Should I Seek Urgent Care or Wait for My PCP After Last Night's Stomach Episode?
Height: 6 feet, Weight: 140 lbs, Age: 31 Last night, around 11 PM, I experienced a sudden onset of stomach discomfort that I initially thought was indigestion. However, by midnight, it intensified significantly to a pain level of 8 out of 10, making it difficult for me to maintain an upright position. I tried taking Pepto Bismol, but it didn’t alleviate the discomfort. The pain seemed to originate just beneath the lower part of my rib cage, radiating throughout my abdomen. It was a sharp, stabbing sensation reminiscent of my previous experience with appendicitis (I’ve had my appendix removed). Interestingly, despite the discomfort, my body temperature registered at 95.8, even after bundling up under blankets all night. I didn't notice any yellowing in my eyes. The pain was accompanied by hunger pangs, and I passed gas during this time, but I did not experience diarrhea, vomiting, or significant nausea. I finally managed to get some sleep around 2 AM, and upon waking at 8:30, I felt completely normal but still a bit hungry. Now I’m considering whether I should visit urgent care today or simply schedule an appointment with my primary care physician. I wonder if it might be prudent to get blood work done quickly, especially if this incident was indicative of something like pancreatitis, a condition I'm not familiar with but whose symptoms seem to align with my episode. I'm not a medical professional, so I appreciate any advice on this matter! Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 2:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you experienced a significant abdominal episode last night, but today you're feeling back to normal. While it's reassuring that your symptoms have improved, it’s important to monitor those kinds of intense stomach pains closely. Here’s a breakdown of what you experienced and what to do next.
Understanding Your Situation
The sudden, severe abdominal pain you described can have various causes, ranging from digestive issues like indigestion to more serious conditions such as pancreatitis or biliary problems. The lack of fever and your return to normal symptoms by morning are positive signs, but the sharp pain and intensity cannot be completely overlooked.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Since you’re feeling normal now, keep an eye on any potential return of the pain or other symptoms throughout the day. Take note of any changes in your body, like the appearance of nausea, vomiting, or fever.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, especially since you reported hunger pangs. Light, bland foods can be helpful if you feel like eating.
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Prepare for the Future: If the pain returns or worsens, consider seeking urgent care, especially if accompanied by symptoms like:
- Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
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Consider Follow-Up: If your symptoms remain absent but you’re concerned about the possibility of pancreatitis or other conditions, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for further evaluation, including potentially necessary blood work and a more in-depth review of your episodes.
Summary
Given that your symptoms have resolved, you might not need urgent care right now, but stay vigilant. If anything changes or if you regain similar pain or other symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical evaluation. Prioritizing your health and being proactive about any future symptoms is always wise. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or concerns!
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