Seeking Answers for Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort
I hope you can assist me; I’ve been grappling with bowel-related concerns for the past year, and I'm uncertain about the underlying cause. I'm a 17-year-old female, standing at 5'1" and weighing approximately 105 pounds. I’m not currently on any medications, nor do I have any diagnosed health issues. I apologize if this is lengthy; any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My troubles commenced around late March 2024 when I experienced acute, intense pain beneath my right ribs that radiated around to my back. Breathing intensified the discomfort. My mother remarked that I looked quite pale and I felt shaky. I attempted to take paracetamol, but it promptly resulted in vomiting, which I attributed partially to the pain. Following this episode, I was sick again in the bathroom. Concerned that I could be facing something severe like appendicitis, I proceeded to the emergency department after the pain endured for about forty minutes. I ended up waiting there for an extended period, but thankfully, the agony subsided after five to six hours. The medical team conducted blood tests and examined my abdomen, concluding that everything was normal and attributing my issues to significant constipation, which I found rather embarrassing. Prior to this event, my diet was relatively balanced, and I had never encountered bowel issues before. In the aftermath, I increased my fiber intake to around 15-25 grams daily and augmented my water consumption. I also incorporated more physical activity into my routine. Since then, I’ve noted a diminished appetite, feeling satiated more quickly, and consistent bloating and fullness. At times, I experience unusual fatigue despite not having exerted myself, leading to an urge to nap, although this only occurred on a couple of occasions. Additionally, I’ve tried several laxatives, including lactulose, senna, fybrogel, and a few others, only to have them yield minimal results, except for dulcolax. Following my GP’s recommendation, I’ve been taking dulcolax daily—either one or two 5 mg tablets—for the past two weeks. It does induce stomach cramps similar to menstrual pain, which lasts about an hour before I have a bowel movement, resulting typically in five trips each time it takes effect. I worry about becoming dependent on these, but my doctor didn’t provide much guidance on that concern. Recently, about a month ago, my GP suggested a referral for a colonoscopy. I’m currently awaiting that appointment, hoping to rule out more serious conditions so I can alleviate my anxiety. A significant factor in sharing my story here is that the same pain I had experienced in March reoccurred a few days ago. This time, however, it didn’t persist as long—around 40 minutes—and struck unexpectedly, waking me at 11 PM. The pain was localized to the same area and spread slightly to my back, intensifying when I bent over or breathed deeply. I was also notably bloated at the time. It seemed that lying flat helped reduce the duration of the pain, as it diminished when I did so. Currently, I'm contending with a persistent dull ache in that region, which is new for me, and it becomes more pronounced with certain movements. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns; I apologize for any lack of clarity or potential oversights in my account.
Answers (1)
8/12/2025, 9:41:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed account of your abdominal discomfort. It sounds like you've been experiencing significant distress due to these symptoms over the past year. Let's break down what you’re experiencing and outline some actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms, including acute pain, bloating, decreased appetite, and persistent dull aches, could relate to constipation and potentially other gastrointestinal issues.
- Given the recurrent nature of your pain and new symptoms, it’s important to continue the evaluation process with your healthcare provider.
- Until your colonoscopy, there are several steps you can consider to help manage your symptoms.
Explanation:
Your ongoing abdominal pain, particularly beneath the right ribs and radiating to your back, along with symptoms of bloating and constipation, can be frustrating. The initial pain might have been related to constipation, but the recurrence and new symptoms suggest that further investigation is warranted, as you are doing with the upcoming colonoscopy referral. The medications and lifestyle changes you've attempted indicate that you are actively seeking to improve your situation.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, associated activities (like eating or stress), and any relief measures you take (lying down, using laxatives). This can provide valuable information for your healthcare team.
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Diet and Hydration: Continue focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber (consider whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) and adequate hydration. Gradually aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber daily, if tolerated. This helps promote regular bowel movements.
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Evaluate Laxative Use: Since you've been using Dulcolax frequently, it's important to be cautious. Over-reliance on stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax can lead to dependence. If you find that it results in significant cramping, consider alternating with more gentle methods like osmotic laxatives (like polyethylene glycol, if tolerated) or stool softeners as needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.
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Stress Management: Addressing potential stressors in your life can be beneficial, as stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercises may help reduce symptoms.
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Follow-up on the Colonoscopy: Be sure to maintain open communication with your doctor about your symptoms, especially regarding the recurrence of pain and any new changes. If there are significant changes in your symptoms or if pain intensifies, don't hesitate to seek medical attention sooner.
Your proactive approach in addressing these concerns, along with the forthcoming colonoscopy, is a step in the right direction. If you experience severe symptoms like intense pain, vomiting, or changes in stool (like blood), seek medical help immediately. Please feel free to share any updates or further questions you may have.
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