Ongoing Pain in the Left Upper Abdomen: A Cause for Concern
I may have minimized this discomfort for too long. It has settled in like an unwanted visitor, refusing to leave. The pain is a deep, stabbing sensation—sometimes accompanied by a burning feeling—in my left upper abdomen. It radiates to my back and has even spread to my ribs and shoulder. Occasionally, the right side also participates, but that's less frequent. This all began on October 23 after an emergency room visit. A CT scan with contrast revealed colitis, thickening of the bladder wall, and mild diverticulosis. Afterward, I was prescribed Cipro and advised to follow up with a gastroenterologist. I underwent both a colonoscopy and an EGD, which led to the diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids but ruled out anything sinister. The following day, I experienced an episode reminiscent of kidney stones, but it passed. Since then, the pain has been sporadic, lacking a discernible pattern—whether it's related to food, my menstrual cycle, posture, or the intake of NSAIDs, nothing seems to connect. I consulted a urologist, who noted a 2mm stone during an ultrasound. However, a CT scan without contrast failed to identify a cause for my symptoms. My primary care physician suggested the possibility of shingles, yet I’ve exhibited no rash. In the time since this pain began, I have also been grappling with severe fatigue. I find myself sleeping 12 to 14 hours a day and still feeling exhausted. Additionally, I've been experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, unusual bowel movements characterized by an oily film, and occasional nausea. Something definitely feels amiss, and it’s increasingly difficult to brush aside. At 37 years old, standing at 5'2" and weighing 145 pounds, I only take NSAIDs, Tylenol, magnesium, and vitamins D3/K2. Should I be investigating further? Does this indicate something serious? I’m not trying to exaggerate the situation, but my body is signaling that something is wrong. Meanwhile, my very capable and kind PCP seems to consider this an unfamiliar anomaly. I am not experiencing depression and feel no more anxious than the average person. I stay well-hydrated, with urination that is clear and only slightly tinged yellow. I meticulously track my menstrual cycle due to hormone-related symptoms, and while I have unintentionally lost a small amount of weight—around 15 to 20 pounds since all of this began—it isn’t significant.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 4:01:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your ongoing abdominal pain and accompanying symptoms. The combination of discomfort, fatigue, night sweats, and changes in bowel movements warrants careful attention, especially given the complexity of your previous diagnoses and symptoms.
Key Points:
- Your Symptoms Are Concerning: The persistent, stabbing abdominal pain, fatigue, night sweats, and other signs might indicate an underlying issue that requires further investigation.
- Multiple Potential Causes: Given your medical history, your symptoms could be related to gastrointestinal issues, possible infections, or other systemic conditions.
- Importance of Follow-Up: It's crucial to be proactive about your health, ensuring that all potential causes are explored and appropriately addressed.
Explanation:
Your CT scan showed colitis, and you have a history of kidney stones, which could contribute to abdominal discomfort. The lack of correlation with food or medications suggests that it might not just be a simple digestive issue. Additionally, the severe fatigue and unusual bowel movements could indicate a systemic problem that might need attention beyond what you've experienced so far.
Next Steps:
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Prioritize Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule a follow-up with your gastroenterologist. Share all your current symptoms, including the new developments like night sweats, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits. Consider asking about a comprehensive evaluation for autoimmune diseases or infections that could relate to your symptoms.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when pain occurs, its intensity, relationship with food/NSAIDs, and any associated symptoms like nausea or changes in bowel appearance. This documentation can help your healthcare provider understand patterns and may guide further testing.
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Consider Blood Tests: Request your doctor to evaluate your blood counts (CBC), liver function, thyroid function, and markers of inflammation (like CRP or ESR). Hormonal levels might also be relevant, particularly given the fatigue and night sweats.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Ensure you maintain hydration and a balanced diet. Since you've recognized changes in your bowel movements, monitor your diet for potential triggers, and consider including more fiber gradually to help with bowel health, if not contraindicated by your gastroenterologist.
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Rest and Self-Care: While you continue this process, focus on ensuring you get adequate rest and manage stress through techniques such as gentle yoga, meditation, or talking to supportive friends/family.
If your symptoms worsen or new alarming symptoms arise, such as significant weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms of dehydration, seek medical attention promptly. Remember, you are advocating for your health, and it’s completely valid to seek clarity and answers regarding your symptoms.
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