OpenHealth Q&A

Ongoing Discomfort in Lower Right Abdomen for Nearly a Year

Greetings everyone, I’m a 25-year-old woman (5'3" and weighing 140 lbs) grappling with a nagging pain located in my lower right abdomen for nearly a year. Despite multiple consultations with doctors, I haven’t received any clear answers, although I feel something is definitely off. Each time I narrate my symptoms, the physicians seem bewildered, and I’m hoping to connect with anyone here who might have faced similar issues or can provide guidance on my next steps. **Warning: The following descriptions involve some bodily function details!** Here are the specific symptoms I experience: - Intense pains predominantly in the lower right abdomen, near where the appendix is located. This discomfort intensifies when I lay on my right side, although occasionally, it also manifests when I’m on my left side. The pain subsides when I switch to my back. - When I lean toward my right, I sometimes detect a noticeable pulsing sensation in that area—not painful, but definitely uncomfortable. - One of the oddest sensations occurs when that spot starts gurgling, reminiscent of an empty stomach making noises. It’s loud and can be unsettling, yet it isn’t painful. - The discomfort becomes more pronounced about an hour prior to having a bowel movement, usually easing afterward. - I frequently endure significant gas retention, which can lead to substantial pain on some days. - After meals, I experience extreme bloating that makes my abdomen swell, sometimes giving me a look similar to being pregnant. **Additional Observations:** - The pain is consistently felt in the exact same location without radiating to other areas. - Applying pressure to the spot doesn’t elicit pain. - I haven’t observed any visible blood in my stool, but occasionally (not frequently), I notice small amounts of bright red when wiping. - Most of the time, my stools are very soft—not exactly diarrhea but close; at times, it seems like the food merely rushes through me. - I abstain from caffeine and alcohol, relying solely on water. - I don’t use any drugs except for medical marijuana. - Currently, I take lamotrigine to stabilize my mood and metoprolol succinate for heart rhythm regulation; however, I’ve had this issue long before starting these medications. I must confess that my eating habits aren't the best, which I recognize could contribute to my situation. Being autistic, I have a highly selective palate, and on top of that, I manage an eating disorder, complicating my relationship with nutrition. Lately, I've made an effort to incorporate healthier food options, which has proven to be quite challenging. Additionally, I often fast for 20 to 40 hours every few days to mitigate my bloating and gas troubles. I have undergone blood tests, as well as an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, and a CT scan of the abdomen, all of which returned normal results regarding organ health. My doctor simply advised me to increase my fiber intake and to wait for improvement, but months have passed with no changes. Has anyone encountered similar pain or have insights on what might be happening? The persistent discomfort is becoming unbearable. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this. Any suggestions or advice on what could be going wrong or what I should consider doing next would mean a lot. Thank you!

Answers (1)

8/12/2025, 8:31:19 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with ongoing discomfort; it sounds quite challenging. Persistent pain, especially in the lower right abdomen, deserves careful assessment. Although multiple tests have returned normal, your symptoms indicate there may still be underlying issues. Let's focus on key aspects of your situation and what steps you might consider taking next.

Key Points:

1. Location & Nature of Pain: Persistent right lower abdominal pain that is influenced by body position suggests there could be underlying gastrointestinal issues.
2. Bloating & Gas: Significant bloating and gas are common symptoms in various digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, or even possible chronic appendicitis.
3. Dietary Considerations: Your mention of inconsistent eating habits and selective eating may play a significant role in digestive distress and bloating.

Next Steps:

1. Track Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a symptom diary: Note the timing and triggers of your pain, diet, bowel habits, and any other related symptoms. This can reveal patterns and help identify potential food intolerances or triggers.

2. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Increase Fiber Gradually: Since your doctor advised increasing fiber intake, consider a gradual approach. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help, but do this slowly to avoid exacerbating bloating. Given your selective palate, identify high-fiber options you enjoy.
   • Consider Food Intolerances: Try eliminating common trigger foods, such as lactose (dairy) and gluten (wheat), for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve. Reintroduce them one at a time to monitor your body's response.

3. Abdominal Self-Care:

   • Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen can help soothe discomfort and bloating.
   • Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation.

4. Regular Physical Activity:

   • Gentle activities like walking or yoga can promote digestion and reduce bloating. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.

5. Review Current Medications:

   • Since you're on lamotrigine and metoprolol, discuss with a healthcare provider whether these could be contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms or if there are alternatives that might assist with your other health concerns without causing further digestive issues.

6. Consider Professional Support:

   • Given your eating habits and the complexities of your situation, it may be beneficial to consult a dietitian familiar with digestive issues. They can help devise a personalized nutrition plan that accommodates your preferences and nutritional needs.

Remember, your symptoms are significant, and you deserve relief. Continue to document your situation and communication with healthcare professionals, advocating for further evaluations or alternative diagnostic strategies if needed. Please take care, and I hope to hear of your improvements soon.