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
Seeking Advice on My Burn Injury
Hello everyone. I'm a 21-year-old female from the United States, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 107 pounds. I do not take any medications or drugs and I don’t consume alcohol. While I was baking, I accidentally brushed against the top of the stove, which was heated to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, for a brief moment of two seconds. I immediately ran cold water over the affected area and applied Neosporin, but that seemed to increase the stinging sensation, so I removed it. Initially, the burn appeared red, but after an hour, it has turned white and continues to hurt. I am uncertain about the severity of the burn (is it a first, second, or third-degree burn?) and what steps I should take next. I appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thank you!
Addressing Persistent Hip Discomfort
Greetings everyone. I sincerely appreciate anyone taking the time to read and share their thoughts on this matter. I find myself in need of assistance regarding my husband, who is quite resistant to addressing his health concerns. He is 39 years old, has a background marked by mental health issues, and currently manages these conditions with various medications. About 18 years ago, he underwent knee surgery, which was described as a procedure to remove some excess cartilage and enhance the fit of his kneecap. Since that operation, he has experienced no further complications with his knee. While I'm not certain of his exact weight, he does carry extra weight around his midsection, although I wouldn’t classify him as morbidly obese. He refrains from drinking alcohol or using tobacco products. By profession, he is an electrician, a job that demands frequent bending, maneuvering into confined spaces, and crouching. He carries a heavy tool bag on his right side; although he has removed several tools recently to reduce the burden, it still remains quite heavy. The challenge at hand is his increasing left hip pain, which has persisted for the last three months. This pain extends down his leg to the knee, and although he has previously experienced sciatica, he insists that this sensation is markedly different. He describes it as a "burning feeling" that occurs with movement, but notably, he does not report any lower back discomfort or signs of cracking or grinding in the joint. When seated, he struggles to lift his leg without discomfort, feeling a burning sensation from his hip through to his knee. He also repeatedly mentions that this pain does not seem to be muscular in origin. Two weeks ago, he consulted his primary care physician. During this visit, the doctor examined him for bursitis but ruled it out. No X-rays were performed that day. The physician seems to believe the issue is simply a strained muscle in his lower back, resulting in a prescription for a 10-day course of Prednisone, which yielded no improvement. He has been attempting various self-care techniques, such as stretching, applying heat and ice, and using anti-inflammatory medications. I’m feeling quite helpless in this situation. There are times when he returns home barely able to walk. I've advised him to reach out to his doctor on Monday for further examinations and testing. Does anyone have suggestions for how we might address his discomfort?
Discomfort in Lower Rib Area
Female, 18 years old, 5'3", 60 kg. I consume alcohol occasionally and have only smoked a few times. Apologies if my explanation is unclear; I’m writing this after struggling to get some rest. This discomfort recurs every few months, and I’m uncertain about its origins. I’m seeking insights into what might be causing it. Describing the sensation is challenging; it manifests as pain in my lower ribs. It begins at the front and gradually spreads around my torso, eventually affecting my lower back ribs over several hours. The intensity usually escalates as I attempt to sleep. It’s distinct from muscle soreness or menstrual cramps; there hasn’t been anything specific that triggered it, and I find no sleeping position alleviates the pain. If additional details are needed, feel free to ask.
Should I be Worried?
Greetings everyone! I'm a 37-year-old woman, standing at 5'4" and weighing 167 pounds. I maintain a regular fitness routine, engaging in yoga and strength training between three to five times each week for at least half an hour. Generally, I view myself as a healthy individual, although I do sometimes treat myself to a DQ blizzard or a burger and fries. Recently, I had a blood test conducted after a period of fasting and received a glucose reading of 101. The accompanying note indicated, "for individuals without a diabetes diagnosis, a glucose level between 100 and 125 points to potential prediabetes that should be confirmed with another test." Additionally, my LDL cholesterol was flagged at 111, which is noted as abnormal. The guidance provided stated that for primary prevention, a desirable level is below 100 mg/dL, while for those with coronary heart disease (CHD) or diabetes, the recommendation is above 70 mg/dL. My total cholesterol came back at 189. For context, my previous LDL reading in 2023 was 110, with a fasting glucose level of 96. I discontinued the use of oral contraceptives in November 2022, as my husband opted for a vasectomy. I began taking spironolactone in May 2025 to manage severe cystic acne, which I’m pleased to share is now under control. Could it be that my hormones are still readjusting? Should I be alarmed by these results? What’s particularly curious to me is how much stronger I feel compared to before. I never engaged in strength training until now, and I can now lift weights ranging from 40 to 50 pounds consistently. I can also walk for considerable distances without discomfort and tackle multiple flights of stairs without losing my breath. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post!
Strange Symptoms Following a Weekend of Drinking
Hello all! I’d like to share a personal experience regarding some unusual feelings I’ve encountered post-drinking, and I’m curious if anyone else can relate. I’m a 21-year-old male, generally quite fit and active. Last Friday night, I indulged in a significant amount of alcohol, mostly taking tequila shots but also having a few dark liquor shots alongside some canned cocktails. The following day, I woke up to a hangover that lingered until about 3 PM before I started to feel better. Later that Saturday, I opted for a lighter drink, consuming around two-thirds of a High Noon, all in the name of celebrating a friend's 22nd birthday with some casual social drinking. However, by Sunday morning, I felt fine initially, but as the day progressed, I began to notice a return of that strange feeling which has persisted throughout the week. Here's a rundown of the symptoms I've experienced: - A sensation of lightheadedness and a foggy feeling, which faded by Tuesday night. - A diminished ability to touch, smell, and taste things. - Persistent fatigue and brain fog (mostly cleared up by Wednesday night). - Occasional muscle twitches, particularly during periods of rest. - An unusually active stomach, marked by frequent growling, gas, and numerous trips to the restroom after eating or drinking. - Increased urination, often within minutes of having water. - Sudden episodes of anxiety or feelings of disconnection. - Occasionally feeling warm (I took my temperature today, and it was normal at 96.3°F) or slightly nauseous, but no vomiting after that initial episode. - Minor coordination issues, like difficulty typing or gripping items, which have since resolved. To aid in my recovery, I’ve been hydrating with plenty of electrolytes, eating light and nutritious foods (such as bananas, yogurt, chicken, and smoothies), and resting as much as I can. Gradually, I’m noticing improvements—the lightheadedness has mostly dissipated and my senses of taste and smell are returning, though my sense of touch and overall energy still feel a bit diminished. After consulting with my doctor, he mentioned that my symptoms could stem from a few potential causes: - Aftereffects of excessive alcohol consumption (especially considering how much I drank). - Fatigue, as I recently finished a demanding stretch of multiple jobs, a weekly golf class, workouts, and an online internship. - The possibility of a viral infection or mild COVID, which I’m currently being tested for. He advised me to continue resting, stay hydrated, take Tylenol or Motrin if necessary, and to check back in on Monday if my condition doesn’t improve. What’s particularly noteworthy to me is that I had a similar experience last year after returning from a trip to Arizona, but that time was much worse. I consumed a mix of Hennessy and D’usse, smoked weed (which is rare for me), and dealt with extreme heat. I ended up vomiting and felt completely off for about a week, even requiring a visit to the ER, where my blood tests came back normal, leading them to suggest dehydration. Given these two incidents, it’s clear that dark liquor is a recurring factor. Despite the differing circumstances, both times I experienced a significant physical and mental crash for several days afterward. Consequently, I've decided to completely eliminate dark liquor from my future drinking habits. Has anyone else gone through a similar experience? Particularly when drinking dark liquor, have you felt out of sorts for days—not just from a hangover, but as if your nervous system or senses are out of whack? How long did it take for you to recover, and what actions aided your recuperation? I’m taking every measure possible to feel better, but I would love to hear from others who might have faced something like this. Any advice, shared experiences, or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! 🙏