OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Support for Ongoing Pain Issues

Hello everyone, I'm feeling quite overwhelmed and uncertain about my health situation. I'm a 22-year-old woman, standing at 5’2” and weighing around 100 lbs. For quite some time, I've been experiencing severe, chronic pain in my right lower abdomen, near my ovary, which has persisted since 2024. I've visited the emergency room multiple times, undergone gallbladder screenings, and seen various doctors without much improvement. Earlier this year, I had surgery, but it seems the underlying issue remains unresolved—I’m unsure if any biopsies were taken. I also completed extensive gastrointestinal testing, including a colonoscopy and two endoscopies, but no significant findings emerged from those either. Despite all this, I'm continually prompted to see gastrointestinal specialists by different gynecologists. After receiving a second opinion from a gynecologist at their suggestion, I was informed that my condition could potentially be red endometriosis; however, access to my previous medical images was denied. This led to a referral to a pelvic specialist for another evaluation, but instead of focusing on a physical diagnosis, there was concern that my symptoms might be tied to mental health issues, resulting in a prescription for nerve medication, which unfortunately hasn't made a difference. ### Symptoms I Experience: - **Chronic Pelvic Pain:** The pain is often unbearable with varying intensities; sometimes it's sharp and radiates to my left ovary and uterus. I feel this pain daily, and since getting an IUD, my menstrual periods have stopped, but I still endure intense cramping resembling my flare-ups. - **Menstrual Irregularities:** My periods have been heavy, lasting about six days with fluctuating intensity up until I received a three-month depo shot before my IUD insertion in 2025. During my periods, I would also experience significant nausea and severe, stabbing pains alongside cramping. - **Numbness and Tingling in Limbs:** The severity of my pain often leads me to limp, as I instinctively try to alleviate the discomfort on my right side. I occasionally feel numbness and tingling in my leg, along with joint aches in my ankles and knees, which have been worsening intermittently. - **Pain Related to Eating:** I've noticed that what I eat can exacerbate my pain, leading me to lose my appetite as I try to avoid further discomfort. - **Negative Reaction to Depo:** Approximately a month after beginning the depo shot in 2024/2025, I had an intense reaction that left me bedridden for three days due to extreme pain in my ovaries and uterus. - **Stress-Induced Pain:** I've also found that stress significantly impacts my pain levels. - **Limited GI Symptoms:** Though I don’t experience traditional gastrointestinal issues, I do suffer from extreme bloating and gas and find myself urinating frequently, including at night. - **Smoking for Relief:** Occasionally, I smoke to help manage the pain, though it’s not a consistent solution. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out. I apologize for the disorganization in my message; the pain is overwhelming, and I appreciate your understanding. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Answers (1)

8/7/2025, 2:40:51 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the overwhelming pain and challenges you've been facing. Chronic pelvic pain can significantly impact your daily life, and understanding its underlying causes can be frustrating. It’s essential to focus on your immediate symptoms and what you can control while you seek further medical evaluation.

Key Points:

1. Chronic pelvic pain often has multiple contributing factors, including physical, hormonal, and emotional aspects.
2. Exploring pain management strategies is crucial, as your current treatments have not relieved your symptoms effectively.
3. Keeping a detailed symptom diary could help identify triggers and support your healthcare providers in understanding your condition better.

Explanation:

Chronic pelvic pain can arise from various issues, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or gastrointestinal conditions, but it can also have a psychological component exacerbated by stress. Since you've had multiple tests and medical evaluations without clear answers, it may be necessary to consider a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional health.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary:

   • Start a daily journal to document pain intensity, triggers (e.g., certain foods, stress levels), and symptoms associated with your condition. This information can be incredibly valuable for your healthcare providers.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments:

   • Diet: Identify and avoid foods that exacerbate your bloating and discomfort. Consider keeping a food diary to track food intake alongside your symptoms.
   • Stress Management: Integrate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga that can help manage stress-related pain.

3. Pain Management Techniques:

   • Explore over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to help alleviate severe pain. Always follow the recommended dosages.
   • Consider alternative methods, such as heat therapy (like heating pads) or physical therapy, which can provide some pain relief.

4. Follow-Up on Medical Referrals:

   • With your history of potential endometriosis and ongoing pain, ensure you are proactive about following through with the pelvic specialist referral. If possible, request access to your previous medical images to provide complete information for your next evaluation.

5. Seek Support:

   • Consider connecting with support groups for individuals with chronic pain, where you can share experiences and coping strategies. Emotional support from peers can be incredibly beneficial.

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but by taking these steps, you can begin to regain some control over your situation. Please know that you're not alone in this, and gathering more information and strategies can help guide your path forward. If you have further details or questions, feel free to share!