OpenHealth Q&A

Occasional Discomfort and Cramps in the Left Side of the Abdomen

A 20-year-old female, standing at 5’3" and weighing 93 pounds, shares her recent health experiences: Last Sunday, I experienced the loss of my cat. The following day, I sought urgent care due to frequent urination—only to find out that I didn't have a urinary tract infection, which has been a persistent concern of mine. On Tuesday, I felt fine for most of the day, but after going out for pizza, I began experiencing cramping in my left abdomen. Throughout the day, I had taken two Gas-X pills and two Advil, nothing beyond that. On Wednesday, I had some digestive issues, likely due to overeating the day before. I did go out again, this time for dinner with my mom, but by the end of the day, I was feeling somewhat better. Thursday was particularly rough. I felt off, almost disconnected, and my stomach seemed to be in revolt. I made sure to hydrate thoroughly and took some Pepto-Bismol for relief. By Friday, my stomach had improved, even though I was still feeling anxious about my condition. I consulted my primary care physician, who recommended Pepcid along with a bland diet. Despite the advice, I still felt dizzy and not quite myself. Fortunately, by Saturday, things seemed to normalize, and my stomach felt fine once more. However, from Sunday into Monday, I experienced morning discomfort and a sensation of fullness that made me uneasy. On Monday night, I decided to stop taking Pepcid, which led to a slight improvement in how I felt overall. Throughout this time, I noted a peculiar sensation in my left abdomen—not painful, but more of a dull presence that wouldn’t go away. Last night, I encountered intense menstrual cramps that persisted throughout the day, focusing mainly on the left side. This was unusual for me; I usually take Advil before my period starts, but I had been hesitant to do so this time due to my stomach concerns. However, I did take one pain reliever before the cramping intensified. Is this feeling normal? I was prescribed some anxiety medication, possibly to help me cope with the stress from losing my cat. But the cramping I experienced felt distinctly real and concerning.

Answers (1)

8/14/2025, 2:40:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging time with emotional stress, digestive issues, and physical discomfort. Let’s address your concerns regarding the persistent discomfort and cramps in your left abdomen while considering your overall wellbeing.

1. Understanding the Symptoms:

   • The discomfort you’re experiencing in your left abdomen could be related to various factors, especially given your recent emotional stress and dietary changes. Common possibilities include:
     • Digestive issues: Overeating or consuming certain foods can lead to abdominal discomfort, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
     • Menstrual cramps: It’s common to experience cramps that can cause discomfort on one side, particularly as your menstrual cycle approaches.
     • Anxiety: Emotional stress can manifest physically, causing sensations in your abdomen.

2. Prioritized Next Steps:

   • Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of when the discomfort occurs, its intensity, and any potential triggers (like specific foods or activities).
   • Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water, as hydration can help alleviate digestive issues.
   • Diet Management: Follow a bland diet to see if it helps reduce symptoms. Avoid spicy, greasy, or heavy foods until your stomach settles.
   • Pain Relief: Taking NSAIDs like Advil is fine for menstrual cramps, but make sure not to take them on an overly upset stomach. If the discomfort is mild, you can try using heat packs on your abdomen to soothe cramps.
   • Stress Management: Continue with anxiety management strategies, as stress can exacerbate physical symptoms. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or gentle exercises (like walking or yoga) can be soothing.

3. When to Seek Further Help:

   • If the discomfort persists for several days without improvement or if you experience worsening symptoms like severe pain, fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself grace during this time of emotional and physical adjustment. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.