Seeking Advice on Abdominal Discomfort
Background information to consider: I am a 29-year-old woman. I’m not sure if it matters, but I had my gallbladder removed on May 31, 2022. To get to the point, I began experiencing a mild, dull pain in my upper left abdomen around two months ago. This discomfort is intermittent; on some days, I don't notice it at all, and while it's not intense, it definitely comes back regularly. Naturally, with my tendency to overthink, I became concerned that it might be an issue with my pancreas. This worry led me to undergo an abdominal ultrasound, the results of which were normal. According to the findings, my pancreas appeared healthy, although the tail was obscured due to gas—something I shared a light-hearted moment about with the technician. Despite this, my anxious thoughts linger, making me question whether anything in the tail could have been missed. Additionally, the scan noted that my liver was enlarged, so I'm currently consulting with a specialist about that. When I mentioned my dull abdominal ache to him, he suggested that it was likely related to my stomach, indicating that if my pancreas were the issue, I would likely experience more persistent pain. I underwent an upper endoscopy, during which multiple biopsies were taken, and thankfully, everything came back clear. However, my specialist's blood work indicated that I might have some form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which could also be responsible for that recurring ache. For context, I have a habit of eating only one meal a day, a practice I've maintained for several years. I've started to wonder if my hunger causes gas buildup that leads to this discomfort. Interestingly, I sometimes experience the ache even after eating. Therefore, I have a couple of questions: Should I consider having another scan of my pancreas, possibly opting for an MRI this time, as I’ve heard they provide a more detailed look than an ultrasound? Or is it best not to be concerned about it? I appreciate any feedback, and I'm not looking for judgment here!
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 7:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been navigating quite a few health concerns, and it's understandable that the persistent abdominal discomfort, especially with your medical history, can lead to anxiety. The good news is that your recent tests, including the abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy, returned normal results, which is a positive sign regarding your overall digestive health.
Key Points:
- Normal Ultrasound and Endoscopy Results: These tests have shown no immediate issues with your pancreas or stomach lining.
- Potential for Functional Issues: Your recurrent dull abdominal pain could be related to functional gastrointestinal issues or dietary habits.
- Connection to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Given your specialist's mention of IBD possibilities, maintaining close communication about your symptoms is essential.
Explanation:
- Gas and Diet: Eating just one meal a day can sometimes cause gas buildup and discomfort due to either hunger or changes in digestion. Adding some smaller meals or snacks throughout the day might help with this.
- Normal Test Results: The fact that your pancreas appeared healthy on the ultrasound and that biopsies showed no malignancies is reassuring. An MRI is more sensitive than ultrasound but often isn't necessary unless specific indications arise or symptoms significantly worsen.
Next Steps:
- Evaluate Dietary Habits: Consider gradually incorporating smaller, more frequent meals to see if it alleviates your discomfort. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your abdominal pain episodes, including what you've eaten, any stressors, and the timing of the pain. Share this with your specialist to help identify patterns or triggers.
- Follow-Up with Your Specialist: Discuss your concerns about IBD with your specialist, especially if the pain persists or worsens. They might suggest additional tests or dietary modifications based on your records.
Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or would like additional clarification on any point!
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