OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Solutions for Persistent Pain: A Journey

In March 2024, I awoke to a sharp, cramping sensation in my upper right quadrant that felt remarkably similar to when I had kidney stones in the past. After a visit to the emergency room, where I was administered pain relief and an antacid, the CT scan revealed a 1cm kidney stone on my left side, a 1.4cm celiac aneurysm, evidence of diverticulosis, and the presence of gallstones. Despite these findings, the physician suggested that none of these conditions were likely responsible for my pain, and I was discharged with a prescription for omeprazole. Over the following weeks, the pain persisted, leading me back to the ER multiple times. My digestion felt completely off, and my food intake dwindled significantly. Most days, I resorted to self-medicating with over-the-counter pain relievers, antacids, and occasionally a laxative just to manage enough to go to work. During one emergency visit, the doctors concluded my gallbladder was both inflamed and infected, and although no stones were currently blocking it, surgery was deemed necessary. With children depending on me, I requested a postponement, and the surgical team surprisingly consented to a follow-up appointment the following week to discuss scheduling. But by Wednesday, the pain resurfaced, and upon scanning, the doctors determined there was no inflammation that warranted an emergency procedure. I left with more pain relief and no clear guidance yet again. On Friday evening, as I sat with a heating pad and sipping tea, I suddenly felt a strange popping sensation near my sternum, after which approximately 95% of my pain vanished. Almost immediately, I noticed the familiar sounds of digestion that I hadn't recognized in months. When I met with the surgeon that Monday, I recounted my experiences, including the popping and the subsequent relief from pain. To my surprise, he remarked that pain is perceived in the brain, suggesting we remove the gallbladder to see if it alleviated my issues. This idea made me uneasy. Things leveled off until Fall 2024 when I began experiencing cramping pain on my left side, particularly around my rib cage mid-way between my bellybutton and left side. While it was not as severe as before, it became a daily occurrence accompanied by somewhat flattened stools—an irritating, intensifying discomfort. By then, I found myself regularly using pain medication (800mg ibuprofen, and 10-20mg oxycodone), alongside Mylanta and heating pads for relief when the discomfort flared up. Fast forward to February 2025; I consulted with a gastroenterologist who ordered a CT scan combined with both oral and IV contrast, along with blood tests. Everything appeared normal apart from some minor inguinal hernias and the previously noted kidney stone and aneurysm. They concluded there was nothing apparent that could explain my pain. A visit to the vascular specialist yielded assurance that the aneurysm could not be the source of my symptoms. The urologist suggested the kidney stone might have a role, but since there was no blood in my urine and it hadn't shifted, that risk seemed minimal. I can't shake the feeling that my pain may be tied to digestion issues. I started to contemplate whether the pain relief medication I had taken for months could be contributing to the cramping, as they are often cited as harmful to digestive health. In contrast, the ibuprofen could also be a factor, or perhaps the gallbladder is indeed an unresolved issue. Uncertainty surrounds me as I navigate pain while managing my work responsibilities. Currently, my only scheduled medical appointment is a colonoscopy set for June, and I find myself without any clear strategies for dealing with this ongoing discomfort. What steps could I consider or alternative avenues might I explore to find relief?

Answers (1)

3/17/2025, 9:50:42 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging journey with persistent pain and are seeking clarity and relief. Your symptoms, combined with your medical history, certainly raise important questions about gastrointestinal and biliary issues, which may be contributing to your discomfort. Let’s break down some key points and actionable steps.

Main Points

1. Understanding the Pain: You’ve experienced recurrent pain that might be connected to multiple factors, including possible digestive issues, medication effects, or gallbladder complications.
2. Current Management Considerations: You are currently using pain relief medications, but these may have implications for your digestive health.
3. Next Steps for Relief: It's essential to explore further management options and lifestyle changes that could aid in symptom relief.

Explanation

Your past experiences with kidney stones, gallbladder inflammation, and digestive discomfort indeed suggest that your pain could stem from a combination of issues. The popping sensation followed by symptom relief is interesting—it might indicate a change in gas or muscle tension contributing to your pain perception. It’s also worth considering how the chronic use of pain medications could affect your gut, leading to symptoms like cramping and digestive disturbances.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Your Symptoms:

• Keep a detailed diary of your pain experiences, what relieves it, what aggravates it (including food intake), and any changes in bowel habits. This could provide valuable insights into patterns and triggers.

2. Manage Medication Intelligently:

• Consider discussing the prolonged use of over-the-counter pain relievers and how they might affect your digestive system with your provider. There may be alternative pain management strategies, including non-pharmacological methods.

3. Nutrition and Diet:

• Evaluate your diet, focusing on fiber intake to aid digestion and regular bowel movements. Incorporate high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Identify Triggers: Pay attention to foods that may irritate your gastrointestinal tract (like spicy or fatty foods) and try to minimize them.

4. Gentle Physical Activity:

• Engage in light physical activities, like walking or gentle stretching, to improve gut motility and reduce pain associated with tension.

5. Stress Management:

• Since pain perception can be influenced by stress and anxiety, consider stress-relief techniques such as mindful breathing, meditation, or yoga.

6. Follow-up with Specialists:

• Since you have multiple appointments scheduled (such as your upcoming colonoscopy), prepare any questions or concerns to discuss with your gastroenterologist.
• You might want to bring up your thoughts on gallbladder issues again, considering your ongoing symptoms, especially if your pain worsens.

7. Explore Holistic Approaches:

• Consider discussing complementary therapies with your healthcare team, such as acupuncture or physical therapy focused on the abdomen, which might alleviate some discomfort.

Conclusion

Dealing with persistent pain can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the cause seems unclear. By monitoring your symptoms closely, assessing your medications, and considering lifestyle adjustments, you may find new avenues for respite. Remember to advocate for your health during your medical appointments—your insights and experiences are crucial in guiding your care. If your pain intensifies or new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation.