Understanding Ongoing Abdominal Pain: Seeking Guidance
Greetings! I’m a 26-year-old female with a healthy body mass index. Generally, I lead an active life and have a solid health record, with the exception of prior ear surgeries. I’m currently employed as a teacher, which keeps me busy. Since 2020, I have been aware of an ovarian cyst located on my right ovary, which has remained untreated. Lately, I have been dealing with frequent episodes of discomfort in my lower right abdomen. The pain often originates in the middle of my abdomen before concentrating on the lower right side, precisely where the appendix is located. At times, the sensation is sharp and stabbing; other moments, it feels bloated, crampy, or aching. Occasionally, the discomfort radiates to my lower back and intensifies during my menstrual cycle. Furthermore, I have been experiencing significant fatigue accompanied by the pain. About a week ago, I encountered a bout of diarrhea, going to the restroom five times within two hours, followed by daily vomiting for several days. In the early hours of Sunday, June 15th, I awoke to intense pain, feeling as though my stomach was full and under significant pressure. Today, the pain associated with the appendix has returned. Recently, I sought medical help at the hospital where I underwent blood tests, which the doctors deemed normal. Appendicitis was ruled out, and I was discharged without any imaging being performed. The ovarian cyst was not investigated, nor was I referred to a gynecologist. Instead, I was told that "chronic appendicitis doesn’t exist." This recurring pain is beginning to affect my daily life and my ability to work. I often feel overlooked by medical professionals; the fact that my blood work was unremarkable seems to overshadow the urgency of my symptoms. I am seeking clarity on a few points: - Is it possible that I might be suffering from a longstanding appendix issue, or chronic appendicitis, despite normal blood results? - Could my persistent ovarian cyst be causing pain similar to that of appendicitis? - What should I advocate for in terms of medical evaluations or referrals? I assure you, I’m not exaggerating; dealing with this pain is incredibly exhausting and frustrating. I recently achieved my qualification as a teacher after much effort, and now I find myself needing to take time off due to this relentless pain, which is currently an 8 out of 10. It hampers my mobility, and I've missed work several times because of the constant vomiting. I want to clarify: my work is not a source of stress; in fact, I cherish my job and am managing well with my responsibilities right now. Yet, I feel as though medical professionals dismiss my pain as a consequence of being a woman with a cyst, sending me away without appropriate support. I can no longer endure this level of suffering.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 11:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing significant, persistent abdominal pain that’s affecting your daily life. It's crucial to address this discomfort and advocate for your health with clarity. Let's break down your concerns and provide some actionable steps for you.
Main Points:
- Understanding the Pain Sources: Your pain could stem from the ovarian cyst or other abdominal issues, but chronic appendicitis is generally not recognized as a separate entity.
- Next Steps for Medical Advocacy: You should consider more thorough evaluations, including referrals to specialists for your cyst and possibly for gastrointestinal concerns.
Explanation:
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Chronic Appendicitis: While typical appendicitis usually presents with more acute symptoms and abnormal test results, some patients may experience vague, chronic pain in the region. However, normal blood tests typically suggest that this is unlikely to be the cause of your symptoms at this time.
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Ovarian Cyst Pain: A persistent ovarian cyst can cause discomfort and may mimic other conditions. Symptoms like sharp, crampy pain in the lower abdomen can indeed relate to ovarian issues, especially if the cyst is large or undergoing changes.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your pain episodes, including duration, intensity (on a scale from 1 to 10), any triggers, and associated symptoms (like diarrhea or vomiting). This will help clarify your condition to any healthcare provider.
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Request Imaging Studies: Advocate for imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, specifically targeting your abdomen to assess the ovarian cyst and rule out any other potential issues that could be causing the pain.
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Referral to a Gynecologist: Since the ovarian cyst may be a contributing factor to your symptoms, ask for a referral to a gynecologist who can evaluate the cyst’s impact and suggest appropriate management.
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Gastroenterologist Consultation: Given your symptoms (pain, diarrhea, vomiting), consider discussing a referral to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. They can look into any gastrointestinal issues that might not have been addressed yet.
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Pain Management and Support: Do not hesitate to discuss pain management strategies with your healthcare provider, as controlling your pain is essential for returning to your regular activities. Keep voicing your concerns until you find an approach that acknowledges your pain.
Closing Encouragement:
It’s understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Your pain is valid, and it's important to find healthcare professionals who will listen and provide you with the oversight and treatment you need. Please know that it’s okay to seek clarity until you receive the support that helps you manage this pain effectively.
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