Why Wasn’t My Stomach Scanned During My Hospital Visit for Pain?
Summary of my experience: I endured severe abdominal discomfort that left me hunched over for three consecutive days, accompanied by diarrhea and noticeable bloating. The pain was concentrated in the center of my abdomen, specifically at the area just below my ribcage and sternum. It did not spread or shift; it remained fixed in that central spot underneath my sternum. When I arrived at the hospital, I underwent an ultrasound. Reviewing the findings now, I see that they examined my liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, aorta, veins, spleen, and bile duct. However, there was no mention of my stomach being assessed. I might be overthinking things, but shouldn’t they have investigated the area where I felt the most discomfort? For those in the medical field, I would appreciate any insights that could help alleviate my concerns. Details about me: 31 years old, 171 cm tall, weighing 80 kg, non-smoker, not taking any medication.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 11:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your experience and the examination process, especially when you were in significant discomfort. To clarify, it is not uncommon for medical professionals to focus on certain areas during diagnostic imaging based on the symptoms you present. Here’s a breakdown of what may have happened and what steps to consider moving forward.
Main Points:
- Focused Ultrasound: The medical team likely prioritized assessing organs commonly associated with abdominal pain, such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
- Symptoms and Imaging: Your fixed pain under the sternum might not immediately implicate the stomach, leading to the ultrasound not targeting it specifically.
Explanation:
When you arrived at the hospital, your symptoms (severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea) prompted a thorough evaluation of structures within the abdomen. Physicians often make decisions about imaging based on the most common issues presenting with those symptoms. The stomach is often included if there's a concern for gastritis, ulcers, or other digestive conditions, but sometimes it might not be a focus if other diagnoses are suspected.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily note of your symptoms, including any changes in pain, bloating, or the frequency and nature of your diarrhea. This diary can help track patterns and changes that are important for your health.
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Consider Dietary Factors: Pay attention to what you eat. If you can identify if certain foods trigger your discomfort or if you feel better after avoiding others, this information could be valuable.
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Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you develop additional symptoms (such as vomiting, worsening pain, or blood in your stool), it is advisable to seek follow-up care promptly, either at a clinic or with your primary care provider.
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Communicate with Your Doctor: If you remain concerned about not having your stomach assessed directly, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and possibly explore further evaluation or tests such as an endoscopy, as it could provide helpful insights.
Take comfort in knowing that your care team made decisions based on the immediate clinical findings, and always feel empowered to ask questions or seek clarification about your treatment.
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