A Confounding Episode of Side Pain: Seeking Answers
I’m a 21-year-old female weighing 125 pounds. I don’t smoke and drink only on rare occasions. A few months ago, as I prepared to leave my apartment for class, I experienced a slight discomfort in my vaginal region, but I dismissed it as unimportant. However, during my lecture, the pain escalated, radiating to my left hip—or possibly my kidney or small intestine—gradually intensifying to such an extent that I decided to exit early and head to an urgent care facility. Unfortunately, they were unable to perform an x-ray or mammogram and referred me to the emergency room. Upon my arrival at the ER, I rated the pain at an 8 out of 10—I was in severe distress, on the verge of tears, and feeling nauseous. I mentioned that I thought a mammogram could be necessary, yet my concerns were overlooked, and I was given an x-ray instead. This may explain why they found no definitive issues. After being connected to an IV drip with saline, the agonizing pain dissipated within about an hour. Despite the relief I experienced, the source of my pain remains a mystery to me. I can’t identify anything that could have triggered such an episode. Would a mammogram have been able to detect anything significant? What exactly occurred during that ordeal?
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 6:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you experienced a very distressing episode of pain that raised concerns for you. The nature of your pain, its location, and the sudden onset can be related to various factors, and it's understandable that you'd want clarity on what might have caused it.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could relate to numerous causes, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to gynecological concerns.
- A mammogram is not usually indicated for younger women with acute abdominal or pelvic pain, as it primarily screens for breast cancer.
- Monitoring symptoms and keeping track of your health can help identify potential patterns or triggers.
Explanation: The severe pain you experienced could be due to several factors. In young women, common causes of unilateral abdominal or pelvic pain can include:
- Ovarian issues (like cysts or ovulation pain)
- Gastrointestinal problems (such as diverticulitis or kidney stones)
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy
While the IV saline may have helped alleviate your pain, it did not address the underlying cause. This is why follow-up care and further evaluation can be important.
Regarding the mammogram, it is not typically used to diagnose issues related to pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Instead, ultrasounds or CT scans are better suited for evaluating structures in that area and would provide more relevant information.
Next Steps:
- Keep a Pain Diary: Note when the pain occurs, its intensity, duration, and any accompanying symptoms. This can help in identifying triggers or patterns.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Be aware of any additional symptoms like changes in your menstrual cycle, nausea, fever, or changes in bowel habits, and track them.
- Consider Follow-Up: If the pain occurs again or new symptoms develop, consider seeking further evaluation. A gynecological or gastrointestinal specialist may be appropriate depending on your symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated and allow your body to rest. This can aid recovery and help manage stress.
If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask! Your well-being is important, and understanding your health will help you take appropriate steps moving forward.
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