Splenic flexure

[ScardieCat 3]

Has anyone heard of a splenic flexure? I think I might have this? I wake up in the morning with left sided abdominal pain and tenderness, but it goes away once I pass gas, but sometimes it’s hard to pass the gas.

[Jae 211]

Did your dr diagnose you with that? 

If not, how do you even know what it is? 

[bin_tenn 1252]

After a quick Google search, it appears that pretty much everyone has a splenic flexure - it's a normal part of the colon. Do you mean Splenic Flexure Syndrome? I do believe you probably googled it, hence the "I think I might have this", but even if you do actually have it, so what? It's thought to be a sub-type of IBS. On the other hand, the SFS symptoms are very nondescript, IMO, and are common among countless other disorders, illnesses and ... the LACK of disorder/illness. I've felt every single one of those symptoms over the years, yet I have no chronic condition.

[ScardieCat 3]

41 minutes ago, bin_tenn said:

After a quick Google search, it appears that pretty much everyone has a splenic flexure - it's a normal part of the colon. Do you mean Splenic Flexure Syndrome? I do believe you probably googled it, hence the "I think I might have this", but even if you do actually have it, so what? It's thought to be a sub-type of IBS. On the other hand, the SFS symptoms are very nondescript, IMO, and are common among countless other disorders, illnesses and ... the LACK of disorder/illness. I've felt every single one of those symptoms over the years, yet I have no chronic condition.

Yes, I googled my symptoms which are trapped gas with abdominal tenderness in that area when I wake up in the morning and constipation. I’ve convinced myself that at 37 years old that I have colon cancer, so I’m hoping it’s just this instead. I have my actual Drs appt on Thursday. I was hoping someone has heard of it or had it and could tell me my symptoms were similar to theirs. 

[bin_tenn 1252]

You're probably experiencing what any human can feel. There doesn't have to be an underlying cause. Of course, ask your doc if you're concerned. But the body does all sorts of weird stuff. Haha.

[ScardieCat 3]

2 hours ago, bin_tenn said:

You're probably experiencing what any human can feel. There doesn't have to be an underlying cause. Of course, ask your doc if you're concerned. But the body does all sorts of weird stuff. Haha.

Normally I would agree with you but it’s been happening for the last 5 months every morning when I wake up and also sometimes just after lying down. My therapist said it could be trapped bc my muscles are so tight but I feel like if they were tight I would feel that and I don’t.

[bin_tenn 1252]

21 minutes ago, ScardieCat said:

Normally I would agree with you but it’s been happening for the last 5 months every morning when I wake up and also sometimes just after lying down. My therapist said it could be trapped bc my muscles are so tight but I feel like if they were tight I would feel that and I don’t.

Nope, not necessarily. You have anxiety, and anxiety creates tension. Tension is not always apparent, unfortunately. I have so many "issues" / "symptoms" due to tension that I don't even realize I have.

[ScardieCat 3]

15 minutes ago, bin_tenn said:

Nope, not necessarily. You have anxiety, and anxiety creates tension. Tension is not always apparent, unfortunately. I have so many "issues" / "symptoms" due to tension that I don't even realize I have.

I’m trying to stay hopeful and positive, but it’s hard. I know I’ve had severe stress/anxiety for over a year now, and it could be causing my gastro symptoms, but it’s hard not to go to cancer. I’m scaring myself so much that I’m even petrified to go to the Dr

[bin_tenn 1252]

If you aren't already seeking legitimate help for anxiety, I'd recommend doing so. It can make a significant difference.

[ScardieCat 3]

2 minutes ago, bin_tenn said:

If you aren't already seeking legitimate help for anxiety, I'd recommend doing so. It can make a significant difference.

Do you take any medications? Have they helped?

[bin_tenn 1252]

6 minutes ago, ScardieCat said:

Do you take any medications? Have they helped?

No. I have gone to therapy a handful of times though. The majority of my success has been due to self help, researching anxiety as well as CBT and mindfulness and acceptance as much as possible. If you haven't already, I highly recommend watching some guided meditation videos on YouTube, especially by Jason Stephenson.

My severe health anxiety began as early as about 2012, give or take a little bit. It wasn't for a few years before I started self help. And I only started therapy last year. By the time I began, my therapist considered me "advanced" because I understood the fundamentals and how to put them to use. Haha. But she has greatly helped me in adding more tools and coping skills, as well as putting more things into perspective. She's quite confident that medication is probably not necessary.

[ScardieCat 3]

14 hours ago, bin_tenn said:

No. I have gone to therapy a handful of times though. The majority of my success has been due to self help, researching anxiety as well as CBT and mindfulness and acceptance as much as possible. If you haven't already, I highly recommend watching some guided meditation videos on YouTube, especially by Jason Stephenson.

My severe health anxiety began as early as about 2012, give or take a little bit. It wasn't for a few years before I started self help. And I only started therapy last year. By the time I began, my therapist considered me "advanced" because I understood the fundamentals and how to put them to use. Haha. But she has greatly helped me in adding more tools and coping skills, as well as putting more things into perspective. She's quite confident that medication is probably not necessary.

Great, now my Drs appt is reschedules for next Wednesday! Another week dealing with this horrible pain and nervousness

[Dolly 0]

On 1/8/2019 at 4:48 PM, bin_tenn said:

You're probably experiencing what any human can feel. There doesn't have to be an underlying cause. Of course, ask your doc if you're concerned. But the body does all sorts of weird stuff. Haha.

 

On 1/8/2019 at 4:48 PM, bin_tenn said:

You're probably experiencing what any human can feel. There doesn't have to be an underlying cause. Of course, ask your doc if you're concerned. But the body does all sorts of weird stuff. Haha.

I think bin_tenn is not understanding the severe pain and anxiety SFS can cause. It’s not a “ha ha” matter. I have suffered with it for over ten years. It’s extremely painful and debilitating. I’m sorry you are going through this. Just know... you’ll be alright. Do the best you can do to get thru everyday. I truly wish you the best.  Unfortunately Doctors don’t take this as seriously as they should. If they could only understand the pain.