Seeking Guidance on Ongoing Abdominal Pain
I am a 16-year-old male currently managing ADHD and Asperger's syndrome, and I've been troubled by persistent pain in my lower right abdomen. **Medications I'm Taking:** - Movicol - Nexium - Paracetamol - Amfexa **Medical Background:** Let me summarize my situation. I have faced chronic nausea and was passed around from three different doctors before being referred to a gastroenterologist. After undergoing an upper endoscopy, I was diagnosed with GERD and noted to have seven eosinophils in each high power field. Following this, I was sent to an allergist, who conducted tests that confirmed allergies to certain substances I was already avoiding. I was then prescribed cortisone, various antihistamines, nasal steroids, and Nexium. A few months later, I found myself in the ER due to the previously mentioned abdominal pain. An X-ray was taken, revealing constipation, and I was given Senna to manage it. Only a few weeks passed before I returned to the ER with similar complaints. This time, they performed an X-ray and ultrasound, both of which returned normal results, leading to my discharge. I was back in the ER shortly thereafter, again with the same symptoms. A CT scan was conducted but indicated nothing abnormal, and once again, I was sent home. A few weeks later, I noticed blood in my stool, which prompted another trip to the hospital. A CT scan with contrast revealed swollen lymph nodes, leading to my admission. A general surgeon evaluated my situation and provided tramadol for pain relief but declined to perform any scopes. I was then referred to a gastroenterologist, and after one colonoscopy, all lab results came back normal. My treatment was changed to amitriptyline at a dosage of 10mg. Five days following that, while I was in school, I experienced a cluster headache, which quickly subsided, but it was immediately followed by auditory and visual hallucinations. When I went to the ER, I was discovered to have stage two hypertension. An ECG returned to normal, and a drug screen showed clean results except for amfexa (amphetamines). The doctors attributed my symptoms to a negative reaction to both amitriptyline and amfexa. I was again hospitalized, and after an X-ray indicated mild constipation, I was given picoprep and discharged. **Current Situation:** I am left with only paracetamol for pain management, which has proven inadequate. The constant discomfort I endure every day is overwhelming, and I am desperate for relief. All of my blood tests have returned normal results. If anyone has experienced similar symptoms or has any advice, I would greatly appreciate a private message. At the moment, I am consulting with a therapist and psychologist to explore potential underlying stress factors, but they do not seem to consider it a likely issue.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 8:31:05 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult journey you've had with your abdominal pain and the related issues. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given the complexity of your situation. While persistent abdominal pain can stem from various causes, let’s focus on some steps you can take to help manage your discomfort and improve your quality of life.
Main Points:
- Persistent abdominal pain may have multiple causes, including functional issues.
- Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns or triggers.
- Consider dietary adjustments and relaxation techniques for symptom relief.
Explanation:
Your situation involves multiple factors, including previous digestive diagnoses and stressors that could be influencing your pain. Given the extensive testing and normal results, it's possible that your abdominal pain might be related to functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially in the context of stress or anxiety, which is common in individuals with ADHD and Asperger’s.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Start tracking your symptoms daily. Note when the pain occurs, its intensity, any triggers (like certain foods or activities), and what helps alleviate it. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare providers in refining your diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Dietary Adjustments: Consider trying an elimination diet to identify possible food intolerances or allergies. Common triggers include dairy, gluten, and high-fat foods. You might also want to increase your fiber intake gradually (if constipation is frequently an issue) and drink plenty of water to help manage bowel health.
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Relaxation Techniques: Engage in mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga. Stress can significantly contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort; therefore, developing coping strategies can be beneficial.
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Pain Management: While paracetamol is currently your only pain relief option, discuss with your healthcare provider about possible alternatives or adjuncts, such as other medications or therapies more suitable for your pain type, keeping in mind your history with amitriptyline and amfexa.
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Gastroenterology Follow-up: Since you’ve seen several specialists, consider requesting a thorough review with your gastroenterologist to discuss your ongoing symptoms and the possibility of gastrointestinal function disorders. Advocating for a team approach, including your therapist and psychologist, may also be worthwhile to address any psychological factors comprehensively.
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Educate Yourself: Learn more about potential functional abdominal pain syndromes and coping strategies. Knowledge can empower you and help you actively participate in your treatment discussions.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team with updates on your symptom diary and any new changes. They can assist in adjusting your treatment based on your ongoing issues. Your comfort and well-being are incredibly important, and there are always further steps that can be taken to improve your situation.
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