Struggling with Severe Stomach Pain for Over Four Years—Finding It Hard to Cope (15F)
For the past four years, I have been grappling with on-and-off severe stomach pain, which has reached a new level of intensity recently, to the point that I had to switch to online schooling and stop participating in my sport. The unpredictability and severity of the pain have become unimaginable. Most of the discomfort originates from my lower abdomen, particularly on the right and left sides, though sometimes it feels like it covers my entire stomach. I avoid gluten and dairy in my diet, but I don’t stress over cross-contamination. In the last three months, I've visited the emergency room twice, where I received various medications (including methocarbamol, hydroxyzine, dicyclomine, Mylanta, Pepcid, hydrocodone-acetaminophen, and morphine) and was given a referral to a gastroenterologist, with a waiting period exceeding seven months. Shortly before these incidents, my primary care physician moved to a different clinic, and due to my family changing insurance, I had to find a new doctor, whom I have seen twice. About two years ago, I underwent an x-ray after consulting with a gastroenterologist that revealed a possible blockage, and I was advised to take laxatives to clear it up. I have undergone numerous tests recently, including blood work, stool samples, an x-ray, and a CT scan (with both oral and IV contrast). The blood and stool results were normal, but the CT scan identified a thin-walled, ring-enhancing cystic structure in the right adnexa, approximately 2.3 x 1.7 cm in size, likely indicating a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst, along with some mild pelvic free fluid. This biopsy result surprised me, as I typically experience pain on my left side, and it’s not usually localized that low. Consequently, my doctor has scheduled me for an abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound to look further into this situation, although a similar abdominal ultrasound performed two or three years ago yielded no issues. Coping with the pain has become increasingly difficult, and I often feel paralyzed by my fear of merely existing—I frequently contemplate a trip to the emergency room but don’t know how to proceed. I refuse to live in misery any longer. Much of my discomfort seems to escalate when I need to use the bathroom (although not exclusively), and my bowel movements are seldom normal—ranging from pebbles and diarrhea to variations in color. Currently, I’m taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen, dicyclomine, promethazine, and ibguard/peto. Lately, I’ve also noticed that my heart rate spikes when I’m standing, making me feel faint, and I often experience flu-like symptoms that are quite severe. Routine activities like showering have become overwhelmingly exhausting, leaving me bedridden for the most part. My mother insists that I take hydroxyzine HCL, which was prescribed by an ER doctor for ‘anxiety’—a label she requested. While I might have some anxiety, I’m uncertain about taking this medication. I experience unusual episodes that include crying, rapid heartbeat, feeling as though I might faint, and a general sense of malaise. These symptoms are what prompted my mother to encourage me to try the hydroxyzine. My doctor is working to expedite my appointment with the gastroenterology specialist, but in the meantime, I remain uncertain about my next steps. I am utterly miserable and detest my current circumstances!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 7:51:11 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the severe and persistent pain you're experiencing. It sounds incredibly challenging, especially given how it disrupts your daily life and activities. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and stuck, given the length and intensity of your symptoms. Let's break this down and explore some actionable steps you can take while you await your further medical appointments.
Key Points:
- Severity of Symptoms: Your abdominal pain and its unpredictability have understandably caused significant distress, affecting your lifestyle and well-being.
- Current Medications and Symptoms: You are on multiple medications, and you've reported concerning symptoms like faintness and rapid heart rate, which need careful attention.
- Ongoing Evaluation: You're scheduled for further imaging, which is a crucial step in understanding your condition better.
Detailed Explanation:
Your long-standing abdominal pain could stem from several underlying causes, including gastrointestinal issues, potential ovarian cyst complications, or other concerns. The fact that earlier tests were normal indicates that further evaluation is necessary, particularly regarding the cyst and any gastrointestinal irregularities you might have. The symptoms you describe—pain during bowel movements, changes in bowel habits, and feelings of faintness—suggest that there might be a connection between your gastrointestinal tract and the ovarian cyst.
Next Steps:
While waiting for your gastroenterology appointment, consider the following steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, dietary intake, bowel habits, and any medications you take. Note when your heart rate spikes and any situations where you feel faint. This can provide doctors with valuable insights into triggers and patterns.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and consider a bland diet that may help soothe your stomach. Foods that are gentle on your system (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) can help manage symptoms. Avoid foods that you’ve noticed worsen your symptoms—even if they are generally considered healthy.
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Assess Medications: Since you're experiencing dizziness and faintness, it might be worth discussing with your doctor whether you should continue taking medications like hydrocodone, which can have side effects affecting your balance and mental clarity. Ask your healthcare provider about alternatives for pain management that may have fewer side effects.
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Light Activity as Tolerated: If possible, try to incorporate small, manageable activities into your day to avoid becoming overly sedentary; this can also help improve your mood. Even stretching or gentle movements can be beneficial.
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Consider Psychological Support: Managing chronic pain can understandably lead to anxiety and emotional distress. Since your mother suggests hydroxyzine for anxiety, you might also explore other options for psychological support or stress relief techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or talking to a mental health professional, even if only for support during this tough time.
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Emergency Room Criteria: If your pain becomes unbearable or if you experience new symptoms such as severe nausea, vomiting, or an inability to retain fluids, consider seeking emergency care right away.
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Stay in Communication with Healthcare Providers: Keep in close contact with your current doctor about your symptoms and any changes you notice. They are your advocate in accessing further care and can assist in expediting specialist appointments if needed.
Final Thoughts:
It’s important to remember that you're not alone in this—many patients have similar feelings while navigating chronic pain and conditions without clear answers. Continue advocating for yourself and communicating openly with your healthcare team. Your pain and struggles are valid, and seeking help is the first step towards finding relief. Stay strong, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support as you manage your situation.
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