OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Lower Left Abdominal Discomfort

This is a lengthy account that I shared in another forum with little response. I’m a 29-year-old woman residing in Oklahoma, and I’m navigating through Medicaid. To provide some context, I have been diagnosed with Behcet’s disease, but I’m unsure if it is pertinent to my current situation. I will specifically address my abdominal experiences, as my condition encompasses multiple symptoms. Since 2020, my Behcet's disease has intensified. I began experiencing prolonged menstrual periods that stretched for weeks and eventually months, with only a brief respite of a week in between. The most extended cycle I encountered lasted two and a half months from late 2020 to early 2021. In November 2020, my bowel habits shifted dramatically from normal to experiencing diarrhea up to six times daily, seeming to happen overnight. A colonoscopy conducted in April 2021 revealed benign polyps and ulcers related to Behcet’s. Despite this, subsequent stool tests in May failed to provide clarity on my digestive issues. This pattern continued with no resolution. In July 2023, I underwent a complete hysterectomy, including the removal of my ovaries, uterus, and cervix. However, shortly after the surgery, I began to experience mild but persistent pain in my lower left abdomen. Things escalated in October due to other health flare-ups, and by November, I was battling severe nausea, almost needing to vomit, but the fundoplication surgery I had previously prevented me from doing so. By early December 2023, the abdominal pain intensified enough for me to require an ambulance ride to the emergency room. I was diagnosed with pancreatitis and referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. In March, the GI specialist reported odd lab results but affirmed that the imaging looked fine. Blood tests indicated elevated inflammation markers, which are common for me due to Behcet’s. Another round of stool samples also returned normal, leading them to conclude that I didn’t need to return for follow-up. However, I continued to struggle with daily diarrhea and worsening abdominal pain. There was a period of feeling utterly defeated while I concentrated on other symptoms. Then in November 2024, an astonishing change occurred: I went from regular diarrhea five to six times daily for four years to experiencing a complete halt for a fortnight. During the first week of this, I consulted my doctor and tried stool softeners and Miralax. By Monday, with no results, the doctor dismissed the need for a CT scan despite my concerns about potential bowel obstruction. Instead, he prescribed two enemas and magnesium citrate, which didn’t bring any relief. My aunt took me to another ER within a different network the following Friday. An MRI revealed a mass in my colon, which they speculated could be a collection of stool. It was excruciating, and after several unsuccessful enemas—including one meant for post-anesthesia recovery—they sent me away with a referral to a GI specialist within their network. During this time, I adhered to a clear liquid diet, with jello becoming particularly unbearable. By the following Tuesday, another scan indicated the mass again, but they provided no further intervention and sent me home. Out of desperation, I longed for a solution. Early December brought an unexpected return to regular bowel movements, but the diarrhea persisted, accompanied by worsening lower left abdominal pain. As I attempted to return to solid foods, I radically altered my diet in hopes of alleviating my distress. By January, I faced another week and a half without bowel movements, leading to agonizing pain that doubled me over. Even when I resumed bowel movements, they were either watery or uncomfortably thin, but I often felt an urgent need that required several minutes to manifest. In February, I consulted a new gastroenterologist who suggested that my pain might stem from muscle issues, prescribing 10 mg of baclofen three times a day. A week later, I reached out again, urging for another scan to investigate the ongoing issues. Despite having seen the mass in the ER during two separate visits and MRIs, when I reviewed my medical summaries, nothing mentioned it. The doctor deemed further scans unnecessary due to clear results from November, instead prescribing 300 mg of gabapentin for nerve-related pain stemming from five surgical scars and advising daily stretching routines. A week after that, I found myself nearly bedridden, curled up in pain, waking every 30 minutes to two hours, barely getting any sleep. My appetite had vanished, leading to a loss of nine pounds over the previous fortnight, and I found myself skipping meals out of lack of hunger. Frustration and confusion have consumed me, and I'm at a loss without the option to change doctors or networks again. Any advice would be immensely appreciated as I’m feeling hopeless.

Answers (1)

3/29/2025, 4:10:47 PM

OpenHealth AI

Key Points:
Your persistent lower left abdominal discomfort, especially in the context of Behcet's disease and other complex health issues, requires careful consideration. Understanding potential underlying factors and monitoring your symptoms could help. Here are steps you can take to begin addressing your concerns effectively.

Explanation:
Given your history with Behcet's disease, it is clear that your body has been through significant changes and trials. The intermittent abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits indicate a possible connection to your chronic condition and the surgeries you have had. While you've experienced various tests and treatments, the persistent symptoms may reflect complications or the need for tailored management.

Chronic inflammation, which is common in Behcet's, can manifest in gastrointestinal symptoms, and the impact of your recent hysterectomy must also be considered. It’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare providers and ensure that your concerns are taken seriously throughout this process.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Tracking: Maintain a daily diary of your symptoms and dietary intake, including any medications. Note when you experience pain, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits, along with stress levels and potential triggers.

2. Dietary Considerations: Since dietary changes have previously affected your bowel movements, focus on a balanced diet and consider working with a dietitian familiar with gastrointestinal issues related to Behcet's. Keep a food journal to identify possible food intolerances.

3. Medication Review: Discuss with your physician or pharmacist any current medications, including their side effects. Sometimes, adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication can alleviate symptoms.

4. Pain Management: Explore non-pharmacological pain management options, such as physical therapy or gentle stretching exercises, to help with muscle tension related to your abdominal pain.

5. Engage with Your Health Team: If your current gastroenterologist is not addressing your ongoing concerns, consider asking for a second opinion within your network. Advocate for another imaging study if the pain persists or worsens, and stress the previous finding of the mass to your doctor.

6. Mental Health Support: Managing chronic conditions can be frustrating and draining. Consider counseling or support groups that focus on chronic illness to help process your emotions and gain support.

7. Emergency Care: If your abdominal pain becomes severe, if you experience symptoms like fever, changes in consciousness, or severe nausea, do not hesitate to seek emergency care.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and it's important to continue advocating for your health while keeping track of your symptoms and any potential changes in your condition. If you need more guidance or have specific questions as you navigate these steps, feel free to reach out.