Enduring Pain Attacks for Nearly 15 Years Without Answers
I am a 33-year-old female, and for almost a decade and a half, I have been grappling with painful episodes that remain a mystery to medical experts. Despite numerous consultations, no one has been able to pinpoint the cause of my discomfort. Let me elaborate on these episodes, as I have described them many times before: - Currently, the pain strikes me one or two times a month, though there are variations with some months being more intense than others. - In the early years, these occurrences happened infrequently, perhaps every few years, but over time, they have become more regular and severe. - Each episode can last from 30 minutes to 6 hours, with most lasting about 2 to 3 hours on average. - The pain is episodic, intensifying in waves every 10 to 30 minutes, reaching a level that is nearly unbearable before completely subsiding. Interestingly, I often feel perfectly normal in between these waves. - The discomfort consistently originates on the right side of my body, typically beginning in my jaw or sometimes in the upper back just beneath my right shoulder blade. - As the waves progress, I often feel it migrate to the right side of my neck and chest, and frequently into my abdomen. - Alongside the pain, my gastrointestinal system often reacts with gas, bowel irregularities, and heartburn. - Once an episode concludes, I return to feeling normal, albeit slightly fatigued. The pain does not leave residual effects. - The nature of the pain varies, sometimes dull or at other times sharp and stabbing. - There are no discernible warning signs prior to an episode; they usually appear abruptly. - Occasionally, I experience a milder version of this pain that lingers for hours or even days, but it does not escalate into what I consider a true episode. - At its peak, the pain can be incapacitating, rendering me unable to do anything. I would rate it as an 8 or occasionally a 9 out of 10 in severity. To date, I have pursued various medical avenues: - My general practitioner initially attributed the pain to heartburn but later theorized that it could be costochondritis, which was ultimately ruled out. While I do experience heartburn frequently, I wonder if it could really be responsible for such intense pain. - A chest X-ray indicated no abnormalities. - I consulted a cardiologist who affirmed that my heart is healthy. - A neurologist recommended an MRI but did not provide any other insights. - A session with a massage therapist revealed extreme tightness in my jaw and shoulder muscles, which could potentially relate to my pain, whether as a cause or a symptom. There has been a suggestion that my pain may be linked to irritation of the vagus nerve; however, I have no means to investigate this further. Overall, I enjoy good health and do not suffer from any other medical conditions. I would greatly welcome any suggestions or insights regarding next steps, as I feel I have reached an impasse. The healthcare professionals in my area seem to operate with minimal concern and it has been incredibly frustrating to feel dismissed. Thank you for your time and assistance.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 2:02:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience; it sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with persistent pain without clear answers. Your detailed description helps in understanding the nature and impact of your symptoms. Given the complexity of your pain episodes, let’s explore some potential avenues and immediate next steps that might assist you in managing your situation.
Main Points:
- Nature of Pain: Your pain is episodic, severe, and originates from the right side of your body, often linked with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Previous Investigations: You've undergone various tests with no conclusive findings, including cardiac evaluations and imaging, which is understandably disheartening.
- Potential Connections: There might be a relationship between your symptoms and muscle tension, irritation of the vagus nerve, or gastrointestinal issues.
Explanation:
Your pain could potentially stem from multiple factors. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), musculoskeletal issues, or neuropathic pain are considerations, especially given the combination of jaw and shoulder tightness, gastrointestinal reactions, and the pattern of your pain. It’s notable that stress and anxiety can contribute to muscle tightness and gastrointestinal symptoms as well.
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document each episode, including the intensity, duration, triggers, dietary habits before episodes, and any stressors. This can help identify patterns that may correlate with your pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
-
Consult with a Pain Specialist: Since traditional investigations have not yielded answers, consider seeking a second opinion from a pain management specialist who may explore less common causes and suggest tailored treatments like trigger point injections or physical therapy.
-
Physical Therapy Focused on Muscle Tension: Given the tightness in your jaw and shoulder, physical therapy could help release muscle tension and improve posture, potentially alleviating pain triggers. A physical therapist specializing in chronic pain or myofascial pain could provide valuable insights.
-
Explore Dietary Adjustments: Since you're experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, consider tracking your diet for triggers that may contribute to heartburn or discomfort. Implementing smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding known irritants (like spicy or fatty foods) could help.
-
Stress Management Techniques: Stress can exacerbate muscle tension and pain episodes. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive-behavioral therapy could offer relief and better coping mechanisms for pain.
Additional Consideration:
If vagus nerve irritation is a concern, consider researching non-invasive treatments that could help with nerve function, like diaphragmatic breathing exercises or other vagal tone-stimulating activities.
Reassurance:
You deserve to find relief and clarity regarding your pain. There may be no definitive answers immediately, but taking actionable steps like these can empower you and possibly lead to new insights into managing your symptoms. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance.
Related Questions
Navigating Motion Sickness and Cybersickness
Hello everyone! I'm a 16-year-old female, with a height of 162 cm, and I’ve dealt with motion sickness for most of my life. Recently, however, it has worsened significantly, extending to cybersickness as well. Spending more than 25 minutes in front of a screen leads to severe discomfort—something that is particularly challenging since I need to use screens for my schoolwork and beyond. After these episodes, I often find myself unable to do anything but lie in bed for the remainder of the day, wrestling with nausea or even vomiting. This issue doesn’t just arise from screen time; I also experience stomach upset during walks or jogs, which leaves me puzzled about how to alleviate this condition. I frequently rely on over-the-counter travel sickness medication, specifically Avomine, and while it does offer some relief, the effect is minimal. I’m seeking advice or suggestions that might help me regain a sense of normalcy in my daily life. For your reference, I don't smoke and only consume alcohol on very rare occasions. I’m located in the UK! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Persistent Pain in the Right Flank: Seeking Insights
Greetings, medical professionals. I'm a 38-year-old woman, having recently celebrated my birthday. My daily regimen includes multivitamins with iron, and I occasionally take Valtrex, though it hasn't been necessary for some time. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 140 pounds, I have endured this discomfort for the last three to four months, although I've suffered intermittently for approximately five years, with no definitive diagnosis from various doctors. The pain manifests as a sharp sensation near my belly button, resembling a knife stabbing me. In addition, I experience a general ache in the right flank and my lower back. This discomfort ranges from my ribs on the right side right down to my hips and pelvis, affecting areas near my ovaries and the region close to my belly button. I’ve noticed that certain stretches can intensify the pain along the backside of my ribs during movement. I've undergone an abdominal CT scan and a thorough medical examination, revealing no kidney issues, gallstones, appendicitis, or ovarian cysts, and my blood work appears normal. A HIDA scan indicated that my gallbladder operates at merely 23%, but I have not experienced any gallbladder attacks. An endoscopy indicated mild gastritis, but otherwise, the results were acceptable. Does this situation resonate with anyone? I'm puzzled about what could be present near my navel if appendicitis is ruled out. My doctor suggested a connection to my IBS-C, but my bowel movements have been regular, occurring once daily with normal consistency. During my examination, my abdomen was pressed, and she noted tenderness near my belly button, attributing this to local inflammation, as there are no significant organs in that area aside from the small intestine. Any advice or insights would be appreciated, as this has been an ongoing issue since 2020.
Severe Pain in Lower Right Abdomen for Two Weeks
Hello everyone, I am an 18-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing 65 kilograms and standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall. I have been experiencing intense discomfort in my lower right abdomen since January 28th. On that evening, I sought medical attention and was given codeine for the pain before being sent home. However, due to the persistent agony, I returned to the hospital on January 31st, where I was admitted for the night. There, I underwent numerous tests, including blood tests, a CT scan, and two ultrasounds, yet all results appeared normal. Tests confirmed that my kidneys, intestines, ovaries, uterus, and, critically, my appendix were all unaffected. After a night in the hospital, I was discharged once more with codeine to help manage the pain. As of February 7th, the discomfort remains excruciating—so much so that even minor movements are painful without the assistance of codeine. My bowel and urinary habits remain consistent with my normal routine. Yet, I find myself feeling frightened. The level of discomfort I’m experiencing is unlike anything I've endured before, and there's been no improvement. I’m apprehensive about relying on opioid medication due to fears of developing an addiction, but the reality is that I can't manage the pain effectively without them. The symptoms I’m experiencing closely mimic those of appendicitis, except there's no accompanying fever, vomiting, or any indicators of appendicitis from my tests. The pain amplifies with movement and contact, and oddly, when my lower left abdomen is touched, it triggers pain in the lower right. I’m at a loss about what to do next. The possibility of pregnancy and a urinary tract infection have already been ruled out. Should I consult my general practitioner? I hesitate to do so, as I worry about overburdening healthcare resources, but I’m genuinely struggling to live in this state. The side effects from codeine, including severe memory loss and disrupted sleep patterns, only add to my distress—yet it’s the only solution I have that alleviates the pain. What steps should I take next? What might this condition be?
Frustrations with Ongoing Pain and Numbness on My Right Side
I'm feeling quite overwhelmed. Despite the notable compassion and efforts of various medical professionals over the years, my condition appears to be deteriorating, with symptoms intensifying in severity and frequency. I’m unsure whether what I’m experiencing are interrelated issues or separate anomalies that just happen to manifest on the right side of my body. Any suggestions or guidance on how to uncover the underlying causes would be greatly appreciated. For over three years, I’ve endured a numb sensation in the right side of my face, which tends to tingle upon rising and intensifies when I clean my ears. After undergoing an MRI to rule out a tumor, I was informed that it was psychosomatic, a diagnosis I accepted at the time. Around a year ago, I started experiencing severe, stabbing pains just beneath my right rib cage. Initially, these episodes were sporadic, occurring only once every few months, but following a particularly severe incident last year, I have been dealing with a low-level ache that has become a near-constant presence. Currently, doctors are still investigating these symptoms. Although an ultrasound did not reveal any clear issues—likely due to my slightly elevated weight impacting image clarity—a CT scan also yielded no results. I’ve been closely monitoring my diet since these pains reoccurred, but I see no meaningful connection. Interestingly, the onset of this discomfort was not triggered by movement; it has commenced while I was engaged in housework as well as during sleep. I have observed that lying too long can exacerbate the pain, especially if a pillow presses on my stomach. A colonoscopy yielded no findings, nor did stool sample tests. I have an appointment next week to further examine my stomach. Less than a year ago, I unexpectedly suffered a herniated disc despite having a lifestyle with regular walking and stretches between long periods of sitting at my computer. Prior to this, back issues were infrequent for me. The herniated disc affected the lowest lumbar segment, resulting in pain that radiated down my right leg's sciatic nerve. The pain became so unbearable that I required emergency surgery, and even after physical therapy, I still experience numbness and sporadic pain in that area. I routinely undergo blood tests, which generally showcase good results aside from a slightly elevated purine level. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder since my teenage years; however, my condition is under control. I also manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism, both of which are effectively treated. Two years ago, I underwent a hysterectomy due to complications arising from PCOS and excessive bleeding. As a citizen of Germany, my current medications include: * Bupropion 300mg (for bipolar disorder) * Duloxetine 60mg (to address facial numbness) * L-Thyrox 175mcg (for hypothyroidism) * Melperone 17.5mg (to assist with sleep) * Metformin 2000mg (for PCOS, paused to assess its impact on stomach pain) * Quetiapine Retard 100mg (for bipolar disorder) * Quetiapine 150mg (for bipolar disorder) * Spironolactone 200mg (for PCOS) * Venlafaxine Retard 187.5mg (for bipolar disorder) * Vitamin D 2000 IU (due to low sunlight in Germany) I strictly refrain from using any recreational drugs. I am of Caucasian descent, stand 175 cm tall, and weigh 110 kg. I am starting to question my sanity from constantly seeking medical advice; I worry that healthcare professionals might think I'm exaggerating or fabricating symptoms because of my bipolar diagnosis. However, I firmly believe that my abdominal issues cannot solely be attributed to stress or psychosomatic conditions (which, while valid, feel insufficient in explaining my current distress). I have consulted with my general practitioner, two neurologists, an internist, my endocrinologist, and an orthopedist. The waiting times for appointments in Germany can be quite lengthy, so any insights or suggestions would be immensely valuable. I sincerely wish to avoid inconveniencing even more specialists who may not specialize in these matters. If you've made it through this lengthy account, I genuinely appreciate your time and attention. I wish you a wonderful day, and I welcome any thoughts or advice you might have!
Is My Sacral Discomfort Due to Normal Anatomy or Something Else?
Lately, I’ve encountered a peculiar feeling of discomfort when I lie down or sit in specific curled or slouched positions. It has come to my attention that there is a notable triangular bony structure at the top of my buttocks, particularly in the sacrum and PSIS region. This sensation is not painful and feels different from a solid mass. It doesn’t hinder my mobility, daily activities, or sleep patterns. I mainly become aware of it when any pressure is applied directly to that area, such as when I’m lying down or sitting in a crouched position. However, I don’t perceive it at all during walking or movement. Additionally, there are no accompanying signs like redness, swelling, or bruising, nor do I experience fever, numbness, weakness, or any neurological issues. I maintain a lean stature and have consistently been underweight, which leads to my confusion regarding this newfound prominence of the bone after years of being the same body type. My weight has remained stable, so I wonder why this bony structure has suddenly become more noticeable. The sensation feels more like an awareness of the bony area rather than actual pain. Does this align with the typical anatomy of the sacrum and the effects of posture or pressure sensitivity, or could this indicate an issue that requires further examination? This discomfort has lingered for weeks. Whenever I recline and feel this sensation, I can’t help but worry that something might be wrong in that region. I would greatly appreciate any insights. Thank you!