Seeking Guidance: Unexplained Lower Left Abdominal Pain for Two Years
I’m a 30-year-old woman residing in the UK, dealing with persistent pain in my lower left abdomen that is intensifying and severely impacting my daily life. Despite numerous consultations, my healthcare providers send me back and forth for various urine and blood tests, but the results consistently yield no answers. I’ve ruled out a urinary tract infection through repeated testing, and given my celibacy, sexually transmitted infections are also off the table. This situation is causing me significant anxiety. The discomfort triggers a sense of urgent need to urinate, especially during severe flare-ups, yet I find myself with an empty bladder when I rush to the restroom. My sleep is increasingly disrupted, and I’ve noticed that menstrual cycles exacerbate the pain. Initially, I only experienced pain while lying on my left side, which felt like a dragging sensation, or when changing positions with my knees aligning with my pelvis, leading to a pinching feeling. Now, however, discomfort occurs even when I’m seated normally or walking around. I have undergone several diagnostic procedures, including a colon MRI, an abdominal ultrasound, and an internal uterus ultrasound, yet none have provided clarity. Blood tests reveal no organ abnormalities either. What could potentially be the cause of my symptoms? What additional evaluations should I request from my medical team? I appreciate any advice you can provide. Thank you!
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 10:31:11 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing this persistent pain in your lower left abdomen. It sounds quite challenging and understandably anxiety-provoking given the lack of clarity from the tests you've undergone. Let's break down your situation and explore potential causes and additional steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may relate to gastrointestinal, gynecological, or musculoskeletal issues.
- Additional evaluations could include specialized assessments.
- Immediate focus should be on symptom management and documenting changes.
Explanation:
Your history suggests that the pain could stem from various sources, such as:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, or inflammation might lead to pain and urgency.
- Gynecological factors: Endometriosis or ovarian cysts might explain the pain and its relation to your menstrual cycle.
- Musculoskeletal concerns: Strain or irritation of muscles or nerves in the pelvic area could lead to similar symptoms.
Given that you've ruled out many possibilities through diagnostics, it’s important to consider other less common causes or functional disorders.
Next Steps:
-
Track Your Symptoms: Start a detailed symptom diary to note when the pain occurs, its intensity, triggers, and any associated symptoms (like digestive changes). This can be very helpful for your healthcare providers.
-
Request Specialized Evaluations: Consider asking for:
- Referral to a gastroenterologist if you haven’t seen one yet, to discuss potential gastrointestinal causes, including IBS or functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- Referral to a gynecologist to evaluate for endometriosis or other related conditions due to the menstrual link.
- Physical therapy assessment for possible musculoskeletal origins, especially if there are posture or movement-related patterns to your pain.
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Explore Stress Management Techniques: Given the anxiety you're experiencing, consider integrating stress reduction techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise, which may help alleviate symptoms.
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Look into Diet Adjustments: Pay attention to any dietary changes that may exacerbate your symptoms. Common triggers for gastrointestinal discomfort include certain foods like dairy, wheat, or high-fiber products. Keep a food diary alongside your symptom diary for correlation.
You’re not alone in this, and it’s completely valid to feel frustrated when answers seem elusive. Taking these steps may help bring clarity and improve your situation over time. Keep advocating for your health, and I hope these suggestions provide you with a clearer path forward. Let me know if you have any other concerns or need further guidance!
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