Severe Abdominal Pain That Resolved When Inverted
(20 years old, approximately 130 pounds, 5 feet 7 inches tall) Yesterday morning at 9 AM, I began experiencing intense abdominal pain that escalated rapidly, prompting me to leave work by 11 AM to visit the emergency room. I was overwhelmed with sweating, dizziness, and struggled to catch my breath, completely consumed by the agony. This marks the third episode I've encountered, with each occurrence worsening, and they have consistently happened exactly one month apart over the last three months. Pressing on the area of pain didn’t exacerbate the discomfort. Additionally, I had consumed no more than about 500 calories in the two days leading up to this incident. The attending nurses administered various pain medications, but unfortunately, they proved ineffective. Having consulted with three different doctors and undergoing a series of tests including blood work, urinalysis, an ultrasound, and an endoscopy, the only diagnoses provided were a hiatal hernia and mild gastritis. However, no one has reached out to discuss next steps based on these findings. Interestingly, I discovered that when I lay on my back with my feet elevated above my head, allowing all my weight to rest on my shoulders, the pain subsided until I resumed a standing position. I'm not certain what implications this has, but I remained in that position for an hour after realizing it provided relief. I have more medical appointments scheduled, yet the thought of enduring that level of pain again is daunting. At one point, I was merely minutes away from requesting sedation. If anyone has suggestions for additional tests or remedies to alleviate this distress, I would be incredibly grateful for any insights, as I find myself feeling quite desperate for relief.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 2:53:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing severe and distressing abdominal pain with episodes that seem to worsen over time. It’s crucial to identify actionable steps to help manage your symptoms and minimize the likelihood of future pain.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms are troubling, especially with the recurring nature and intensity of the pain.
- The relief you experienced when inverted suggests that your pain may be influenced by positional changes, which could relate to the hiatal hernia or other gastrointestinal issues.
- Strategies for relieving discomfort and preventing future episodes can be developed.
Explanation:
The fact that you have experienced three painful episodes, all with episodes of severe symptoms but with tests returning findings suggestive of a hiatal hernia, indicates that there might be a physiological issue at play related to the digestive system. Hiatal hernias can cause symptoms similar to what you’ve described, especially when lying down or after eating.
Your positional relief could suggest that changing the dynamics of pressure in your abdomen temporarily relieves the strain on the affected areas. This differentiation is important because it hints at how your body is responding to pain and might guide you toward preventative strategies.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Eat Smaller Meals: Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce symptoms related to your hiatal hernia and gastritis. Consider avoiding large meals, especially before lying down or sleeping.
- Identify Triggers: Keep a food diary to track meals and associated symptoms to determine if specific foods worsen your pain.
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Positional Awareness:
- Continue finding comfortable positions that relieve your pain and consider trying gentle stretches or yoga under supervision, which can help improve abdominal pressure.
- Elevating your head while sleeping may help alleviate some pressure and discomfort, reducing the likelihood of episodes during the night or early morning.
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Stress Management:
- High-stress levels can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues. Consider relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle activities, which might help reduce the stress contributing to your symptoms.
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Medication Management:
- You might ask your healthcare provider about medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor antagonists which can help manage symptoms of gastritis and hiatal hernia more effectively, as it seems the current pain relief methods have not been effective.
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Follow-Up Testing:
- Ensure that you receive a thorough follow-up on all the tests you’ve undergone. If your symptoms persist, discussing further imaging studies or referrals to a gastroenterologist specializing in motility disorders may be worthwhile.
Please remember, your health is paramount, and seeking continued care is important. If you ever find the pain unbearable again, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. You’re doing well by seeking advice and staying proactive about your health.
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