Experiencing Unexpected Abdominal Discomfort
I am a 33-year-old woman, weighing 155 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall. I do not smoke and have refrained from alcohol for over a month, having previously consumed between zero and eight drinks weekly. Currently, I am not on any medications. Last night, while seated cross-legged on the floor reading to my child, I suddenly experienced an intense pain in the middle of my upper abdomen. It felt akin to a balloon expanding, accompanied by a sense of warmth, which lasted only a few moments before a rush of discomfort moved down toward my navel. This sudden onset was alarming and left me quite unsettled. Following the incident, I felt pain beneath my left rib cage, which also had a nearly numb sensation, and I continued to experience discomfort in my lower left abdomen. Concerned about the severity of my symptoms, I decided to go to the emergency room. My blood tests came back largely normal; however, my white blood cell count was slightly elevated at 12.6 with neutrophils at 8, whereas my count just the day prior was 11. I felt fine overall, though my child has been battling a cough. Lipase levels were recorded at 307 unit/L, an increase since the 278 recorded in 2024. A CT scan without contrast yielded no significant findings, although it did reveal the presence of scattered colonic diverticula around my sigmoid colon. The doctors also noted a small amount of blood in my urine and some leukocytes. Today, I feel relatively okay but am still bothered by a persistent ache in my lower left abdominal area. I have an MRI scheduled for this week due to incidental findings from an ultrasound performed ten months ago, revealing multiple nabothian cysts, one of which measures up to 1 cm and is hypoechoic, raising concerns about a potential complex cyst versus a solid lesion. Although I am not entirely sure what caused my recent abdominal pain, it was quite frightening. I am curious to know if others have experienced similar issues or what aspects I should consider discussing further with my general practitioner. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 12:50:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel unsettled after experiencing sudden abdominal pain. Your symptoms, while alarming, can have several causes. Based on what you've shared, it seems like the abdominal pain may relate to your gastrointestinal health, possibly linked to the diverticula noted in the CT scan, alongside the mild increase in your lipase level.
Explanation
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Diverticulitis Consideration: The presence of diverticula can sometimes lead to diverticulitis, which is an inflammation that can cause pain and discomfort. Your symptoms could suggest mild irritation, especially given the slight elevation in white blood cells.
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Other Factors: The feelings of warmth and the discomfort shifting toward your navel could also indicate gastrointestinal spasms or irritation. The sensations beneath your left rib cage and in the lower abdomen may have various causes, including muscular strain or digestive issues.
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Follow-up Findings: You've mentioned an MRI scheduled for concerns related to the nabothian cysts, which are generally benign and common, especially in women. It’s good to follow up, especially given the earlier ultrasound findings.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your symptoms, noting when they occur, what activities might trigger them, and their intensity. This will provide valuable information for your doctor.
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Hydration and Diet: Focus on staying well-hydrated and consider a high-fiber diet if you are not already doing so. This can help your digestive system, especially considering the diverticula.
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Pain Management: If the discomfort continues or worsens, you could use over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief, but be careful with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, especially if you suspect gastrointestinal issues.
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Follow-Up with General Practitioner (GP): Discuss your ongoing symptoms, the MRI findings, and any abdominal discomfort. Ask specific questions about the diverticula and any correlations with your pain and elevated lipase levels.
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Child’s Health: Since your child has been unwell, ensure you’re following up on their health too, particularly if you start noticing any additional symptoms that could indicate an illness.
If you experience new or worsening symptoms—like recurrent severe pain, fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits—seek medical attention promptly. It's important to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Let me know if you need more tailored advice or specific information about any of these steps!
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