Struggling with Persistent Abdominal Pain
Greetings, I am a 27-year-old woman who has been enduring persistent pain in my lower abdomen since early February of this year. The discomfort primarily affects the left and right sides of my lower belly. Initially, it began as a mild discomfort but rapidly escalated into intense pain over the course of approximately two weeks. This prompted me to seek medical assistance at the hospital. After conducting a urine analysis, the results showed the presence of leukocytes and a small amount of blood, leading the doctors to suspect a urinary tract infection (UTI). Meanwhile, my blood work came back normal. Upon returning to my primary care physician, I was prescribed cephalexin (Keflex). Although this medication helped alleviate the pain significantly, it did not completely eradicate it. Once I discontinued the treatment, the pain gradually returned. I later revisited my doctor, who then prescribed metronidazole. Unfortunately, there was no change in my condition while on metronidazole—neither improvement nor worsening. I completed the two-week course, but once again, the pain has begun to resurface. The discomfort I experience is sharp, resembling a sensation of tiny knives jabbing at the left and right sides of my lower abdomen, particularly above my bladder. I have ruled out appendicitis after undergoing a CT scan of my abdominal and pelvic areas, which revealed nothing concerning. An ultrasound of the pelvis also indicated no abnormalities. My uterus and ovaries were both normal, and urine cultures showed negative results. Additionally, a stool culture testing for salmonella and two other common bacteria yielded negative results as well. For clarity, I have never been sexually active. I find myself questioning what could be wrong and whether I will have to endure this pain indefinitely. What unusual bacteria could I potentially have picked up? I have noticed an increase in my urinary frequency and currently face some constipation, for what it’s worth. My last resort might be a colonoscopy, but the waiting period at a public hospital is 18 months, and I am unable to pay for private care at this time. Yet I wonder if a colonoscopy would provide any useful insights given that the stool tests have not revealed anything. I feel utterly disheartened. Thank you for your time and any assistance you can provide.
Answers (1)
4/23/2025, 7:10:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the persistent abdominal pain and the challenges you've faced in managing your condition. It's understandable to feel disheartened after multiple evaluations and treatments with limited results. Let's break this down and focus on some potential next steps you can take to address your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be due to several factors such as residual effects of past infections, gastrointestinal issues, or other underlying conditions.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely and addressing lifestyle factors can be essential while waiting for further medical evaluations.
Explanation:
Persistent abdominal pain can arise from various sources, and since you've already ruled out some serious conditions with imaging and tests, it’s possible that the discomfort may be due to:
- Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Sometimes after infections, the gut can become overly sensitive, leading to pain and changes in bowel habits.
- Muscle Strain or Nerve Sensitivity: The pain's sharpness could suggest irritation in the pelvic region.
- Constipation: Increased abdominal pain correlating with constipation can cause discomfort. The strain can lead to sharp sensations in the abdomen.
Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Maintain a symptom diary detailing the pain intensity, triggers, bowel habits, and any dietary changes. This can help identify patterns and discuss them with your healthcare provider later.
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Dietary Adjustments: Increase fiber intake gradually through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help with constipation. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help with discomfort, but consult your physician before starting any new medication.
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Gentle Exercise: Incorporating light physical activity such as walking may aid digestion and reduce constipation while promoting your overall well-being.
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Monitor Urinary Symptoms: Given the increased urinary frequency, keep a note of how often you’re experiencing this and any related symptoms, such as urgency or burning—a return to your doctor might be necessary if these worsen.
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Consider Alternative Approaches: Techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or relaxation exercises can help manage pain and improve overall comfort during times of distress.
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Follow-up: Since a colonoscopy may not be accessible immediately, continue following up with your primary care provider to discuss ongoing symptoms and explore any possible referrals for specialists (like a gastroenterologist) who might help expedite the process.
Conclusion:
You're doing your best in a challenging situation, and it's important to keep advocating for your health. If your pain escalates or you notice new concerning symptoms, please consider seeking medical attention sooner. Let me know if you have more questions or need further guidance, and remember, you are not alone in this.
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