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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Hydrate:
- Stay well-hydrated, as it can assist with digestion and overall comfort.
-
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.
-
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!
Related Questions
Navigating Iron Levels: A Personal Journey
At 36, I find myself grappling with iron deficiency issues ever since I had a copper IUD placed. Though I had it removed three years ago, my ferritin levels still remain troublingly low; I've seen some progress—up from a previous 5—yet it’s still far from satisfactory. Currently, I take heme optifer iron three times a week to try to boost my levels. During my initial blood test, I was fasting and had halted my iron supplements for a full day prior. The results were perplexing, leading me to pause my iron intake for another two weeks before submitting blood work again. The recent results showed: - Iron: 32.7 umol/L - Transferrin: 1.74 g/L - Transferrin Saturation: 0.74 - TIBC: 44 umol/L - Ferritin: 29 I’m struggling to understand these findings. Is it typical to have such high transferrin saturation whilst my ferritin remains low? More importantly, what strategies can I use to elevate my ferritin levels to the desired range of 50 to 60 given these blood test results?
Swelling and Discoloration at the Tip of My Big Toe
I am a 34-year-old assigned female at birth, standing 6'1" and weighing 225 pounds. I do not smoke and my current medications include Lexapro, Metformin, and Tirzepatide. Recently, I accidentally trimmed my toenail a bit too short, though there was still visible nail left. Initially, I experienced some discomfort accompanied by redness, tightness, and swelling around the toe, but I decided to manage it without seeking immediate attention. However, a few days ago, I began to notice the emergence of purple dots and streaks, which have progressively worsened. Furthermore, I have also detected a painful purple area at the edge of my second toenail, which is surprising as I haven’t trimmed them in several weeks. I would appreciate any insights on this issue, as I’d like to avoid unnecessary expenses for a medical consultation that may lead to a dismissive response like “just let it grow out.”
Experiencing a Pinched Nerve Near the Shoulder Blade
At 25 years old, and without any previous health issues or medications, I suddenly find myself dealing with a pinched nerve in my shoulder. The cause is unclear to me. I've encountered pinched nerves before, primarily in my neck, but this experience feels distinctly different. It's only been three days, yet the pain has rendered me nearly incapacitated. Simple tasks like using the bathroom, sleeping, and even showering have become incredibly challenging due to significant pain and restricted movement. After looking into this condition, I’ve learned that recovery may take anywhere from four to six weeks, a timeline I'm not equipped to manage given the intensity of my discomfort. My profession involves physical activity, and my hobbies mirror that requirement. In an effort to find relief, I have tried a variety of approaches: alternating ice and heat, taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil, resting whenever possible, and incorporating stretches recommended in online videos. Unfortunately, nothing seems to alleviate the pain. I’m reaching out for guidance. Would physical therapy be beneficial in my situation? Are there particular stretches known to provide relief for pinched nerves? A friend of mine mentioned that muscle relaxants failed to help her during a similar episode; should I consider trying them nonetheless? Is visiting a doctor necessary at this point? I appreciate any advice you can provide to help me navigate this painful situation.
Is Constipation Possible Without Symptoms?
For me, experiencing a lack of bowel movements for a span of 8 to 10 days on a monthly basis is quite common, and I suspect it is linked to my premenstrual syndrome, as it consistently occurs during the same week every month. However, I find myself questioning whether this situation qualifies as constipation, mainly because I do not exhibit any classic signs. There is no pain, no discomfort, and no bloating; I genuinely feel as though there is no urgent need to relieve myself. I am 24 years old.
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.