This is another follow up to my RUQ question that has now also developed into a a right mid/upper dull back ache since
November 08. I provided details of my symptoms and medical tests in my last post in January. Since then, I have been back to
the GI doctor who has ruled out 99% that my condition is related to a liver or GI issue including the hemangioma. The pain
levels have been relatively constant (3-6 level) and have not subsided for 7 months now. I went back to my primary care
doctor last month after some physical therapy which was not effective. He did not want to order another x-ray since I have
had so many tests that have been negative and it would have shown up. His final diagnosis is a chronic pain syndrome possibly
brought on by the loss of my wife in 2006. His recommendation is deal with it or try a pain management specialist. My
question is should I pursue this any further with more tests or should I accept the diagnosis? I just read about a case of a
guy with upper back pain that turned out to be lung cancer that made me a bit nervous. My doctor has ruled that out, but I am
still skeptical. I believe I asked you last time if the thoracic and cervical spine MRI would have identified a lung tumor
causing pain on a nerve since both came back with no mention of the lungs but I'm not sure you directly addressed it. Would
it? Wouldn't the pain have progressed after 7 months or other symptoms show? (My Dr. believes the longer I have this, the
less likely it is a serious condition). Should I just go to the ER and get an x-ray? I would like your opinion on the
likelihood that this is a cancer since there had been no noticeable progression or respiratory symptoms? What would you
recommend as my next step?
Thank You.