OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Abdominal Pain for 7 Months without Support from My Doctor

Greetings, I’m an 18-year-old male, standing at 5'6" and weighing 120 pounds, residing in the UK. I've been enduring intense abdominal discomfort for approximately seven months. This pain tends to escalate when I bend at certain angles or engage in physical activity such as running for more than ten minutes. The sensation resembles a sharp, stabbing ache localized in the upper right section of my abdomen. Additionally, I’ve noticed a popping and clicking sensation in my lower right rib area. At times, this discomfort intensifies, giving the impression that my ribs are shifting, causing soreness when leaning on my right side and pain just beneath my right ribcage, especially while walking. While I initially thought this could relate to a condition like slipping rib syndrome, I’m uncertain since the pain originates far from any typical rib location. Examining my abdomen closely, particularly when at an angle, reveals a hard lump situated just beneath the muscle on the right side, akin to the area where abdominal muscles form a "six-pack." Pressing on this mass elicits a clicking sound, which then vanishes. While my first concern was that this might be a hernia, I haven’t noticed any visible masses on my body, and it doesn't occur directly at the center of my abdomen. I’ve adhered to all my doctor’s recommendations, including trying yoga and taking ibuprofen for a month. I was informed that further tests might be available if my symptoms continued. After the month on painkillers and maintaining my yoga practice, I returned to my doctor, only to be told, "we don’t conduct tests for these types of issues." Despite my attempts to request a scan, I was advised to seek a second opinion (regrettably, my last visit was to another doctor) and to take paracetamol for another month. Currently, I'm in the process of registering as a temporary patient with a different GP to hopefully find a resolution. I suspect that my issue may stem from my running routine over the last year and a half, but it has persisted for about five months now. During that time, I primarily used a treadmill. However, I did attempt hill running toward the end of my treadmill workouts, which involved running uphill for a mile and subsequently returning downhill, completing this sequence three times. It’s possible that this uphill running may have strained my body or damaged the cartilage linking my ribs, or perhaps it has led to a hernia. Yet, I’m leaning towards the idea that it might be muscular in nature, as I’d prefer to rule out more severe underlying conditions like cancer. Unfortunately, my internet searches often lead me to worrying topics, such as liver cancer possibly causing similar symptoms, complete with the risk of a tumor. In summary, my major concerns are: - Slipping Rib Syndrome - Possible Hernia EDIT: At the time my weight fluctuated between 49 to 50 kg (108 to 110 pounds), but I’ve since been actively trying to increase my weight.

Answers (1)

3/25/2025, 4:51:14 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's concerning that you've been experiencing ongoing abdominal pain for seven months, especially given the symptoms and sensations you're describing. Your pain in the upper right abdomen, the clicking sound near your lower right rib, and the hard lump you’ve noticed are all significant points that need attention. It’s important to address these concerns so you can find relief and understand what’s going on with your body.

Explanation

The pain localized to your upper right abdomen and the popping sensation could be related to several issues. The potential conditions you mentioned, such as slipping rib syndrome or a hernia, are possibilities, but there could also be muscular strain, especially considering your active lifestyle and changes in your running routine. The lump you feel may be a muscle or tissue-related issue, but without imaging or further examination, it's difficult to diagnose accurately.

Next Steps

1. Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms over the next few weeks. Note when the pain occurs, its intensity, any activities that provoke it, and any changes in your overall health (e.g., weight changes, appetite, etc.). This can be a useful tool for your next healthcare provider.

2. Rethink Activity: Reduce the intensity of your workouts temporarily, especially activities that seem to aggravate your symptoms. Focus on low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling, as these may help you stay active without exacerbating your abdominal discomfort.

3. Weight Management: As you mentioned wanting to gain weight, ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Consider incorporating more nutrient-dense snacks throughout your day.

4. Seek Care with Your New GP: When you visit your new GP, clearly express your ongoing symptoms and concerns. Bring your symptom diary to help them understand the timeline and nature of your pain. Request further evaluation, including possible imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI), to better understand the hard lump and explore your concerns around a hernia or any other underlying issues.

5. Practice Gentle Stretching: While waiting for your new appointment, continue with yoga or gentle stretching focused on your abdominal area to help maintain mobility and possibly relieve some added tension.

6. Stay Informed, Not Alarmed: While it’s natural to worry about serious conditions, try to focus on what you can control, like managing your symptoms and seeking appropriate care.

Remember, you're taking the right steps by looking for a new GP and advocating for your health. Don’t hesitate to ask them about your concerns, including specific tests that could help clarify your diagnosis. Your well-being is important, and getting a proper evaluation is key to finding relief.