far. I’m so scared, I can stop crying.  And I’m so sorry for the long post. 
I know no one can diagnose but does anyone had similar experience? I can’t stop crying. Any advice would help.

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, Tanja! 

I'm so sorry to learn you are going through this. I have heard it said many times that 80% of the things we worry about never come to pass. My only advice is to just take one day and one thing at a time.

A very wise man once said, "“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." You might want to google that for more context.

[RMJ]

Are the masses always there in the same places, or do they come and go? When I was skinnier I could sometimes feel a mass in my abdomen and it turned out to just be a normal part of my intestine with material and/or gas moving through.

[cristiana]

Hi Tanja

Congratulations on the birth of your baby!  How old?

I echo @trents advice, and @RMJ's thoughts.

It is so tough that you have to cope with these concerns, so soon after having a baby which can be a challenging time for a new mum at the best of times.   

Thoughts: I wonder the lumps might turn out to be lipomas, which are benign?  I have a friend who had one come up randomly on her leg.  Also around the area you mention it is possible to have a type of hernia, an umbilical one, and I have one.  Perhaps they don't always show up on ultrasound?  I have a hard bulge near my stomach where the belly button is, less noticeable when I lie down, and it turns out it's trapped fatty tissue.  This is something that can arise in pregnancy, which was the case with me, but I didn't notice for several months and it gave me quite a start when I did!

Perhaps you are losing weight because of the breast feeding?  An acquaintance at church the other day who is breastfeeding told me she's able to eat anything and the weight is dropping off, so that is possible.  

Well done for getting it checked out, though, and in the meantime, we are here for you.  Do let us know how things go.

Big hugs

Cristiana

 

 

 

Edited September 20, 2023 by cristiana

[icelandgirl]

Hi Tanja,

Congratulations on the birth of your sweet baby!  

I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling with so much right now.  I know how hard it can be to have these worries and to have that anxiety kicking in.

You have already received some great advice.  I wanted to add that it can take some time (months for me) after a celiac diagnosis, even on a completely gluten free diet, to start feeling really good.  I think it took me 6 months to feel decent and it took 18 months for my antibodies to go down to normal.

Good for you to advocate for yourself and go to the Dr to get checked out!  I would definitely put in a call to the gastroenterologist to see what they have to say.  

 

It's possible that it is trapped gas or even constipation as your body is adjusting to a gluten free diet.  

Most likely it is something completely benign, truly, although I know that anxiety that you are feeling.  Try to google and read less about what it could be until you know what it is.  I know that's easier said than done.

I hope that some of this helps...sending you huge ((((hugs))))...please continue to reach out any time and let us know what the results say.

[Ruby89]

12 hours ago, trents said:

Welcome to the forum, Tanja! 

I'm so sorry to learn you are going through this. I have heard it said many times that 80% of the things we worry about never come to pass. My only advice is to just take one day and one thing at a time.

A very wise man once said, "“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." You might want to google that for more context.

Thanks Trants I will try. 

[trents]

Good reminder from icelandergirl about gluten free eating and constipation. Try a psyllium fiber supplement.

Edited September 20, 2023 by trents

[Ruby89]

Hi, thanks for your responses. I finally feel that someone is listening to me. I’m trying to cope today with the anxiety but is really hard. 
I tried to call the gastroenterologist and they said earliest that she can see me is end of October and if I have pain to go to emergency. 
mad for your question RMJ, yes one spot next to the belly button is always there, is noticeable when I’m standing and it goes a little bit upper when I lay down, almost under the ribs but it’s really hard to find it in that position. Ultrasound results will come today along with the bloodwork results, but I can’t stop worrying. Thank you Christina and Islandgirl. My sweet baby is turning 16 months today, I prayed for her for long 10 years and she is finally here. I feel so bad that I’m crying these past two days around her, but can’t help it. 
im worried why is there no pain, hernia isn’t it painful? And I also have cold feet all day long, can’t eat( probably from anxiety), pain under both rib cages that comes and goes. I hope and I pray that is something benign, I can not take bad news right now.

Thanks for the worm welcome. I really appreciate every response. 
 

Tanja

 

[Ruby89]

I just forgot to mention that 4 days ago I purposely got gluten, a little bit just to see if I’m gonna have reaction because I was silent celiac. And you are right, I felt actually much worse after going on the diet. I didn’t have any symptoms after I eat gluten, but not sure if that can cause this bulge. 
As for the feeling, it feels like I can move it around, I’m guessing is in my intestines so they are moving right? When I’m standing is horizontal just two inches right from the belly button. 
Christina, I wanted to ask you, when you had trapped fatty tissue, was it always there, was it painful?

And about the constipation, would it be same spot for 2 days now? 

[Ruby89]

9 minutes ago, Tanja Kocaleva said:

Hi, thanks for your responses. I finally feel that someone is listening to me. I’m trying to cope today with the anxiety but is really hard. 
I tried to call the gastroenterologist and they said earliest that she can see me is end of October and if I have pain to go to emergency. 
mad for your question RMJ, yes one spot next to the belly button is always there, is noticeable when I’m standing and it goes a little bit upper when I lay down, almost under the ribs but it’s really hard to find it in that position. Ultrasound results will come today along with the bloodwork results, but I can’t stop worrying. Thank you Christina and Islandgirl. My sweet baby is turning 16 months today, I prayed for her for long 10 years and she is finally here. I feel so bad that I’m crying these past two days around her, but can’t help it. 
im worried why is there no pain, hernia isn’t it painful? And I also have cold feet all day long, can’t eat( probably from anxiety), pain under both rib cages that comes and goes. I hope and I pray that is something benign, I can not take bad news right now.

Thanks for the worm welcome. I really appreciate every response. 
 

Tanja

 

I’m sorry @trents I’m not mad, typo. 
hugs to everyone 

[Ruby89]

Hi everyone,

I just got call from the doctor about the ultrasound results and they didn’t see anything. My question is, is lymphoma visible on ultrasounds?

I have 37.5 temperature all day today. 
 Thanks 

[cristiana]

Hi Tanja

In answer to your question, on occasion I have pain around the trapped fatty tissue but only rarely - tends to be if I start putting on weight!  It's normally the way I know I have to cut back!

I don't know the answer to your last question - hopefully someone else will be able to help.   

Hugs

Cristiana 

[Ruby89]

Hi everyone,

Im so sorry that I kept mumbling in my last posts but I was in panic and wasn’t myself. 
Im still not, but trying to control myself. 
I have some updates and questions. 
Ultrasound two days ago-normal results, they couldn’t see the bump. All day yesterday I have low grade fever on and off.

Today I had another follow up ultrasound about my cysts and the lady look at that part of my abdomen and said that she only see my kidneys in that area.  Results from the radiologist would be probably ready tomorrow but I begged her to tell me if she sees something and she said no.

But the scariest part was this morning, I had a black stool. Well formed black stool. I was out of my mind. Yesterday I didn’t eat anything, I only had smoothie with blueberries. Can that cause black stool? I never had this before and I had blueberries many times.

Doctor called for blood results and said e susi normal, and he also checked for inflammation and said that doesn’t show that I have something. 
what are your thoughts on this? What should I do from here?

Thank you and wish you all a beautiful day.

[RMJ]

Looks like blueberries can turn stool blue or black:

How your diet can affect your poop color

[trents]

Whenever I eat blueberries I have black stools. 

[cristiana]

Perhaps rapid transit time is the reason you are having this at the moment and haven't experienced it before.  The amount of time food takes to pass through the gut can make a big difference to the appearance of a stool.  Anxiety is a common reason why food passes too fast through the gut too quickly, food intolerance and glutening, a stomach virus too.

In the past I've had a few frights - including the time I had a tin of Heinz tomato for supper and the next day the toilet was red (sorry for TMI).  I think I was anxious at the time, but can't recall why.  I happened to have a colonoscopy lined up and it turned out completely normal. 

 

 

[Ruby89]

Thank you. 
You all helped me calm down a little bit. 
I’ll wait and see what will happen with my next BM. And then if it’s still black I might go to ER.

One more question, does anyone know if blood test, CBC can indicate lymphoma on small bowel? Would let’s say leukocytes be increased or maybe low RBC. Doctor said everything is within normal range for me. I asked him the same question and he said usually blood test will show abnormalities, but reading other people’s experiences doesn’t seem like everyone have it. 

Thanks ❤️

[cristiana]

Hi Tanja

Definitely keep an eye out for changes in BMs and see a doctor if they persist, but it does sound likely that you can blame the blueberries on this occasion.😊

Just rereading your questions, yes, that hard area I have (the trapped fatty tissue) is always there, but I am only really aware of it, as I say, when I am putting on weight - that is when it hurts sometimes. 

Thinking about this further, when I lost a lot of weight prior to and around the time of my coeliac diagnosis, I found all sorts of  lumps around my abdomen which worried me a lot - in my groin, which I thought were swollen lymph nodes, and around my belly, and I asked my doctor about them, she felt the areas concerned, and she just laughed and told me, "That's fat!"  I remember googling it and I saw that other people who had lost a lot of weight said that they could also feel lumps, they hadn't lost weight in a unified way, leaving them feeling 'lumpy'.    Now I've put weight back on, I am far less aware of them.  Perhaps you are encountering something similar?

Well done for asking the doctor that direct question: it does sound as if he or she would have expected to see abnormalities in the blood tests which you don't have.  That sounds reassuring, but I can see you have consulted Dr Google (as I do, frequently!) and you still have concerns.  If that is the case, for peace of mind, you could go back to the doctor or see another and ask what other tests are necessary to rule out lymphoma?  

But in the meantime, and I know it is hard, try not to focus on your health all day.  Go out for walks with your baby, meet a friend for coffee, try and do some things that you enjoy like an absorbing hobby,  read a good book etc.... 

And talking of good books, there is a fantastic book by Dr Steve Llardi which you might want to get out of the library called The Depression Cure: The Six-Step Programme to Beat Depression Without Drugs which contains a lot of good advice about combatting depression in natural ways, it helped me so much when I was going through a difficult time.

I am a champion catastrophizer and I've spent far too much of my life googling symptoms and worrying, and I can't ever get that time back again.  So, yes, definitely if you still have concerns make a plan to find the answers you need, but do focus on other things while you are waiting for those answers.

Hugs.

Cristiana

 

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by cristiana

[Ruby89]

13 minutes ago, cristiana said:

Hi Tanja

Definitely keep an eye out for changes in BMs and see a doctor if they persist, but it does sound likely that you can blame the blueberries on this occasion.😊

Just rereading your questions, yes, that hard area I have (the trapped fatty tissue) is always there, but I am only really aware of it, as I say, when I am putting on weight - that is when it hurts sometimes. 

Thinking about this further, when I lost a lot of weight prior to and around the time of my coeliac diagnosis, I found all sorts of  lumps around my abdomen which worried me a lot - in my groin, which I thought were swollen lymph nodes, and around my belly, and I asked my doctor about them, she felt the areas concerned, and she just laughed and told me, "That's fat!"  I remember googling it and I saw that other people who had lost a lot of weight said that they could also feel lumps, they hadn't lost weight in a unified way, leaving them feeling 'lumpy'.    Now I've put weight back on, I am far less aware of them.  Perhaps you are encountering something similar?

Well done for asking the doctor that direct question: it does sound as if he or she would have expected to see abnormalities in the blood tests which you don't have.  That sounds reassuring, but I can see you have consulted Dr Google (as I do, frequently!) and you still have concerns.  If that is the case, for peace of mind, you could go back to the doctor or see another and ask what other tests are necessary to rule out lymphoma?  

But in the meantime, and I know it is hard, try not to focus on your health all day.  Go out for walks with your baby, meet a friend for coffee, try and do some things that you enjoy like an absorbing hobby,  read a good book etc.... 

And talking of good books, there is a fantastic book by Dr Steve Llardi which you might want to get out of the library called The Depression Cure: The Six-Step Programme to Beat Depression Without Drugs which contains a lot of good advice about combatting depression in natural ways, it helped me so much when I was going through a difficult time.

I am a champion catastrophizer and I've spent far too much of my life googling symptoms and worrying, and I can't ever get that time back again.  So, yes, definitely if you still have concerns make a plan to find the answers you need, but do focus on other things while you are waiting for those answers.

Hugs.

Cristiana

 

 

Thank you so much Christina. Means a lot to me, especially now. But I can’t take it anymore, because I mistakenly googled how lymphoma looks on ultrasound, and guess what, pseudo kidney sign. Two ultrasounds they keep saying oh that bump is your kidney. And I was surprised how can kidney be this low. Mine is next to the belly button right side. Kidney is not there. So I unlocked new fear and I’m all crying and in panic. Don’t know what to do. Haven’t had BM yet to see the stool but I know if it’s again black that gonna be just confirmation. 
I can’t even take care of the baby. Feel so lonely. My husband doesn’t even want to listen anymore because I’m googling stuff. 
I know that’s worse in this situation but I’m convinced that I have lyphoma. I’m just praying and crying all night. 
Thank you for every advice. Means a lot 

[Ruby89]

2 hours ago, cristiana said:

Hi Tanja

Definitely keep an eye out for changes in BMs and see a doctor if they persist, but it does sound likely that you can blame the blueberries on this occasion.😊

Just rereading your questions, yes, that hard area I have (the trapped fatty tissue) is always there, but I am only really aware of it, as I say, when I am putting on weight - that is when it hurts sometimes. 

Thinking about this further, when I lost a lot of weight prior to and around the time of my coeliac diagnosis, I found all sorts of  lumps around my abdomen which worried me a lot - in my groin, which I thought were swollen lymph nodes, and around my belly, and I asked my doctor about them, she felt the areas concerned, and she just laughed and told me, "That's fat!"  I remember googling it and I saw that other people who had lost a lot of weight said that they could also feel lumps, they hadn't lost weight in a unified way, leaving them feeling 'lumpy'.    Now I've put weight back on, I am far less aware of them.  Perhaps you are encountering something similar?

Well done for asking the doctor that direct question: it does sound as if he or she would have expected to see abnormalities in the blood tests which you don't have.  That sounds reassuring, but I can see you have consulted Dr Google (as I do, frequently!) and you still have concerns.  If that is the case, for peace of mind, you could go back to the doctor or see another and ask what other tests are necessary to rule out lymphoma?  

But in the meantime, and I know it is hard, try not to focus on your health all day.  Go out for walks with your baby, meet a friend for coffee, try and do some things that you enjoy like an absorbing hobby,  read a good book etc.... 

And talking of good books, there is a fantastic book by Dr Steve Llardi which you might want to get out of the library called The Depression Cure: The Six-Step Programme to Beat Depression Without Drugs which contains a lot of good advice about combatting depression in natural ways, it helped me so much when I was going through a difficult time.

I am a champion catastrophizer and I've spent far too much of my life googling symptoms and worrying, and I can't ever get that time back again.  So, yes, definitely if you still have concerns make a plan to find the answers you need, but do focus on other things while you are waiting for those answers.

Hugs.

Cristiana

 

 

And I will definitely get this book. Thanks again.

Hugs 

Tanja

[cristiana]

Tanja... it's now just gone eight in the morning here in the UK so I thought I'd check in.

Do get the book - if you can't get it at the library, I'd say it's worth getting it online or from your local bookshop.  A relative of mine is a GP and has a background in psychology and thinks it is fantastic.  It has helped me, and I've given it to others, and it has helped them too.

This is the blurb from Amazon.

"Based on extensive research... The Depression Cure outlines a step-by-step plan for recovery from depression, which focuses on six key lifestyle elements that have largely disappeared in healthy doses from modern life:

- physical exercise
- omega-3 fatty acids
- natural sunlight exposure
- restorative sleep
- social connectedness
- meaningful, engaging activity"

(I've highlighted the bits in red that you could try to institute now).

Now,  I'm not a medical person, and what I've googled and incorrectly diagnosed myself with in the last 10 years someone could write a book on!  I've spent hundreds of hours diagnosing myself with the assistance of Dr Google, most of the time completely inaccurately, heaping fear upon fear.   So when you describe  how you are feeling at the moment, I can relate somewhat, it's a dark place.  But if I were you, try to adopt the mindset "I'm going to get things checked, chances are it's nothing, so while I'm waiting for the doctor to get back to me  I'm not going to waste my time googling any more.  I'm going to take this one step at a time, one thing at a time and see what happens". 

You may also need to speak to your doctor about your anxiety, maybe for a short while they can give you some medication to help.  Anxiety and depression is very common in newly diagnosed coeliacs, something that often resolves with a gluten-free diet.  I was prescribed some tablets for a while around the time I was first diagnosed.   I then found as time went on with my gluten-free diet and putting Llardi's recommendations into place I felt so much better and didn't need the tablets any more.

One thing I do sometimes: I keep a journal of symptoms and worries, and then I have a note of things I can check with my GP if they don't resolve. I then cross things off the list once things are resolved.  I see you pray, like me.  My faith is very important to me and I find that praying about these things is helpful.  I then I shut the book and get on with the day.  

Hugs

Cristiana

 

 

".   

 

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by cristiana

[knitty kitty]

@Tanja Kocaleva,

I'm so sorry you are going through this.  

I believe you may have a deficiency in Thiamine Vitamin B 1.    

I've had Thiamine deficiency after pregnancy and breast feeding.  Your symptoms sound very familiar. 

Thiamine is a vitamin, an essential amino acid that we cannot make in our bodies, and so must get from our diets.  Switching to a gluten free diet can diminish sources of Thiamine in our diets.  Most wheat products are enriched with vitamin supplements like Thiamine to replace vitamins lost in milling and processing.  Gluten free processed products are not required to be enriched with vitamins like thiamine.  Now that you are eating gluten free, you probably are not getting enough thiamine from your diet, and due to malabsorption caused by Celiac Disease. 

Pregnancy and breast feeding demands lots of Thiamine.  The mother's thiamine is given to the baby, leaving the mother depleted.

Anxiety is a symptom of Thiamine deficiency.  I had the most horrendous anxiety.  I could not settle down nor sleep.  I worried about everything.  Antidepressants did not work because antidepressants lower thiamine levels further.

Gastroparesis is a symptom of Thiamine deficiency.  Gastroparesis is where food doesn't move through the intestines and colon properly.  Thiamine is needed to make the gastrointestinal tract contract and relax, squishing food through.  I had palpable lumpy spots where foods seemed to move through certain areas more slowly.  These areas included the area just below my ribs (small intestine), the area on the right side (ascending colon), and across the abdomen above the belly button (transverse colon).

Unintentional weight loss is another symptom of Thiamine deficiency.  The body starts burning muscle and fat when Thiamine is in short supply.  It takes more Thiamine to burn carbohydrates.  A diet high in carbohydrates (rice, corn, etc.) requires more Thiamine.

Thiamine deficiency affects blood circulation.  My feet were freezing cold all the time.  Peripheral neuropathy (tingling in hands and feet) is another symptom.  Thiamine deficiency also affected my energy level (I was fatigued all the time), my balance, and even how I walked (wider stance for balance).  

The World Health Organization's field test for Thiamine deficiency is to see if you can rise from a squat without help.  I could not.  

Ask for an erythrocyte transketolase (ETK) test from your doctor.  This blood tests measures how well your body is utilizing Thiamine.  Blood tests for vitamin deficiencies are not always accurate though, especially if you are already taking vitamin supplements.

Your doctor should be able to give you an IV of Thiamine (500 mg or more).  Since Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high amounts, there is no harm in trying it, if only to rule it out.  

My doctors did not recognize these subtle symptoms of Thiamine deficiency.  Being a Microbiologist, I put the puzzle pieces together.  I took over the counter Thiamine Hydrochloride supplements.  I had improvement within an hour.  I also began supplementing with Benfotiamine, a form of Thiamine scientifically shown to promote intestinal healing and beneficial for Gastroparesis.  I continue to supplement Thiamine and the seven other B vitamins as they all need each other to function properly.  Magnesium is also needed.  

Please discuss nutritional deficiencies with your doctor.  

Do try Thiamine supplementation (500 mg three times a day) if only to rule it out.  Deficiency symptoms should improve within hours to days.  

Hope my experience will help you with your journey.

[Ruby89]

Hi everyone, 

Thank you for all the good advices, you all been helpful. I got some improvement for couple of days, but then again I feel like I’m going in circles. @Christina I’m like you, in the past I also diagnosed myself with all kinds of diseases, and thank God I wasn’t right, and I hope this time I’m wrong again. I tried meditating these past days but nothing is working now, I’m in constant fear. I haven’t got the book yet, but I will next week i promise. But I did go out and played with my baby and tried to focus on positive things. And I do pray, everyday. My faith is strong but lately I allowed fears to control me which is the dark side I know, but the battle is real. 

@knitty kitty for the Thiamine, I listened to your advice and I got myself the supplement, but I don’t know why i still have peripheral neuropathy. Only my feet. I’m taking it for a week now. Maybe I have a little improvement but still I have tingling sensation in my feet and especially in my toes. And my legs hurt from the knees down. Sometimes when I carry the baby I have it in my hands but not that often. I never had this feeling before, and really bothers me because I read that lymphoma can cause it as well.

Ok so here is what happened in the past week. I had another ultrasound that was follow up for my pancreatic cyst on the tail. The results came that the cyst decreased in size, which is weird because is not pseudo cyst because I don’t have pancreatitis. But again this is Google information. Nothing abnormal seen. It was upper abdomen and during the ultrasound I asked the technician to see what is the bump and she said is my kidney. Again, how it can be so low next to my belly button I still don’t know. 
Next I did my blood work that was ordered from the gastroenterologist and vitamin B12 and D are ok, and I thought that I was deficient because of the tingling, but obviously is something else. On my blood work they found only elevated bilirubin level and low ferritin. So this is where I started to panic again. Now worried what can cause my bilirubin levels. I don’t have obvious jaundice, but sometimes in the past 3-4 months I noticed that on occasion I look yellow and my sclera is yellow only on the corners. The gastroenterologist called me in the office and I told her about my worries, she only touched my stomach for 30 seconds in one spot and said “I don’t feel any mass, but mri in November will show if anything”. She didn’t allow me to even show her what I can palpate in my abdomen. It’s like a cord just above my belly button and every time I eat gas get stuck there and I can actually see it because it will bulge on that spot. On the right side under the ribs when I lay down I have big mass that I can move it around and push it. I feel like sometimes that mass is pushing my gallbladder or liver, I don’t know.  She just said that is highly unlikely that I have lymphoma and that she will break down the bilirubin test to give her idea what it can cause it. And when I told her that the technician said that there is my kidney she just made some weird face expression and didn’t say anything. She saw me for total of 10 min and I waited for so long, and I’ve been through so much these past week, though that she will give me some piece of mind, but she only was writing what I was saying and because I mentioned anxiety I think she blamed it on that. Told my physician to treat my anxiety. I know I have it, but I have it mostly because I don’t know what it’s causing all of these symptoms. I also have pain now time to time, sometimes more after eating, and I didn’t have pain even when I was eating gluten. I have nausea, mushy stool. Told her all that. Only response was that to take probiotic 😕. But now I’m back to my worries from 6 months ago. Can it be my pancreas? Gallbladder looked ok on ultrasound, liver enzymes are ok. She mentioned Gilbert syndrome but my bilirubin levels were ok 5 months ago. 
What should I do now until I wait for the mri?

I live in Ontario, Canada and here you can’t go for private scan, unless I go to Quebec or US. 
And to see a specialist or get MRI is a long long waiting game. I had diarrhea last year after pregnancy, and got to see a gastroenterologist after one year when I didn’t have any symptoms. Seems like all my issues started after my pregnancy. The cyst, celiac, another new cyst on liver, the old one has grown a lot. I definitely need one good detox obviously but I also need to know what caused all this thing. And why is getting worse. Maybe MRI will give me some answers but until then is not much that I can do. 

Anyway, I would like to hear your thoughts on my current situation, because you’ve been very helpful.

Thanks

Tanya
 

[cristiana]

Hiya Tanja

I do think the line you are describing could be possibly to do with a hernia.  However, do you know if you had diastasis recti during your pregnancy?

This link describes it:

https://blogs.bcm.edu/2022/08/24/abdominal-bulging-diastasis-recti-or-hernia/#:~:text=The main way to tell,discomfort and abdominal wall weakness.

I am sorry that you are having to deal with this anxiety, I know too well how crippling it can be.   (((Hugs)))

But well done for taking the time to try to focus on other things, like your baby.  The more you can do this, the better. 

A) it should serve to lessen your anxiety, and b) this is a precious time for you and your lovely baby - so easy to say, but do try and make the most of it. 

When my two children were very young I suffered from a strange thing - an episode of double vision.  Afterwards, my peripheral vision was very poor and I felt convinced I was going to lose my sight.  There was no explanation at the time, and I am thankful to say things did get better.  I wonder looking back if it was related to my undiagnosed celiac, a migraine issue, deficiencies and extreme fatigue. But now I wish I could get back the time I spent worrying about that and other health issues in my life.  Worrying didn't add an hour to my life, and this worry has stolen precious moments with my family.  

Although what you are going through is really horrid it might just be that at the end of it the doctors might be able to fix what is wrong with you very easily and there might be some very benign conditions that could explain things.

You could go forward and pay for a private MRI if that is what you feel is right (currently I'm thinking of doing the same with an unrelated celiac issue as our State health system cannot pay for one).  Do your doctors seem very keen for you to have this test? 

Cristiana

Edited October 5, 2023 by cristiana

[Wheatwacked]

High billirubin Higher than usual levels of bilirubin may indicate different types of liver or bile duct problems.  Not getting enough choline (primary food source from liver, eggs, beef) causes liver and bile duct problems.  90% of westerners don't even get the minimum AI of choline 500 mg.  Try supplementing with 1000 mg of choline or phosphatidyl choline.  Should see improvement in a few days.  Raising your vitamin D may also help your billirubin.

Choline supplementation prevents the effects of bilirubin on cerebellar-mediated behavior in choline-restricted Gunn rat pups  These results suggest that choline may be used as a safe and effective neuroprotective intervention against hyperbilirubinemia in the choline-deficient premature infant.

Your lumps sound like Benign Fatty Tumours.  They lie loosely under the skin and can be moved around easily.  Not painful unless they press on a nerve.  My first two were behind my knee and hurt so I had them removed in 1977.  Another one on by lower back removed a year later again pressing on a nerve.  I have one inside my elbow for years and I loose count at 20 scattered around my abdominal and chest area.  I'm guessing around 50 altogether.  They range from small to about and inch.  Recently discovered one embedded in the inquinal hernia I got from the persistant cough caused by Lisinopril.  That is worrisome but at this point I just tuck it back in.