Understanding My Left Side Discomfort
Age: 25, Weight: approximately 170 lbs, Height: 5'4”. For the past year, I've been plagued by an unusual discomfort located in my abdomen, roughly two inches above my belly button and a bit to the left. Whenever I mention this to my gastroenterologist—especially since I've been dealing with ulcerative colitis since I was 19—I never receive a clear explanation regarding what might be causing this issue, and I often find myself regretting that I didn't advocate more assertively for clarity. This discomfort isn't always prominent; I usually notice it when I press on that area or after overeating. At times, it resembles more of a sensation of something being lodged rather than actual pain, stretching from the left side of my throat down to that specific point. This feeling occasionally makes me want to gag or vomit, as if I need to expel whatever it is that's causing the sensation, but deep down, I doubt that anything is genuinely there. Thankfully, eating isn't a struggle for me, but the awareness of precisely where my throat ends and this discomfort begins is unsettling. Is this sensation related to my throat? What could be the nature of this discomfort? I assure you I plan to consult with a medical professional soon; however, the wait time is a few weeks, and I'm uncertain if this warrants urgent attention. Alongside my UC, I have had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since childhood, but its occurrence is sporadic—there are stretches when I don't experience any symptoms. I've undergone an endoscopy and colonoscopy recently, and the findings indicated an irregular Z-line (at 40 cm) along with mild inflammation. Oddly enough, I don’t recall this particular sensation being as intense until now.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 8:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a complex discomfort in your abdomen, which, given your history with ulcerative colitis (UC) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), understandably raises concerns. Let's break down your situation and provide some clarity and steps to manage your discomfort.
Key Points:
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Possible Causes of Discomfort: The sensations you describe could be related to several factors, including irritation from GERD, muscle tension, or post-inflammatory changes related to your UC. These conditions can create feelings of fullness or something being "lodged."
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Existing Conditions: Your history of UC and GERD could contribute to your symptoms, especially since they've both been characterized by changes and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Explanation:
You mentioned discomfort about two inches above your belly button and to the left. This area can sometimes be affected by:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD): This can cause sensations in the chest and upper abdomen due to acid irritation.
- GI Motility Issues: Ulcerative colitis can lead to changes in how your bowel functions, which might cause altered sensations after eating.
- Muscle Strain or Tension: Since your discomfort is more pronounced when pushing on that area, muscle tightness could also be contributing to this sensation.
The unusual feeling of wanting to gag or vomit might stem from the irritation or fullness you’re experiencing, possibly connected to your throat and changes in esophageal function due to your GERD and Z-line irregularity.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep track of when the discomfort occurs—note any patterns associated with meals, activities, or stress levels. Consider keeping a food diary to see if specific foods trigger symptoms.
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Diet Modifications: Since you have GERD, focus on smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger ones. Avoid any known irritants like spicy or fatty foods and caffeine, which can exacerbate symptoms.
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Relaxation Techniques: Stress can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise may help reduce discomfort.
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Follow-Up with Your Gastroenterologist: When you have your upcoming appointment, consider discussing the specific sensations more assertively. You could ask about motility studies or potential referrals to specialists (e.g., a nutritionist or a swallowing specialist) who can provide additional insights.
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Urgency Levels: Your symptoms don't suggest immediate, urgent topics like severe pain or acute distress. However, if you notice any worsening symptoms such as significant vomiting, unexpected weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, reach out for more immediate care.
Your health and comfort are important, and while waiting for your consultation, taking these proactive steps can help you manage your symptoms effectively. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance.
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