OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen

Greetings everyone, I find myself in a rather distressing situation and felt compelled to seek insights from this community. Perhaps someone among you has gone through something comparable? Your advice or shared stories would be immensely appreciated! Please bear with me, as English is not my first language. I'm a 28-year-old woman, and I apologize for the length of my message. The onset of my symptoms dates back to early February this year, shortly after an incredibly traumatic incident I experienced. One morning, I awoke to a dull yet uncomfortable stabbing sensation in my lower right abdomen. While the pain wasn’t excruciating, it also radiated around my belly button, predominantly on the right side and sometimes extending below it. The discomfort seemed to shift locations. I initially maintained a normal appetite and regular bowel movements. However, I soon began to feel this sensation intensified during movements—particularly while walking, bending, or lifting heavy objects. The following day brought mushy stools and a complete loss of appetite (I have a history of panic attacks), which left me fearing the worst, such as appendicitis. Consequently, I consulted my general practitioner the next day. He assured me that everything appeared normal. I then visited the hospital, where tests suggested that while there was a slight increase in white blood cell count, other indicators, like CRP, were normal. After these evaluations, I started to experience ongoing nausea and a diminished appetite; these issues have persisted daily for the past three months. My bowel movements have often been mushy, with a frequent sense of urgency when needing to use the restroom; although, this urgency has improved recently. At times, my stools are more formed, but this fluctuates. In the last few weeks, while symptoms have improved overall, the underlying discomfort remains ever-present. Fortunately, my appetite has been getting better. The pain itself is not constant; rather, it varies throughout the day, mostly manifesting as an odd sensation in my abdominal region, particularly in the lower right area and around the right side of my belly button. I have undergone several ultrasounds, all of which have returned normal results. Recent blood tests also showed no abnormalities in white blood cell counts or CRP levels. I am currently awaiting stool test results, which I expect this week. As for next steps, additional testing like a CT scan and colonoscopy are planned, and I have scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. The discomfort takes various forms—sometimes sharp stinging, other times a dull pressure reminiscent of an internal bruise, making the area quite sensitive. Occasionally, the pain is exacerbated during movement, particularly if I sense a "pinched" feeling in that region or experience jolts (like while walking or encountering bumps). Before and after bowel movements, the pain becomes more pronounced. If I consume something that disagrees with my stomach, I experience widespread abdominal pain—upper, lower, left, and right—but this discomfort tends to dissipate quickly post-bathroom visit, although the uneasiness in the lower right abdomen lingers. I have pondered the possibility of chronic appendicitis, but thus far, no physician has found definitive signs—though they also mentioned it cannot be entirely excluded. Other gynecological issues have been ruled out as well. I haven’t experienced any fevers or vomiting. Physical examinations typically yield normal results, and there’s no rebound tenderness. The pain has not reached a level that renders me immobile; it has simply persisted without explanation for several months. Has anyone here faced anything similar? I’ve heard that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could potentially be a contributing factor. This all appeared abruptly, without any prior warning. Thank you immensely for taking the time to read my account!

Answers (1)

5/26/2025, 12:20:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been going through a very challenging time, and it's understandable to seek insights and support when facing persistent pain and uncertainty. The symptoms you describe in your lower right abdomen can stem from various causes, including gastrointestinal issues, which may include something like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), as you mentioned.

Summary of Key Points:

• Your ongoing discomfort in the lower right abdomen, along with changes in bowel habits and nausea, could relate to gastrointestinal issues, including IBS.
• The normal test results, including ultrasounds and blood tests, indicate that more serious conditions are less likely but are not entirely excluded.
• Your next steps, including stool tests, a CT scan, and a consultation with a surgeon, are important for obtaining a clearer diagnosis.

Explanation:

1. Nature of Symptoms: The dull and shifting pain along with altered bowel movements and nausea could suggest a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which includes IBS. IBS can cause discomfort in the abdominal area and is often associated with changes in stool consistency and frequency.

2. Exclusion of Serious Conditions: It's reassuring that your initial tests are normal, which reduces the likelihood of serious conditions like appendicitis or major gastrointestinal diseases. However, it’s essential to continue monitoring any changes and report them to your healthcare provider.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary to track:

   • The intensity and nature of your pain
   • Changes in your bowel habits (e.g., consistency, urgency)
   • Any potential food triggers that worsen symptoms
   • Associated symptoms like nausea or appetite changes

2. Hydration and Diet:

   • Make sure to stay well-hydrated to support digestion.
   • Consider a low-FODMAP diet for a short time if IBS is suspected, which involves reducing foods that can cause bloating and discomfort. Foods to limit include certain fruits, dairy, and wheat products. You can slowly reintroduce them to see what impacts your symptoms.

3. Stress Management: Given the history of trauma and anxiety, stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises may help alleviate both physical and emotional stress.

4. Follow-Up Testing: Await the results of your stool test and discuss the upcoming CT scan and colonoscopy with your healthcare provider. These tests can provide further insights into your gut health.

5. Regular Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team regarding any changes in your symptoms or concerns you have, especially with the evolving nature of your discomfort.

Reassurance:

Remember, your situation is valid, and it’s great that you’re seeking information and support. It may take time to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort, and many people do experience similar challenges. You’re actively engaging in your health management, which is an important step towards finding relief and understanding your condition better. Please feel free to share any updates or ask more questions as needed.