Struggling with Persistent Pain: Seeking Insight
I'm looking for perspectives on a health issue I've encountered rather than medical advice. Here’s my situation: I’m a 33-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 380 pounds. Due to a new job, my physical activity has been moderate. I don’t smoke, I’m not on any medications, and my health record has been fairly unremarkable until the onset of my current issues. To keep it concise, I'll summarize: In July of last year, I awoke with discomfort in what I presumed was my left kidney. The pain was significant but bearable, and I thought I’d assess it further in the morning. When the discomfort persisted, I headed to the hospital. Upon arrival, they conducted blood tests and a CT scan without contrast. A nurse practitioner inquired about my alcohol consumption; upon my response of none, she mentioned that my pancreas appeared inflamed. This was unexpected given the area of my pain, but I took it in stride. They decided to admit me for observation. The following morning, I underwent a CT scan with contrast and had additional blood tests done. Thankfully, results from both came back normal. However, a week later, since the pain hadn't subsided, I returned to the hospital, where they performed yet another CT scan with contrast, but again, no issues were found. Subsequently, I visited my primary care physician, who recommended a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and ultrasound. The ultrasound indicated I have a fatty liver, which isn’t surprising given my size. The physicians diagnosed me with gastritis and diverticulosis, but I can’t help but feel that the gastritis diagnosis was perhaps more an insurance formality since I’ve experienced minimal stomach discomfort. The persistent pain I feel is concentrated on my left side—both in the flank and the lower front abdomen. Although I haven’t maintained the healthiest diet—a factor I acknowledge—I have faced erratic bowel movements throughout my life, with fluctuations between normal and distressingly irregular patterns. At present, the pain endures, and I’ve begun noticing bright red blood on my toilet paper, coupled with a persistent dull ache that won’t quit. I’m reaching out to find what others might think this could be, especially if anyone has gone through something similar. Additionally, it might be relevant to mention that both my father and his sister suffer from diverticulitis. Any insight would be truly appreciated as I contemplate starting the entire evaluation process anew.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 9:54:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re facing a challenging situation with persistent pain and symptoms that are understandably concerning. Seeking insight into your condition, especially given your family history and previous evaluations, is completely reasonable.
Main Points:
- Persistent Left-Sided Pain: This may relate to digestive issues (like diverticulosis and gastritis), but can sometimes indicate other conditions that require further evaluation.
- Blood in Stool: Bright red blood can indicate issues in the lower digestive tract.
- Family History: Given your family’s history of diverticulitis, this could be relevant in understanding your symptoms.
Explanation:
Your persistent pain, particularly on the left side, along with bright red blood on the toilet paper raises concerns that should be closely monitored. While diverticulosis can lead to diverticulitis, which is inflammation or infection of the diverticula and could cause discomfort, the presence of blood could also point to other gastrointestinal issues such as hemorrhoids or more serious conditions.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms (pain levels, bowel movements, and any blood observed) to share with your healthcare provider. Note any changes or patterns.
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Diet and Fiber Intake: Consider adjusting your diet to increase fiber intake gradually, which can help regulate bowel movements and potentially alleviate some symptoms related to diverticulosis. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Stay hydrated, as this further aids digestion.
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Follow Up on Blood and Pain: Since you’re experiencing rectal bleeding along with persistent pain, prioritize discussing these symptoms again with your doctor. These details may necessitate further invasive tests or a different approach, even if previous assessments came back normal.
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Seek Specialist Opinion: If symptoms persist or worsen, requesting an appointment with a gastroenterologist may provide more tailored insights and facilitate comprehensive evaluation.
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Evaluate Lifestyle Changes: Considering your weight and its potential impact on your digestive health, exploring weight management options with a nutritionist or a weight loss program might also be beneficial.
Taking proactive steps to address your symptoms and advocating for further evaluation can be essential to finding clarity. While I understand the process is daunting, focusing on these prioritized steps may guide you towards relief. Remember, the goal is to find the root cause of your symptoms to implement a suitable treatment plan effectively.
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