Itchy skin (hives) and left-side abdominal pain radiating to my back

Hi everyone,

Here’s the situation. About six months ago, my period stopped completely. It finally came back after a course of testosterone, but during that whole stretch, I was dealing with all sorts of other symptoms. Occasional heart palpitations, facial flushing, an urgent need to use the bathroom... plus skin itching. Now the itchiness is mostly concentrated on my chest and shoulders—redness, a burning sensation, followed by itching and what feels like a mild hives breakout.

But over time, the pain has set in. I have pain in my left abdomen that radiates up into my back, specifically toward my shoulder blades. There's also some light nausea. Lately, I've been feeling pain in my pelvis, my left foot, and my heel, which makes walking difficult.

I get frequent headaches too.

In terms of testing, I've had a head CT—everything looked normal there. I also had a gastroscopy, which resulted in a diagnosis of gastritis. An abdominal ultrasound suggested there might be stones in my left kidney? They told me I should get an X-ray to confirm if they are actually stones, just to rule out a blood clot, but my doctor immediately waved that idea away, saying the ultrasound is more reliable and why bother with unnecessary radiation...

Should I push for an abdominal CT? I just feel so off. I'm exhausted, anxious, and the pain is constant. Sometimes it feels like my entire body aches, almost like it's in my bones.
My doctor keeps insisting that because I'm young, everything must be fine. But sometimes I get this sharp, stabbing sensation that feels like it's spreading toward my heart.

It's hard to suggest specific tests to my doctor when I'm expecting him to be the one leading the way.

Would it be worth checking tumor markers? At the ER, they mentioned things like 24-hour urine tests and 5-HIAA (does anyone know what that is?) and a bone scan, though I haven't been able to schedule the scan yet.

I waited two months just for that abdominal ultrasound... so while I'm waiting for the next steps, what else would you recommend?

Also, I frequently feel these pulsations, like a "fluttering" sensation in my abdomen, my glutes, and along my left ribcage...

Thanks.😢

Laura Williams74 said:Hey everyone,

Here’s the deal: about six months ago, my period stopped. After taking a course of testosterone, it came back, but I've been dealing with a bunch of other symptoms during that whole stretch. I've had temporary heart palpitations, facial flushing, an urgent need to use the bathroom, and skin itching. Now, the itching and a sort of mild hives/rash are mostly concentrated on my chest and shoulders—it feels like they're burning, then it itches.

But over time, the pain started setting in. It's in my left abdomen and radiates up into my back, specifically toward my shoulder blades. I get mild nausea, and lately, my pelvis hurts, along with my left foot and heel, which makes walking difficult.

I also get frequent headaches.

As far as testing goes, I've had a head CT—everything looked fine there. I had a gastroscopy, which resulted in a diagnosis of gastritis. An abdominal ultrasound suggested there might be stones in my left kidney, so I was told to get an X-ray to confirm if they are indeed stones (just to rule out a blood clot), but my doctor immediately waved that off, saying the ultrasound is more reliable and why bother with radiation?

Should I get an abdominal CT? I just feel so off—exhausted, anxious, and the pain is constant. Sometimes it feels like my entire body is aching, almost like it's in my bones.
My doctor keeps insisting I'm too young for anything serious and that everything is fine, but sometimes I feel this sharp, shooting pain that seems to radiate toward my heart.

It’s hard to suggest specific tests to my doctor because I feel like I should be relying on his guidance.

Would it be a good idea to run tumor markers? Some people at the ER mentioned them (though I'm not entirely sure what they entail), or maybe a bone scan, though I'm having a hard time getting an appointment for that.

I already waited two months for that abdominal ultrasound... so while I'm waiting, what else would you recommend?

Also, I frequently feel these pulsations or "fluttering" sensations in my abdomen, my buttock, and my lower left ribcage.

Thanks.😢

🤷 But honestly, some of those symptoms sound a lot like shingles to me. I knew a guy who went through the exact same thing while on vacation a few years back. If you have a link, look up the symptoms.
Look, just ask. Who knows?🤷

That "24-hour urine" thing is basically just collecting your urine in a container over a full 24-hour period.

Thanks... honestly, the rash isn't even that intense. It just gets all red after I shower or if it starts itching... I don't know

What’s actually weighing on me is this bone pain, plus the stomach and back aches... I'm trying to figure out where to even start with testing, but everything takes months of waiting. Sure, I can pay for some private appointments, but I can't afford to go that route for everything.

Maybe an internist? My OBGYN didn't find anything unusual, aside from those issues with my period, but we'll just handle that with the pill.

Anyway, thanks a lot,

Does an ultrasound show what's going on with internal organs—like tumors or cancer—or is a CT scan more reliable?

And that trembling sensation... that pulsing feeling... I don't even know how to describe it. But that pain on the left side of my waist, near the abdomen, is what's really killing me (is that what showed up on the ultrasound?)

thanks

Laura Williams74 said:thanks ...but the rash isn't exactly glaringly obvious, let's just say everything gets red after I shower or if it starts itching ...I don't know

What’s actually weighing on me more is this bone pain, plus the stomach and back aches... I'm trying to figure out where to even start, which tests to run, especially since waiting months for an appointment is the norm. Sure, I can pay out of pocket for some things privately, but I can't afford to do everything that way.

Maybe an internist? My gynecological stuff seems fine, aside from that issue with my period, but pills will sort that right out.

Anyway, thanks a lot,

Can you see the state of internal organs (tumors, cancer) on an ultrasound, or is a CT scan more reliable?

And this trembling, the pulsing—I don't even know how to describe it—and the pain on the left side of my waist near the abdomen is what's really killing me (is that what showed up on the ultrasound?)

thanks

This shingles situation might even manifest internally, affecting your actual organs.
An ultrasound lets you see the internal state of your organs by showing changes in size or shape, or perhaps spotting certain shadows or darkened clusters. However, an ultrasound isn't a definitive diagnostic tool that can give you a 100% guarantee regarding malignant diseases. It’s more like a compass for a doctor, helping them decide which direction to take with further testing because it provides a solid basis for suspicion. A CT scan works similarly, though it's much more precise when it comes to detailing specific conditions compared to an ultrasound. Ultimately, only a biopsy of suspicious tissue can provide a 100% diagnosis. Don't spiral over this; I really don't think it's anything of that nature. My advice is to find a solid internist who will look at all your lab results holistically and map out your next steps.
Ask about shingles. If that's what we're dealing with, getting started on treatment immediately is critical.

Look, I know that gallbladder pain can radiate right up toward the shoulder blade. Given where it sits on the left side, it makes sense. Maybe it’s worth paying a little closer attention to that specific spot? Perhaps you could schedule another ultrasound, or just ask the doctor to spend a bit more time focusing on that area. I don't know, maybe I'm just talking nonsense here, but issues there can cause bone pain—or at least that deep, achy feeling in your bones, kind of like when you have the flu.
Just keep that in mind. I'm definitely a layman, so I might be heading down the completely wrong path here! :-)
Good luck with everything. My advice? Take this info and head straight to a solid internist. I think they have some great ones over at the Black Panther Party clinic, or somewhere similar—most of those specialists are brothers from the Midwest, if I remember correctly.
Hang in there. Hopefully, you can find the root cause soon so you can get back to enjoying life. :-)

Oh, thank you all so much,

I noticed some changes today too... I usually follow the non-profit organization forums and this one for support from those dealing with serious illnesses...

Honestly, my biggest fear is what happens if someone targets me while I'm looking after my little one. I'm a single mom, and lately, I've had to miss quite a bit of work for testing, which feels terrible... but once things start moving, they just don't stop.

I'm waiting for this Tuesday to go back for my ultrasound at Mayo Clinic, and then I have to see my doctor again to get a referral... I'm not even sure if I should be seeing an oncologist or an internist...

And trying to organize everything is such a nightmare. I have to drop my kid off at daycare every morning, and I feel safest handling appointments while he's there...

So, today I noticed these tiny red spots on my left hand. It’s strange, they flared up overnight (I know, I sound like a hypochondriac) but I keep telling everyone in my family that I don't feel right—my godmother is a doctor, a real brother to me—but she just ignores me. She says it's just stress, or being a single parent, blah, blah... but I can feel that something is wrong.

I've been reading about symptoms on the non-profit organization sites, and I recognize several of them, which is why I'm so scared... I know, I'm trying to stay positive, but when you have a child, the panic just hits harder...

Thank you all... as soon as I find out something on Tuesday, I'll let you know. I plan to list out all my symptoms and I'm wondering if anything will actually show up...

I read about 5-HIAA in urine. Apparently, it's done when they suspect carcinoid (tomorrow I'm going to see my brother for instructions and some acid so I can start collecting urine this weekend), and if the levels of 5-HIAA, histamine, and cortisol in the urine aren't right, there's a suspicion...

Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm terrified, but hopefully, something will finally be clarified...

Oh, and is there anything less aggressive than a bone scan for checking bones? Something easier to undergo...

Thanks again to everyone...

I feel like I'm losing my mind with all of this. I'd honestly rather just get a full-body CT scan right now, because by the time all these tests are finished, so much time will have passed. Timing is everything—you have to catch it early to fight it. God, I'm just spiraling into depression...

Laura Williams74 said:Honestly, thank you all so much,

I’ve actually noticed some changes today too... I usually follow this forum just to stay updated and find support for people dealing with cancer here in the States.

What scares me most is what happens if some jerk decides to target me while I'm looking after my little one. I'm a single mom, and lately, I've been missing quite a bit of work due to all these tests, which makes me feel terrible, but once this process starts, there seems to be no end in sight.

I'm waiting until Tuesday to go back for an ultrasound at the local clinic, and then I have to see my doctor again to get a referral—I'm not even sure if I should be seeing an oncologist or an internist next.

Trying to organize everything is such a nightmare because I have to drop my kid off at daycare every day, and I feel safest getting things done while he's there.

For instance, today I noticed these tiny red spots on my left hand; they appeared out of nowhere overnight. I know I probably sound like a hypochondriac, but I keep insisting to everyone close to me that I don't feel right. My cousin is a doctor, but she just brushes me off, saying it's just stress or because I'm a single parent, etc., etc... but I can feel that something is seriously wrong.

I've been reading through symptoms on the non-profit organization's site, and I recognize several of them, which is why I'm terrified. I know, I'm trying to stay positive, but when you have a child, your anxiety levels just skyrocket.

Thanks to everyone. As soon as I find out something on Tuesday, I'll update you. I plan on listing all my symptoms to see if anything shows up in the results.

I learned that 5-HIAA in urine tests are done when someone suspects carcinoid syndrome (I'm heading to the doctor tomorrow for orders and some acid so I can start collecting urine this weekend). If the 5-HIAA, histamine, and cortisol levels in the urine aren't right, there's a suspicion...

Wish me luck; I'm scared, but hopefully, we finally get some clarity.

Also, is there any way to check bone issues that's less aggressive than a bone scan?

Thanks again...

I'm honestly losing my mind with all of this; I'd give anything to just get a full-body CT right now. By the time all these individual tests are finished, so much time will have passed, and catching things early is everything. I'm feeling really depressed about it all...

Austin Evans4, please just chill out.😳
Stop jumping to conclusions and trying to diagnose specific types of cancer based on every little thing. What is wrong with you? Any healthy person can experience various ailments and find a massive list of symptoms that could potentially point to cancer.
I would bet money that you have shingles, but the doctors are clearly missing the forest for the trees.
Just pull yourself together and wait for the lab results. If they come back bad, then come back to the non-profit organization's page or the main thread above. What you're doing right now is completely pointless.👎

You've got a point there, Angela Wright...

Anyway, I'll touch base on Tuesday once the UZVO meeting wraps up... just to get things moving... thanks.

Hi,

So, it's Tuesday and I'm checking in..

I spent the entire weekend collecting urine samples for 5-HIAA, 5-HTP, and histamine.. On Monday, I waited at the hospital for four hours just to hand over the bottles with my referral.. After that, I was supposed to pick up some kind of slip from the endocrinology lab (that new white building behind the green one), but I never got it because I was already running incredibly late for work, and since I had more tests scheduled today, I couldn't afford to wait any longer.
And apparently, they told me that histamine and 5-HTP tests don't even exist—that they don't perform those specific screenings. What on earth is that about?
The doctor at the hospital wrote them down herself..

Does anyone know what this means? I mean, isn't histamine related to allergies?...

I complained at the front desk, and the woman there basically told me to feel free to call her manager since she’d already been warned about the patient registration issues, and suggested I just head over there. After pacing around and playing mental ping-pong with the situation, I was losing my mind, so I just left for work... I'm hoping I can still get my results without that famous little slip of paper..

I went in for blood work today, and surprisingly, that went really fast.. At the local clinic (near the downtown area)

Anyway, I had an ultrasound at Medikol. While they were scanning my abdomen, I felt a sharp pain on my left side, right under my ribs. I explained my symptoms, fully convinced it was my kidney (my skin is itching, especially my shoulders, shoulder blades, and arms, plus a light urticaria, and pains on the left radiating into my back).. But when they told me the kidney looks fine and it's likely my intestines, and that I might need a colonoscopy.. hurray!! Just what I needed. They did say I should do a fecal occult blood test first though.. I just don't know how many more times I can ask my boss for time off...

It actually makes sense, because those pains and symptoms are always tied to my urge to go, which comes and goes... And quite often when I wake up, I have cramps, like an urge, but nothing happens... Now I just have to connect the bone pain and the lump on my left hand, near the base of my thumb...(arthritis?)...

I also have a bone scintigraphy left to do based on the recommendation from that same doctor at the hospital... but I honestly don't know when I'll manage that, maybe after I see my GP..

That's all for now, cheers everyone..

Did you ever ask them about the possibility of shingles?
Just stay strong. You’ll get through this.

Look, I really hope you're doing alright, because I’m sitting here checking off every single symptom on the list—minus the missed period 🙂. It's honestly pretty discouraging when I finally track down someone on this forum who actually shares what I'm going through, only for them to suddenly go radio silent. Not exactly the comforting news I was looking for. :/

coppernomad83 said:Hm. I really hope you're doing okay. I’m dealing with all the same symptoms myself—minus the missed periods 🙂. It isn't exactly comforting when I find someone on here with the exact same issues, only for them to suddenly go silent. Not a great sign. :/

coppernomad83, did they ever actually figure out what's wrong with you? I've got the same thing: skin rashes, itching, and gastritis

I’m dealing with the exact same thing. This red rash keeps breaking out all over my body—it’s incredibly itchy—and I get these random stomach pains tied to my bathroom trips. Taking Benadryl keeps the rash at bay, but we both know that isn't a real fix. Has anyone actually managed to pin down what's causing this?