Jane
At age 12, my son had abdominal pain for 6 weeks. I took him to the pediatrician who stated he only had the flu. After weeks of returning my boy to the doctor, and he wasn't getting better, I insisted that the physician at least take a blood test. The blood test resulted in a high white count. However, the physician still maintained he had the flu and did not order further tests. After being in pain for 6 weeks, I demanded that the physician come up with a diagnosis. Upon re-examination, this time, he advised me to immediately take my son to the hospital for a possible appendectomy. ! My son had finally reacted to an exam for appendicitis in textbook fashion. Upon surgery, they found that he had an appendix about ready to rupture, and it was already leaking. He had a longer than usual recovery for a "normal" appendectomy, and could have died. The same thing happened to me at the age of 51. I had severe abdominal pain and went to emergency 3 times. Each time I was sent home after having performed numerous tests with a diagnosis of possible female or gallbladder problems. I returned to the hospital the 4th time and told them I was not leaving until they diagnosed what was causing this pain. After more tests, they still found nothing wrong, but decided to perform exploratory surgery. Upon opening me up, they found a ruptured appendix with peritonitis and gangrene. If it weren't for antibiotics, in an earlier time, I would surely have died. My advise is to be more assertive with your doctor in insisting that a correct diagnosis be made. Although my doctors in both cases maintained "there is no such thing as chronic appendicitis, only acute appendicitis", they were wrong in both cases!