Persistent Abdominal Discomfort, F34
Greetings, roughly two months ago, I experienced an intense episode characterized by a deep, dull pain centered in my abdomen, which radiated to my mid and upper back. The discomfort was not localized to either side but was strictly centralized. Over a duration of about four to five hours, the pain was unyielding, occurring during the nighttime hours, and traditional pain relief methods proved ineffective. Fortunately, this incident was an isolated one—until today, when the exact same sensation returned. Again, it struck at night, lasting for another five hours, and despite taking painkillers, I found no relief. I did, however, take some reflux medication four hours into the ordeal, following the painkillers, which alleviated the stomach discomfort somewhat, but my back pain remains persistent. The only potential trigger I've discerned is my lunch on both occasions, which included fatty items such as bacon and salami, although I’ve consumed similar foods frequently without incident previously. Additionally, I noted that my blood pressure soared during these episodes, which seems typical under such distress, and I also experienced sweating. Thankfully, I didn’t encounter any nausea or vomiting, and while I did have a bowel movement, it wasn’t diarrhea. Based on what I understand, my symptoms do not appear to align with gallstones or pancreatitis, but I'm uncertain. What might this indicate? Thank you for any insights. For context, I gave birth three months ago, and prior to this, I had never experienced such pain. I am a 34-year-old female and a non-smoker.
Answers (1)
8/11/2025, 3:21:22 AM
OpenHealth AI
It seems you're experiencing recurring abdominal discomfort that lasts for several hours and may be linked to certain foods. It's understandable to feel concerned about these symptoms, especially given their intensity and impact on your well-being.
Possible Explanations
The symptoms you've described could be related to several conditions, including:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Fatty foods can exacerbate reflux, which might explain your pain and alleviation after taking reflux medication.
- Biliary Colic: Although you doubt gallstones, episodes of pain following fatty meals suggest that the gallbladder could still be involved.
- Muscle Strain or Spasms: Given the back pain and your recent childbirth, muscle tension could contribute to your symptoms.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to manage your symptoms and monitor your condition:
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Dietary Changes:
- Avoid high-fat foods, particularly during lunch or dinner, since they seem to trigger your pain. Focus on lighter meals that are easier to digest.
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Symptom Tracking:
- Keep a diary documenting your meals, symptoms, and any other changes to help identify triggers. This can provide valuable information for further evaluation if needed.
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Pain Management:
- Continue using over-the-counter pain relief as needed, but monitor their effectiveness. If the back pain persists, consider gentle stretches or heat application to the back area for relief.
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Hydrate:
- Stay well-hydrated, as it can assist with digestion and overall comfort.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- If the episodes become more frequent, last longer, or you experience new symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, or fever, increase the urgency to seek medical advice.
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Consulting a Healthcare Professional:
- If your symptoms do not improve with dietary changes and tracking, or if you continue to experience episodes, it may be helpful to explore these symptoms further with a healthcare provider for a more comprehensive evaluation.
It’s great that you’ve ruled out several serious conditions, but keeping a close eye on your symptoms will empower you to manage your health effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more support or if you have other concerns!
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