OpenHealth Q&A

Mid-Lower Abdominal Discomfort

I'm a 32-year-old woman currently on a daily dosage of 80mg of valsartan. I maintain a fitness routine by working out three times a week and also enjoy visiting the sauna. About four years back, it was discovered that I have a gallstone. While I do smoke and drink occasionally, my gallstone symptoms are generally minimal. Recently, I experienced a concerning episode of pain on my right side and shoulder that lasted for three hours early on Monday, the 17th. Then, on Friday morning, I awoke to find myself with discomfort located in the mid-lower region of my left abdomen. The previous evening, I had lifted my nearly 70-pound five-year-old without any immediate issues, which led me to believe the discomfort was muscular in nature. Despite my initial thoughts, the pain did not improve by Saturday, prompting me to seek reassurance at urgent care. At the facility, my urine was tested, revealing some blood—likely due to my menstrual cycle—and a physical examination indicated that the discomfort appeared to be situated above my ovaries. I was initially worried due to the presence of a cyst on my left side. The doctor suspected a muscular issue but offered to conduct blood tests for further examination. However, complications arose when the nurse attempted to draw my blood; she inadvertently punctured my vein, leading to a bruise that resembles the size of a mandarin orange. An attempt to draw blood from my hand resulted in a painful sensation that felt like a nerve being hit. Despite my familiarity with getting blood drawn, I found this experience to be particularly distressing, accompanied by cold sweats and a sense of nausea. Consequently, I decided to return home and observe the pain instead. As the days progressed, the pain has intensified, especially in the mornings. By mid-afternoon, I typically feel better and even managed to engage in light exercise and a sauna visit yesterday. I noticed what appeared to be bile in my stools for a couple of days, leading me to cut back on fatty foods and reduce my overall intake. The discomfort persists upon movement or touch in the affected area, and while resting, it often feels heavy or full. This morning, the pain worsened, and I woke feeling somewhat ill, resembling a hungover state. Thankfully, I'm noticing slight improvements as the day progresses, and I'm hopeful that by midday, the pain will only be triggered by specific movements like before. Additionally, I've experienced occasional mild cramping, which is unusual for me but not a significant issue. My primary concern now is whether I should pursue blood work as soon as possible, perhaps today, or wait until Friday to gauge my condition further. Given my doctor's office is heavily booked, my choices boil down to either urgent care or the emergency room. However, the ER in my area typically involves long wait times of 7-8 hours, making urgent care the more appealing option for me.

Answers (1)

3/26/2025, 1:30:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about your mid-lower abdominal discomfort, especially given your history with gallstones and the recent episodes of pain. Here's a breakdown of your situation and the next steps to take.

Key Points:

1. Current Symptoms & History: You've experienced significant abdominal discomfort, particularly on the left side, which has become more intense, with factors that could indicate a possible muscle strain or gallstone concerns.
2. Previous Investigations: Urgent care suggested it might be muscular, and your urine tests were influenced by your menstrual cycle, but you still have lingering symptoms that need monitoring.
3. Next Steps: Given the intensifying nature of your pain and the presence of unusual stool changes, it’s advisable to seek further evaluation.

Explanation:

The pain you're experiencing could be multifactorial given your history with gallstones and the recent activities you've engaged in (like lifting). The fact that the pain worsens with movement and when pressure is applied suggests that it could be related to muscle strain or potentially gallstone-related discomfort. The presence of bile in your stools also indicates that your digestive system might be affected, which is concerning given your gallstone history.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Urgent Care Evaluation: Since your symptoms have worsened and include abdominal discomfort and changes in stool, it would be wise to visit urgent care today rather than waiting until Friday, especially if the pain continues to intensify. This will help rule out serious conditions, such as complications from gallstones or other abdominal issues.

2. Keep a Symptom Diary: Document any pain changes, bowel movements, or other symptoms to provide healthcare professionals with detailed information. This will assist them in diagnosing any underlying issues more accurately.

3. Hydration and Diet Adjustments: Continue to stay hydrated and maintain a light diet, avoiding fatty foods and anything that could exacerbate your discomfort. If you notice any worsening of symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, or changes in your ability to eat, seek care immediately.

4. Monitor for Accompanying Symptoms: Keep an eye on any new symptoms such as fever, severe changes in bowel movement, or significant changes in pain location, which could indicate the need for more urgent examination.

Your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms proactively can help ensure you get the right care and avoid potential complications. Please remember to take deep breaths and try to stay calm; this situation is manageable with the right steps. If any serious symptoms arise, don't hesitate to seek emergency care.