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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Am I Experiencing Silent Heart Attacks?
To give you some background, I'm a 19-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 260 pounds. My weight gain can be largely attributed to a series of psychiatric medications I was prescribed, although I have lost twenty pounds and am continuing to shed more. Over the past year, I have encountered a range of symptoms that have left me perplexed and frustrated. These include severe chest pain, issues with acid reflux, shortness of breath, frequent dizziness, chronic fatigue, and persistent pain localized predominantly on the left side of my body, such as in my arms and legs. Additionally, I have experienced random itchy rashes, swelling in my fingers, toes, hands, and feet, as well as sensations of numbness and tingling, often confined to one side. Notably, I've also struggled with significant brain fog and memory lapses, alongside minor twitches in my eyes, lips, fingers, and limbs, as well as neck, jaw, and back discomfort. My primary healthcare provider attributes all of these symptoms to deficiencies in vitamin B12 and vitamin D, claiming that my dizziness is merely a result of an ear infection—though I lack any other symptoms apart from the dizziness. I am currently on Lamotrigine (300mg, taken twice daily) for focal seizures, which she believes is solely responsible for my dizziness as well. I’ve attempted to communicate that my experiences feel much more dire and that my pain and cognitive difficulties cannot be sufficiently explained by simple vitamin deficiencies. Unfortunately, she insists that, being young, many of my concerns likely stem from these deficiencies or hormonal changes linked to my menstrual cycle. Just a few hours ago, I developed a troublesome itchy rash on my right arm and leg, followed by intense chest pain and difficulty breathing—sometimes feeling as if I need to yawn to take a decent breath. I also experienced indigestion, excessive belching, and sensations of heaviness and tingling in my left arm and shoulder. Now, I’m feeling discomfort radiating from the back of my neck, across my left shoulder, extending into my fingers, and down my left leg, accompanied by the same heavy tingling sensations. While the pain isn't unbearable, it's certainly concerning and distracting. I recently visited the ICU for cold and flu-like symptoms, but tests ruled out covid and the flu. I also don't have a fever, though I still have a slight runny nose. I take Esomeprazole to manage my acid reflux, but its effectiveness has been limited. I do not have diabetes or pre-diabetes, although I am aware that I am overweight. Heart disease runs in my family, and I have a tendency towards health anxiety. Throughout last year, I sought medical attention multiple times for similar symptoms, yet X-rays and blood tests yielded no clear diagnosis. Since my last hospital visit for chest pains, my symptoms have noticeably intensified. For context, both my mother and sister have been diagnosed with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease (UCTD), but I have not received a formal diagnosis myself. I have high blood pressure that is not currently medicated. Due to the persistent fatigue and pain, my activity level is rather low. I apologize if this message seems disorganized or if I come across as overly anxious. I’m genuinely at a loss regarding the reasons behind my symptoms and how to alleviate them, which is incredibly frustrating, especially when it feels like medical professionals often downplay my concerns. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts!
Addressing Sinus Discomfort
My partner, who is 48 years old and currently without insurance, has been struggling with intense headaches and sinus discomfort for a few months now. Recently, he decided to seek medical advice from our general practitioner, who prescribed a five-day course of amoxicillin, suspecting a sinus infection. Although the antibiotics provided slight relief, they were not significantly effective. During my recent appointment two days ago, my partner discussed his ongoing symptoms with our physician, noting that despite completing the antibiotic course, his pain and difficulty sleeping had not improved. We left with new prescriptions for Imitrex and Atarax, but unfortunately, there has been no noticeable benefit from these medications so far. He describes his sinus pain in the following manner: - It begins at the soft palate, near the connection of the nasal passages to the throat. - The discomfort then shifts to the left sinus area. - A burning sensation is felt in the left nostril and sinus. - This pain radiates to the lower part of the face. - Swishing water in his mouth sometimes alleviates the pain, though not consistently. - The pain seems to come in cycles, approximately every two minutes, occasionally even more frequently. - He experiences soreness in his teeth and sinuses while eating. - Some temporary relief has been achieved through saline nasal spray, Sinex pills, and Vicks moisturizing nasal spray, but this relief is only brief. I omitted details regarding his severe headaches and sleep issues, focusing mainly on his current sinus pain as it is his priority concern. However, if you believe there might be a connection to his headaches or insomnia, I would be happy to share more information. Thank you for any advice or insights you can offer; your help is greatly appreciated!
Severe Discomfort in Left Side Affects Sleep and Appetite
I’m an 18-year-old female experiencing extreme discomfort. As mentioned in the title, this pain began around five hours ago and has reached such a level that I can hardly eat or get any rest. The source appears to be my left armpit, from which the sensation travels down my arm and across the left side of my chest. I desperately need help to alleviate this issue, primarily because I’m deprived of sleep. Since I drank alcohol earlier, I can't take any painkillers like Advil. I also attempted to reach out to the non-emergency medical line in my area, but unfortunately, my phone service wouldn't connect my call. I didn’t want to add to my stress by dealing with customer support while feeling this way. I would appreciate any suggestions to relieve this pain. I've tried various methods like stretching and changing my position, but nothing seems to provide relief. The pain doesn't feel muscle-related, nor is it superficial; rather, it's a persistent internal ache that I find hard to articulate, yet it's quite dull. Any guidance would be immensely valued as I navigate this discomfort.
Evaluating My 8-Year-Old’s Persistent Abdominal Discomfort
I apologize for the lengthy account, but I feel it’s necessary to share my daughter’s situation. For over three weeks, my 8-year-old daughter has been suffering from constant and severe abdominal pain. At first, she rated her discomfort between 4 and 6 on a scale of 10, but it has now escalated to a range of 6 to 8 during the past week. In the first week, she also experienced a fever and a runny nose. Our family doctor suspected a urinary tract infection (UTI) and prescribed antibiotics on the fourth day, but these did not alleviate her pain. On the seventh day, I took her to the emergency room where an ultrasound and urine analysis were performed. The doctors ruled out appendicitis and indicated the possibility of mesenteric adenitis, which involves the lymph nodes in her abdomen. While her fever subsided by the tenth day, her pain intensified. When I returned to the ER on the twelfth day, further ultrasounds and blood tests returned normal results, and the physician suggested that constipation might be the issue. However, I pointed out that she has been having regular bowel movements without any straining. The doctor referred us to a pediatric specialist. During this entire ordeal, my daughter has been unable to attend school due to the significant pain, which often leaves her cringing in distress and struggling to sleep. She has been walking around the house hunched over, holding her stomach. On the fourteenth day, we visited the pediatrician, who ordered an X-ray that revealed moderate stool accumulation in her colon. When I inquired about treatment options, he advised increasing her activity, ensuring she drinks plenty of water, and encouraging her to return to school to aid in her recovery. At this point, I was alternating Tylenol and Advil every three hours for pain relief, but it was proving ineffective. I began monitoring her bowel movements, which remained at about 1 to 2 daily, scoring a 4 on the Bristol stool chart. Nevertheless, the intensity of her pain prevented me from sending her back to school. By the twentieth day, she reported pain in her neck and a shoulder, and I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes beneath her ears. On the twenty-second day, I returned to the ER to secure another referral to the pediatrician. The doctor expressed skepticism about mesenteric adenitis since it had persisted too long, and given that her lymph nodes were not enlarged during the previous ultrasound, recommended that constipation was unlikely due to her normal bowel patterns. He suggested that the issue may primarily lie in her mind-gut connection, implying that simply helping her resume her usual activities could be beneficial. Frustrated, I was advised to have her undergo a bowel cleanout just in case. Now we are on the third day of this process, with only a couple of small, soft bowel movements daily, yet she continues to experience significant pain. We are currently awaiting another appointment with the pediatrician. I am left bewildered by her condition. It’s worth mentioning that she is typically a lively and cheerful child, deeply engaged in school, sports, and activities with friends. She is shy and polite at medical visits and often struggles to comprehend the questions posed to her, which may hinder her ability to fully communicate the severity of her discomfort. I fear this leads to my concerns being dismissed as exaggeration.
Chronic Headaches, Sleep Trouble, and Sinus Discomfort
My partner, who is 48 years old and currently uninsured, has been suffering from intense headaches and sinus pressure for the past few months. After much deliberation, he decided to visit our general practitioner a couple of weeks back, who prescribed a five-day course of amoxicillin suspecting a sinus infection. However, while the antibiotics provided slight relief, they ultimately did not significantly alleviate his symptoms. Recently, during my own visit to the doctor, my partner informed the physician about his ongoing issues, noting that neither his discomfort nor insomnia had improved post-treatment. We left with prescriptions for Imitrex and Atarax, but so far, there has been no relief from his symptoms. Below is a summary of how he articulates his discomfort: **Sinus Pain:** - Discomfort initiates in the soft palate region, near the throat's connection to the nasal passages. - The pain shifts to the left sinus area. - He experiences a burning sensation in the left nostril and sinus. - Pain radiates to the lower part of his face. - Occasionally, swishing water in his mouth alleviates the pain, although this is not consistent. - Eating intensifies the pain throughout his teeth and sinuses. - The cycle of pain occurs approximately every couple of minutes. - His primary objective is to find relief from this pain. **Headache Description:** - The pain is predominantly located behind his eyes. - He occasionally feels it spreading from the front to the back of his skull. - He has described sensations inside his skull akin to a sore throat. - On some occasions, he exhibits heightened sensitivity to light and sound, but not consistently. - He does not experience nausea. **Sleep Challenges:** - He has attempted to use melatonin, Benadryl, Tylenol PM, and Unisom to improve his sleep, but to no avail. - Generally, he can only sleep intermittently for 20 minutes to an hour. - His awakenings are not typically triggered by headaches; often, he wakes due to panic attacks or an urgent need to be outside, which is perplexing considering his past diagnosis of agoraphobia. - When sleep does occur, it only happens while sitting upright in a chair, which adversely affects his neck and back. **Additional Patient Details:** - Age: 48, Male - Habitual smoker - Consumes medical cannabis regularly due to his health issues - Daily intake of caffeine via coffee and cola - Uses ibuprofen and acetaminophen regularly - Takes daily supplements of Vitamin D, potassium, and cranberry - Maintains hydration by regularly drinking water and Gatorade - Suffers from multiple mental health conditions, including anxiety, CPTSD, seasonal affective disorder, and clinical depression, with potential ADHD or autism - Past medical history includes kidney stones, diverticulitis, asthma, and sciatica - He is overweight yet generally maintains good health metrics like cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Due to his lack of insurance, we face significant financial strain, as he earns too much to qualify for financial assistance, and my own expenses as a disabled person leave us unable to purchase insurance through the health marketplace. We are in a dire situation, and I’m feeling quite frightened. I've never witnessed him experience pain this severely, even during episodes of kidney stones. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or insights you may have. Thank you for your support!