OpenHealth Q&A

Chronic Discomfort in Lower Right Abdomen

Greetings, I'm a 25-year-old woman (5’3”, 140lbs) struggling with continual discomfort in my lower right abdomen for nearly a year. I have consulted various doctors who have yet to identify a cause, despite my clear distress. When I describe my symptoms, I often sense their disbelief, so I’m reaching out here to see if others have faced similar issues to possibly guide me on my next steps. I must warn that this post is lengthy and contains some details that might be considered a bit unsettling, particularly regarding digestive issues. Here's a rundown of my symptoms: - I experience sharp pain in the lower right section of my abdomen, precisely where the appendix is located. This discomfort intensifies when I lie on my right side, although it can occasionally occur on my left side too. The only relief seems to come from rolling onto my back. - At times, I notice a pronounced throbbing sensation in that region, especially when leaning to my right. It’s not painful, just quite uncomfortable. - This part is puzzling: sometimes that area produces loud gurgling noises reminiscent of a rumbling stomach due to hunger. These sounds are quite noticeable and uncomfortable but not painful. - The pain usually escalates roughly an hour before I need to have a bowel movement and often lessens afterward. - I experience significant gas buildup which can lead to severe discomfort on certain days. - My abdomen tends to bloat excessively, making me look as though I’m in the early stages of pregnancy after meals. Additional observations include: - The pain consistently remains in the same location and does not radiate. - Pressing on the affected area does not elicit pain. - Though there’s no evident blood in my stool, on rare occasions, I see slight traces of bright red after wiping. - Most of the time, my stool is quite soft—falling between diarrhea and normal consistency. Sometimes it feels as if food passes through me almost immediately. - I avoid caffeine and alcohol, opting to drink only water. - I do not use any recreational drugs except medicinal marijuana. - Currently, I'm on lamotrigine for mood stabilization and metoprolol succinate for managing heart arrhythmia. However, this abdominal issue began long before I started either medication. I acknowledge that my eating habits are not the healthiest, which likely contributes to the issue. Living with autism makes me very selective about my food choices, compounded by an eating disorder that complicates my relationship with food. Recently, I’ve been attempting to encourage myself to try new, healthier foods, though it’s quite challenging. I also practice intermittent fasting, lasting between 20 to 40 hours every couple of days, which does help alleviate some bloating and gas pain. Despite undergoing blood tests, a pelvic and abdominal ultrasound, and an abdominal CT scan, all results came back normal. The doctor advised increasing dietary fiber, but it’s been months and there has been no improvement in my condition. I’m desperate to understand what might be causing this pain as it is becoming increasingly unbearable. I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to read my post. Any insights or recommendations you have regarding possible causes or next steps would be immensely valued!

Answers (1)

8/15/2025, 2:41:27 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing such persistent discomfort; it sounds very frustrating and distressing. The symptoms you've described, particularly the sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, can point to several potential causes. While you're looking for answers, it’s important to approach this situation with an open mind and focus on what you can control.

Main Points

• Your symptoms may relate to gastrointestinal issues, possibly involving conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hormonal influences, or food intolerances.
• Monitoring your diet and symptom patterns can provide insights into potential triggers.

Explanation

Given that you've had various tests which returned normal, it suggests that a structural issue may be less likely. The discomfort and gas buildup you experience, especially after meals and before bowel movements, may be indicative of a functional gastrointestinal disorder like IBS. In women, such symptoms can also sometimes be related to hormonal changes, particularly if they coincide with your menstrual cycle.

Next Steps

1. Dietary Tracking: Start a detailed food diary documenting everything you eat, along with any symptoms that arise. This can help identify any specific food intolerances or patterns. Pay attention to things like lactose (dairy) or gluten (wheat) which can sometimes cause bloating and discomfort.

2. Gradual Fiber Increase: While your doctor suggested increasing dietary fiber, it's often beneficial to do this gradually. It may help to introduce one high-fiber food item at a time (like oats, lentils, or fruits) and monitor how your body reacts.

3. Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of water, especially as you adjust your fiber intake. This can help alleviate constipation and support digestive health.

4. Explore Probiotics: Consider including probiotics in your diet, either through supplements or fermented foods like yogurt. These can promote gut health, but it's essential to introduce them slowly.

5. Monitor Stress: Stress and anxiety can significantly affect digestive health. Practicing stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, might improve your symptoms.

6. Consult Specialists: If these strategies do not lead to improvement, consider seeking out a gastrointestinal specialist for further evaluation. They might recommend additional tests or dietary adjustments like an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities.

7. Consult a Dietitian: Since you’ve indicated dietary habits affected by your autism and an eating disorder, consulting a registered dietitian could provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs and challenges.

Remember, you're not alone in this; many people experience similar challenges. Regularly updating your healthcare providers about your symptoms and any changes can also help them to better support you. If your symptoms worsen or you experience new ones, such as fever or severe pain, please ensure to seek urgent medical advice. Please take care of yourself and let me know if you need further assistance.