Unusual Abdominal Discomfort
At 32 years old, I am female, weigh 134 pounds and stand 5’1”. My daily regimen includes Magnesium, general women's vitamins, and a morning dose of Claritin. I have a history of allergies to gluten, sesame, soy, dairy, and shellfish. Additionally, both my mother and grandfather have experienced diverticulitis. Ordinarily, I have bowel movements once a day, typically in the morning after my coffee, and they are mostly solid. It’s rare for me to go twice a day, but it can occur in the afternoon. About a week and a half ago, I began to notice increased bloating along with mild stomach discomfort after eating. My stools have changed to a pasty consistency and are less frequent. Usually, I experience gas and bloating due to food allergies, particularly wheat and dairy, which tend to make me feel extremely bloated. I often drink tea or practice light yoga to manage any constipation. Currently, I’m feeling pain in different areas of my abdomen: the upper right and lower side, as well as the mid-left area near my belly button. The sensation is peculiar, resembling a twinge or pinprick. When I press on my stomach, the pain lingers briefly. Last night brought on the most severe discomfort I have encountered; I woke up with a profound and dull ache in my lower abdomen. It felt as if a heavy weight was pressing down on my pelvic floor, accompanied by a strong urge to push. This episode lasted several minutes before gradually fading. I am still experiencing bloating and have endured more aches and twinges throughout the day. A small lunch did little to quell my hunger, but I feel apprehensive about eating any substantial meal. I have a scheduled appointment with my general practitioner tomorrow morning, but I am considering visiting urgent care after work if the symptoms persist.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 7:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling concerned about the unusual abdominal discomfort, especially with the changes in bowel habits and the pain you’re experiencing. Your symptoms could be due to a variety of factors, such as dietary issues, digestive conditions, or stress, but it’s good to know that you have an appointment with your general practitioner soon.
Explanation:
Your history of food allergies and the recent onset of bloating and abdominal discomfort may indicate a food sensitivity or digestive issue. The change in stool consistency and pattern can also be linked to several factors, including diet, inflammation (which could relate to diverticulitis given your family history), or other gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The pain you describe, especially the pressing sensation and recent severe discomfort, warrants attention to rule out more serious conditions.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Detail what you eat and note when the discomfort occurs. This can help identify potential triggers or patterns before your appointment.
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Focus on Gentle Foods: If you feel apprehensive about eating, start with light, easily digestible foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet). Avoid known allergens like gluten, dairy, and others.
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Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water. Staying hydrated can help with digestion and reduce bloating.
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Monitor Symptoms: Since you have an appointment tomorrow, keep an eye on any changes to your symptoms. If the pain intensifies, or if you experience severe symptoms (like high fever, persistent vomiting, or blood in your stool), it may be prudent to seek care at urgent care or emergency services.
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Gentle Activity: Continue with light yoga or gentle stretches, but avoid any strenuous activity that could exacerbate discomfort.
You’ve taken an important step by scheduling a visit with your general practitioner, and it's good to trust their evaluation. If at any moment your symptoms feel unmanageable, don’t hesitate to seek further medical attention.
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