Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen
I’m a 24-year-old woman, measuring 185 cm and weighing 93 kg. Since early March, I've been experiencing persistent pain in the upper right section of my abdomen, which has exacerbated my endometriosis discomfort. Upon my initial consultation, my general practitioner ordered blood tests and an ultrasound due to concerns regarding potential gallstones, but those tests revealed no gallstones present. However, the ultrasound indicated that my liver is enlarged, measuring 183 mm. Fortunately, my liver function tests returned normal results, and there were no signs of cirrhosis; the bile ducts appeared to be in good health as well. Currently, I've been informed that the pain might not be related to my endometriosis, as I had that surgically addressed around four years ago and am currently using two types of contraception. A CT scan is scheduled for Tuesday, but both my gastroenterologist and GP seem uncertain about the underlying cause of my symptoms. Since my visit to the hospital on Monday, I’ve been in significant discomfort, yet my lab results for both blood and urine were still normal at that time. I am reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced something similar and might have insights regarding what could be causing these issues. Additionally, I do not consume alcohol or smoke.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 9:00:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing distressing discomfort in your upper right abdomen, compounded by the ongoing issues with endometriosis. The absence of gallstones and the normal liver function tests are reassuring, but it’s understandable to feel anxious about the underlying cause, especially with the pain persisting. I will address the pain and provide some actionable steps.
Explanation
Pain in the upper right abdomen can arise from various sources, including issues related to the liver, gallbladder, or even digestive tract conditions. Since your ultrasound showed an enlarged liver but normal function tests, this could indicate fatty liver disease, though other causes may exist. Given your recent health history and the current symptoms, it’s good that further imaging (the CT scan) is being conducted to provide more clarity.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of the pain, including its intensity, nature (sharp, dull, etc.), duration, and any accompanying symptoms such as nausea or changes in appetite. This record can be helpful for your medical team.
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Dietary Adjustments: Consider creating a food diary to identify any potential food triggers that could be worsening your symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while low in refined sugars and saturated fats might benefit your liver health.
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Hydration: Ensure you stay well-hydrated; this can assist digestion and liver function.
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Manage Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may help alleviate pain, but make sure to adhere to the recommended dosages and consult your doctor if you have concerns, especially given your medical background.
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Follow-up Post-CT Scan: After the CT scan on Tuesday, communicate the results with your healthcare team promptly. If the pain worsens or you develop new symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek care.
Additional Tips
- Engage in stress-relief practices such as deep breathing or gentle yoga, which can help manage discomfort related to stress.
- Continue discussing your symptoms openly with your healthcare providers, emphasizing any changes you notice.
It’s understandable to feel uncertain with ongoing symptoms, but you are taking the right steps by seeking further evaluation. If you have additional questions or thoughts after your CT scan, I’m here to help.
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