Discomfort Around the Navel
For the past seven months, I have been dealing with persistent discomfort around my belly button area, with the intensity fluctuating throughout the day. Occasionally, the pain radiates towards my urethra. I have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC) and pelvic floor dysfunction, and I am currently attending physical therapy for the pelvic floor. I am not on any medications and have been off birth control for the last two years. I underwent a CT scan without contrast for my abdomen and pelvis, along with ultrasounds in both regions. The results showed no abnormalities—no ulcers or tumors—just a mild fatty liver. Even after following a diet and losing 10 pounds, my condition didn’t improve. Additionally, I have ovarian cysts, and my recent blood tests returned normal results, confirming that I am not pregnant. I have been documenting foods that seem to trigger bloating and subsequent discomfort, but I haven’t found a clear pattern. Interestingly, while watermelon can cause swelling, pizza does not seem to affect me, and I can eat watermelon the following day without a problem, whereas Cheetos consistently trigger the pain. Typically, I notice some relief when I first wake up, but discomfort can resurface throughout the day. I am exploring physical therapy to see if tight pelvic muscles might be contributing to my issues, though I am also considering booking an appointment with a new physician for further evaluation. One individual on Reddit proposed that the discomfort might be related to a tendon running down that area and mentioned there could be techniques to "release" it. However, my physical therapist has not heard of this approach. If anyone has encountered similar experiences or has any advice, I would greatly appreciate your insights!
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 4:01:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel frustrated with persistent discomfort in your navel area, especially given your ongoing management of interstitial cystitis (IC) and pelvic floor dysfunction. Since your test results came back normal, the key is to explore manageable lifestyle adjustments that may alleviate your symptoms.
Explanation
Your discomfort could be a complex interplay between your pelvic floor issues and the effects of certain foods. The fact that some foods trigger discomfort while others don't suggests a possible food sensitivity or intolerance, but it can be challenging to pinpoint. Physical therapy can help with pelvic muscle tightness, which may be contributing to your symptoms.
Next Steps
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Continue Food Tracking: Since you've been tracking your food intake, keep this up for a while longer. Try to include specific notes on other aspects like stress, activity level, and hydration, as they may also influence your symptoms.
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Focus on Pelvic Floor Therapy: Continue with your physical therapy sessions. Let your therapist know about your ongoing discomfort and any new observations regarding your symptoms. This feedback can help them adjust your treatment as needed to address pelvic tightness or dysfunction.
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Experiment with Dietary Adjustments: Although you haven't found a clear pattern yet, consider consulting a dietitian familiar with IC and food sensitivities. They can help suggest potential elimination diets or dietary approaches that may alleviate symptoms.
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Explore Comfort Techniques: Though your physical therapist may not be familiar with the specific "release" techniques discussed, explore gentle exercises or stretches for your abdominal and pelvic areas that might relieve tension. Techniques such as yoga or Pilates can improve flexibility and muscle balance.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an ongoing diary of your symptoms, noting when discomfort increases or decreases. This can help you and any future healthcare providers identify patterns and possible triggers more clearly.
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Consider Seeking a Second Opinion: If symptoms persist or worsen, exploring a consultation with a new physician, particularly one specializing in chronic pelvic pain or IC, may provide additional insights and management options.
Please remember that managing chronic symptoms can be a journey, and it’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself during this process. If any new or concerning symptoms arise, ensure you seek appropriate medical guidance.
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