Pain in the Right Lower Abdomen and Back
Profile: 30 years old; non-smoker; height 5'4"; weight 130 lbs. Medical Background: Diagnosed with PCOS and ADHD. Previous Surgeries: Cesarean section and D&C. Current Medication: Adderall XR 30 mg. Hello! I’m looking for some insights regarding my current health situation. On Friday evening, I experienced intense bloating and a feeling of pelvic pressure, which made it difficult to sleep. My bowel movements were normal that day. By Saturday morning (without my Adderall), the bloating and pressure persisted, along with vomiting and a fever near 100°F. Believing I was constipated despite regular bowel movements, I used suppositories, Gas-X, and an enema. Although the bloating slightly improved, I didn’t find much relief. Come Sunday (still off Adderall), fatigue hit me hard, and I spent nearly the entire day asleep. I did notice a dull ache near my belly button but attributed it to the medication from the day prior. On Monday, after taking Adderall, I was still tired despite the stimulant. I had a regular bowel movement but felt the same pain around my belly button, only more intense. It wasn’t a continuous discomfort; rather, it shocked me intermittently, approximately every hour. Nausea persisted, causing me to vomit when I tried to eat or drink, and my temperature hovered around 100°F. As of today, my symptoms remain unchanged, but now the pain has shifted lower, close to my pelvis. The sharp pains are sporadic, not constant. Concerned it might be appendicitis, I performed some at-home tests, which yielded negative results. Applying pressure to the area leads to excruciating pain, but there’s no discomfort upon release, and I don’t feel any gas bubbles. I visited the emergency room due to the addition of lower back pain. A physician's assistant examined the area where the appendix is located, and though I screamed from the pain when they pressed, again, there was no pain when released. They performed a CT scan with contrast and a vaginal ultrasound, revealing no significant issues aside from a 2.3 cm ovarian cyst and follicles consistent with PCOS, which I have dealt with for years. My white blood cell count fell within normal limits. The staff concluded that they were unsure of the cause and advised returning if my condition worsened. I am not currently ovulating (this happened eight days ago) and I'm not expecting my period imminently. I’m not pregnant either. My temperature remains steady at around 100°F, and my pain continues in the same areas. I’m reaching out for any additional thoughts. The emergency room experience left me feeling a bit bewildered by how quickly everything was handled. I understand their limitations, but I’m feeling more perplexed now than when I arrived. I hope someone might provide further ideas or suggestions regarding my situation. The most pressing issues I’m facing at this moment include: sharp pains in the lower right pelvis happening every few minutes, difficulty with gas, burning sensations in my lower and middle back on the right side, a persistent temperature of 100°F, and fatigue that’s largely due to the pain preventing me from getting proper rest.
Answers (1)
8/27/2025, 3:52:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a challenging combination of symptoms, and it’s understandable to feel confused and concerned given your recent ER visit and the ongoing pain. The sharp pains in your lower right abdomen, along with fever and fatigue, may be indicative of underlying issues, but it's reassuring that imaging studies ruled out serious conditions like appendicitis.
Main Points Summary:
- You have lower abdominal pain and fever with manageable bowel movements.
- A CT scan and ultrasound showed an ovarian cyst and normal white blood cell counts, suggesting no acute infection.
- Ongoing symptoms include sharp lower pelvic pain, back pain, nausea, and fever.
Explanation:
The presence of a 2.3 cm ovarian cyst may contribute to your pain, especially during ovulation or if there's pressure on surrounding structures. Conditions related to your PCOS, such as cyst rupture, could also play a role in the discomfort. Other possibilities could include gastrointestinal issues or even muscle strain related to your posture or movements.
Your temperature of around 100°F could indicate a mild inflammatory response in the body, which might support the idea that whatever is causing your current symptoms is still present but not severe enough to detect through initial tests.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms (pain levels, onset, duration, associated activities) over the next few days. This will help identify any patterns and may aid healthcare providers if follow-up becomes necessary.
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Hydration and Rest: Focus on staying well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate fatigue and nausea. If you're struggling to eat, try small sips of clear fluids and bland foods like toast or rice whenever your nausea permits.
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Pain Management: Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if you’re not contraindicated) to help manage pain and reduce fever. Use a heating pad on your abdomen to relieve discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen, including increasing pain, persistent fever above 100.4°F, severe vomiting, or any new symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
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Follow-Up Care: Given your complex symptoms and the concerns surrounding the ovarian cyst, consider organizing follow-up care with your primary healthcare provider. They may suggest monitoring the cyst further or exploring other management options for your pain and discomfort related to PCOS.
Conclusion:
It’s crucial to listen to your body and seek help if things don’t improve or worsen. You’ve already taken the right steps by seeking emergency care, and continuing to monitor your symptoms will be beneficial as you moved forward. Remember to take care of yourself during this time with hydration, rest, and gentle self-care practices to ease your discomfort. If you need any more guidance or support, feel free to reach out!
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