Evening Abdominal Pain: Seeking Insights
At 23 years old and standing approximately 1.5 meters tall with a weight of 45 kg, I’ve started experiencing troubling abdominal issues. This all began three days ago around 8 PM, just before I was about to have dinner. Initially, the discomfort emerged as mild uneasiness and quickly escalated into pain localized in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen. After enduring the pain for over an hour, I decided to visit the nearest hospital. However, by the time I arrived and waited to be examined for a couple of hours, the pain had mostly subsided. The attending physician checked my vital signs and palpated my abdomen, concluding it was likely just gas, and I was sent home. Last night, the discomfort returned a few hours post-dinner. While I was relieved to find the pain was less intense compared to the first episode, I remained uncomfortable for about two hours. I took an over-the-counter anti-bloating medication roughly an hour after the symptoms resurfaced. Tonight, I experienced a recurrence despite still being on the medication. While the level of pain isn't as severe as that first night, it has still disrupted my sleep. I also noticed experiencing light discomfort throughout the day, although it felt fairly typical. I've managed to secure an appointment with a gastroenterologist, but it won't be for several days. In the meantime, I’m seeking advice. Could this pain stem from causes other than gas? What topics or questions should I raise during my consultation that go beyond what I've detailed here? For further context: I haven’t altered my diet or consumed any new foods. I steer clear of lactose, alcohol, coffee, and carbonated drinks, and I don’t smoke. My bowel movements have been regular; however, they have been somewhat softer than normal over the past few weeks. Additionally, I am currently on birth control, having taken the same pill since high school for the past four years. As I wrap up my master’s program, I’ve had periods of anxiety this year, but they haven’t been overwhelming. I’m quite thrilled because I’m nearing completion of my thesis and have been accepted into an exciting paid internship afterward, feeling more positive than anxious these last few days despite the discomfort. Hoping for any support or guidance to navigate this period until I can consult with the specialist.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 10:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about recurrent abdominal pain, especially with its impact on your comfort and sleep. Given the nature of your symptoms and background, there are certainly other factors to consider beyond just gas.
Key Points:
The pain you're experiencing could stem from various causes, including gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), digestive disorders, or even mild inflammation. It's also positive that you have an appointment with a gastroenterologist soon to explore this further.
Explanation:
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Localized Pain: The fact that your pain is concentrated in the lower right side could suggest issues related to the appendix, ovaries, or intestinal disorders. However, since the pain subsided after an hour and isn't accompanied by significant other symptoms (like fever or vomiting), it may indicate a less acute issue.
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Bloating and Discomfort: Given you’ve experienced bloating and softer stools in recent weeks, this might signal a digestive imbalance, potentially influenced by stress or dietary components that might not be obvious.
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Anxiety and Stress: The worry about your thesis and upcoming internship might be contributing to physical manifestations of stress, which can affect gastrointestinal function.
Next Steps:
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Maintain a Symptom Diary: Keep track of when the pain occurs, its intensity, duration, and any other symptoms you notice (like changes in bowel habits or associated emotional stress). Note what you eat and drink daily, as this might reveal patterns.
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Hydration and Diet: Continue to stay well-hydrated. While you seem to be avoiding common triggers, you may want to observe if certain foods still cause symptoms (like wheat or high-fiber foods). Sometimes a simple adjustment, like increasing fiber gradually or trying a food elimination diet, can help identify irritants.
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Manage Stress: Engage in stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or gentle physical activities like walking or yoga, which may alleviate some discomfort.
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Prepare for Your Consultation: When you see the gastroenterologist, consider asking about:
- Potential causes of your symptoms beyond gas, such as IBS, food intolerances, or gynecological issues.
- If any lifestyle or dietary changes could alleviate your symptoms.
- The significance of the softer stools and whether any tests (e.g., ultrasound, blood work) are advised to support diagnosis.
- Any link between stress and your symptoms, and coping strategies.
Conclusion:
While it’s good to monitor your symptoms proactively, it seems that you could possibly be experiencing a combination of digestive sensitivity and anxiety-related symptoms. By taking these initial steps and gathering comprehensive information for your gastro appointment, you'll be better positioned to address your concerns. Remember, you're not alone in this, and it's great to see you taking charge of your health!
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