Unexplained Stabbing Discomfort: Five Years Without Clarity
A close friend of mine, age 25, has been suffering from intense stabbing pains for several years, and we are increasingly anxious for some explanations. The episodes manifest as a severe stabbing pain that can persist for durations ranging from 5 minutes to an entire hour. The attacks are unpredictable — there are days when she feels completely pain-free, contrasted with other days where the discomfort is so overwhelming that she must lie down, bent over in agony. This discomfort primarily affects her right side, although it occasionally radiates around her torso, extending from beneath her rib cage all the way to her hip area, with standing seemingly exacerbating the situation. Despite consulting various healthcare professionals, no definitive cause has been identified, leaving her feeling dismissed. In her latest appointment, the doctor acknowledged that she has been enduring this pain for more than five years. They entertained the possibility of gallstones and referred her for a pelvic ultrasound, but once again, results revealed no issues. So far, she has undergone four abdominal ultrasounds, a single pelvic ultrasound, a colonoscopy, as well as numerous blood tests, all yielding normal outcomes. She intends to contact her doctor at the start of the week to seek an urgent or out-of-hours consultation, yet we feel quite adrift in our search for answers. Has anyone else experienced something like this or have any recommendations regarding what it might be? Are there particular examinations we should request, such as an MRI or CT scan, or perhaps even a referral to a specialist? We seek not a medical diagnosis, but rather shared experiences and practical advice.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 5:01:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your friend's ongoing struggles with intense and unexplained pain. It's understandable to feel anxious and frustrated after multiple tests with no clear answers. The symptoms you've described can stem from various conditions, and while it's essential to continue seeking medical guidance, I can offer some practical advice and considerations for your friend.
Main Points:
- The stabbing pain could result from several underlying issues, including gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, or neurological sources.
- Continuing communication with healthcare providers to explore further diagnostic avenues is crucial.
Explanation:
The nature of your friend's pain, its location, and the duration indicates that it could potentially involve organs in the abdomen or structures that interact with the abdominal area. Given that numerous tests have already returned normal results, the situation can feel particularly disheartening. Pain that varies in intensity and can be exacerbated by certain positions (like standing) might not only be organic but could also have components related to nerve irritation or even psychosomatic aspects.
Next Steps:
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Document Symptoms: Encourage her to keep a detailed diary of her pain episodes, noting when they occur, their intensity, duration, any accompanying symptoms (like nausea, changes in bowel habits), and triggers (like certain activities or foods).
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Request Further Imaging: Discuss with her physician the potential for advanced imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, especially if there is suspicion of hernia, gastrointestinal issues like functional dyspepsia, or involvement of the spine that might not have been visible in ultrasounds.
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Consider a Specialist Referral: She may benefit from seeing a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a pain specialist, who can further evaluate the situation or suggest interdisciplinary approaches for pain management.
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Explore Alternative Options: Suggest looking into pain management programs that might include physical therapy, acupuncture, or cognitive behavioral therapy. These approaches can help manage chronic pain without requiring a specific medical diagnosis.
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Mental Health Support: Given the length of time your friend has suffered, accessing support for emotional well-being can be beneficial. This situation can be frustrating and demoralizing; talking to a therapist who understands chronic pain can provide additional coping strategies.
It's important for your friend to continue advocating for her health and work closely with healthcare professionals who will take her concerns seriously. Assure her that you are there to support her through this troubling time, and I hope she finds relief soon.
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