Persistent Pain with No Clear Explanation
At 27 years old, I've been using birth control since my C-section last year, which has completely stopped my menstrual cycle. Recently, while I was working, I started experiencing unusual stomach cramps just above my bellybutton. There was no apparent cause, and I had no other symptoms, so I decided to push through my shift. I soon realized that eating worsened the cramps, prompting me to skip meals that night. Initially, I attributed it to trapped gas. The following day, the mild discomfort escalated into severe pain reminiscent of labor contractions. The pain originated around my bellybutton, radiating down into my pelvis and occasionally affecting my legs. I was unable to stand, felt flush with hot flashes, and struggled to think clearly during these episodes. Despite attempting an enema, I found little relief after the first attempt, leading me to try again, but still with minimal results. Fast forward roughly twelve hours, I was back at work, and the pain was agonizing. Despite my hesitation to visit the ER for non-urgent issues, I felt compelled to seek help due to the intensity of my discomfort. Eventually, I managed to use the restroom at the hospital, where I noticed my stool was bright yellow and had a foul odor. They proceeded with another enema, my third of the day, and what I expelled was neon orange liquid mixed with a significant amount of blood. There were no signs of hemorrhoids, and the doctor merely referred me to a specialist and advised me to return if there were further occurrences of blood. However, my cramps persist severely, particularly after consuming food or drinks. Although my blood tests returned normal, the doctors opted out of further examinations to determine the cause of my cramps. I feel lost in this situation. I have to wait several weeks for a gastroenterologist appointment while enduring this excruciating pain. But since my doctor didn’t seem worried, I can’t help but wonder if I’m overreacting. Is this pain truly not a serious concern?
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 1:50:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such severe and distressing pain. It's understandable to feel lost and concerned, especially when your symptoms are intense and affecting your daily life. Let's break this down and consider what you might do in the meantime while you wait for your appointment with the gastroenterologist.
Key Points:
- Your intense stomach cramps, especially after eating, are concerning, especially because they escalated and included blood in your stool.
- While your doctor may not have shown immediate alarm, the symptoms you're experiencing warrant careful monitoring.
Explanation:
Your history suggests a significant change in your gastrointestinal health that needs attention. Stomach cramps, especially when associated with changes in bowel movements (like the color and odor you described), can indicate several potential issues ranging from dietary intolerances to more serious concerns like inflammation or obstruction in the digestive tract.
While the absence of immediate red flags from your tests is reassuring, the ongoing pain and changes in your stool are signals that should not be ignored.
Next Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms. Note when the pain occurs, the intensity, what you've eaten, and any other relevant factors (like stress or activity levels). This will help both you and your doctor in the future.
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Dietary Adjustments: Consider avoiding foods that are known to be harder to digest (like fatty, fried, or very spicy foods) and focus on bland options (like rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast) until your appointment. Staying hydrated is also key, but try to avoid excessive caffeine and carbonated drinks.
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Pain Management: If you're experiencing severe pain, over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but use them cautiously and only as directed. Heat packs applied to your abdomen can also provide some comfort.
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Emergency Signs: While you wait for your specialist appointment, it's crucial to know when to seek emergency help. Return to the ER if you experience:
- New or worsening abdominal pain
- Further episodes of blood in your stool
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food down
- Fever or signs of dehydration (like dark urine or dizziness)
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Follow-Up Communication: If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, consider reaching out to your primary care physician for advice on the next steps or possible interim treatments.
It's perfectly reasonable to feel concerned about your symptoms. You're taking the right steps by seeking help and monitoring your situation. Remember, being proactive about your health is important, so don't hesitate to voice your concerns to healthcare providers as needed.
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