Pain in the Right Upper Abdomen
I am a 37-year-old female experiencing intermittent pain in my right upper abdomen for the past six years. I have been consulting a gastroenterologist who has performed two endoscopies, a HIDA scan, and a Bravo test. Additionally, I’ve been diagnosed with a mild hiatal hernia and currently take omeprazole at a dosage of 40mg daily. My routine blood tests have yielded good results overall, except for low ferritin levels and elevated TIBC, which led to a referral to a hematologist. The hematologist advised that due to my heavy menstrual cycles, iron infusions would be ineffective, as they would be negated by menstruation. Subsequently, I saw my OB, who performed a surgical procedure on March 7 that included a tubal removal, dilation and curettage (D&C), and uterine ablation. I returned to my gastroenterologist last Thursday due to persistent discomfort. The recent ultrasound results were positive, showing my gallbladder, liver, spleen, right kidney, and pancreas are functioning well, with no stones detected. Now, I have been scheduled for a colonoscopy on April 24th. I am feeling quite lost as to what could be causing my symptoms; the whole situation is both frustrating and upsetting. I’ve tried the BRAT diet and eliminated certain foods to assess whether they might be triggering the pain, and even completed a 72-hour fast with only bone broth, yet the discomfort has not subsided. I often experience a sensation of fullness, and sometimes a burning feeling in the upper right portion of my abdomen. I am seeking any suggestions or advice, as I want to be well-prepared for my upcoming gastro appointment. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 9:10:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that dealing with intermittent pain in your right upper abdomen, especially after extensive testing and consultations, can feel overwhelming and frustrating. It's clear you're committed to finding a solution, and I want to help you explore your options more effectively.
Main Points:
- Ongoing abdominal pain can stem from various factors, especially related to your digestive system, menstrual cycle, and previous surgical interventions.
- You're already on the right path by keeping track of your diet and seeking professional help.
- Preparing for your upcoming gastroenterologist appointment is crucial for addressing your concerns.
Explanation:
The right upper abdominal area contains organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and parts of the digestive tract. Although imaging and tests have shown no immediate issues with these organs, pain can sometimes arise from muscle strain, nerve irritation, or issues related to digestion that are not easily identified through standard tests.
Your history of heavy menstrual cycles and other gynecological interventions could also contribute to the abdominal pain you're experiencing. It’s important to continue looking for potential connections between gastrointestinal and gynecological symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when the pain occurs, its intensity, any food or activities that seem to worsen or alleviate it, and your menstrual cycle. This information can help your gastroenterologist identify patterns.
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Prepare Questions for Your Appointment: Make a list of specific questions or concerns you’d like to address, such as potential causes of your pain despite negative tests, dietary modifications to try, and the impact of your hormonal health on your symptoms.
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Discuss Possible Triggers: Bring up your experience with specific diets (like the BRAT diet and fasting) during your appointment. Highlight any observed correlations between food intake and pain episodes, which could lead to further dietary recommendations.
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Explore Stress Management Techniques: Since stress can exacerbate abdominal discomfort, consider incorporating relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to see if they help alleviate your symptoms.
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Follow Up on Hematology Concerns: Keep discussing with your healthcare team about your low ferritin and heavy menstrual cycles to evaluate whether additional treatments may be beneficial, considering your recent surgical procedure.
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Stay Balanced Nutritionally: While you’re focusing on abdominal health, ensure you maintain balanced nutrition to support overall well-being, especially since you’re already aware of low iron levels.
Reassurance:
It's completely normal to feel lost when grappling with long-term symptoms. You're actively engaged in understanding your body and finding solutions, which is very important. Remember, you're not alone, and the upcoming appointment is an opportunity to refine the approach to managing your discomfort. If any new symptoms arise or if your pain worsens before your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out for immediate advice.
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