Seeking Solutions for Ongoing Stomach Discomfort
Female, 38 years old, weighing 184 pounds and standing at 175 cm. I abstain from alcohol and smoking, and I only resort to Tylenol when absolutely necessary. My daily supplements include vitamin D3, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and fish oil. I’m puzzled about my health situation. It's now July 2025, and I’m 17 months postpartum. Ever since May 2024, I've been struggling with perplexing stomach problems. I consistently experience pain on the left side of my abdomen, located about an inch from my belly button. I had a straightforward vaginal delivery, without any complications. During labor, I was mostly in a lying position on my right side, gripping my left leg with my left arm. My first encounter with this pain was in May 2024 when I visited the emergency room. They diagnosed me with constipation and advised me to resolve it, which I did, although I was still having regular bowel movements and continuing to breastfeed. After enduring months of discomfort, I sought my gynecologist's advice and underwent an ultrasound and a CT scan with contrast in August 2024. Thankfully, all results were normal. My doctor suggested taking Buscopan when the pain flared up. However, in November, I faced another painful episode. I opted for something to help with bowel clearance, which provided temporary relief. A follow-up ultrasound also yielded normal results. In February, I returned to the emergency room due to excruciating pain on my left side, which was tender to the touch. They performed blood tests, urine tests, and additional imaging, all of which showed no abnormalities. I was then referred to a gastroenterologist, who conducted a colonoscopy, revealing that I have a tortuous bowel. This condition had not been present during my 2018 colonoscopy, which I had done as a precautionary measure. At that time, all results were normal, despite some dietary changes requiring me to avoid fried foods and broccoli. Now, a month after my colonoscopy, my stomach issues have worsened. The persistent pain on my left side has become a daily occurrence, accompanied by bloating. During bowel movements, I experience intense cramps that leave me feeling unwell. I become overheated, and the bowel movements often last around 15 minutes, typically concluding with diarrhea, which does bring some relief. This distressing cycle happens at least once every two weeks. Recently, I've been dealing with both painful cramping and uncertainty about whether I need to use the restroom or if I’m experiencing menstrual cramps, as I also feel sensations akin to pain in my left ovary. I relayed my ongoing symptoms to my gynecologist, who reassured me that everything appeared to be normal. He suggested that possibly my uterus could be tethered to muscle tissue post-delivery and recommended considering contraceptives, which I have not yet taken. My diet consists entirely of Mediterranean food, completely free from dairy and fried items. I am at a loss and eager for any insights to alleviate my discomfort.
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 4:40:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the ongoing stomach discomfort you're experiencing. Given your situation, there are a few key points to consider regarding your symptoms, their potential causes, and what steps you might take to find relief.
Main Points
Your abdominal pain could be related to digestive issues such as bowel irregularities, possibly stemming from the tortuous bowel diagnosed during your colonoscopy. Additionally, with the timeline of your symptoms post-delivery, factors such as dietary habits, hormonal changes, and potentially stress from postpartum adjustments could also play a role.
Explanation
The pain you're feeling on the left side of your abdomen, coupled with bloating and changes during bowel movements, suggests there may be functional disturbances in your digestive tract. A tortuous bowel can lead to difficulties with regular bowel movement, which can trigger cramping or discomfort. The fact that cramping and bloating worsen during bowel movements could imply that there are issues with peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through your digestive tract) or bowel motility.
Next Steps
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, food intake, and bowel movements for at least two weeks. Note any correlations between specific foods, stress levels, and the onset of pain. This can help identify potential triggers or patterns.
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Hydration and Fiber: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids (aim for at least 8-10 cups a day) and consider gradually increasing fiber intake if it's currently low (aim for 25-30 grams a day). This can help keep your bowel movements regular.
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Dietary Adjustments: While your Mediterranean diet is generally healthy, monitor for specific foods that could aggravate your symptoms. Some individuals have sensitivities to certain types of fiber or specific carbohydrates (FODMAPs) that could contribute to bloating. Consider consulting a registered dietitian familiar with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) guidance to tailor your diet further.
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Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing, as stress can significantly impact digestive health.
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Monitor Hormonal Changes: Since you're postpartum and experiencing menstrual-like cramping, it's important to consider the role of hormones. A follow-up discussion with your gynecologist about contraceptive options and how they may align with your symptoms could be beneficial.
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Follow-Up With Specialists: If the discomfort continues or worsens, consider seeking further evaluation from your gastroenterologist. Ask about potential functional GI disorders like IBS, which may not show on tests but can significantly impact daily life.
Making gradual, focused changes in your daily routine may provide you with some relief. Keep a close eye on how your symptoms evolve, and take note of anything new or unexpected. Remember, you're not alone in dealing with this, and there are multiple avenues to explore for better management of your symptoms. Let me know if you need further details on any specific recommendations!
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