Understanding My Upper Abdominal Discomfort
I'm a 29-year-old woman, a non-smoker and non-drinker, preparing to undergo surgery for gallbladder removal this Friday due to gallstones. To manage my gallbladder-related pain, I'm taking Naproxen at a dosage of 500mg and Zofran to combat nausea during my gallbladder episodes. After a visit to the emergency room in early July, I discovered that I had gallstones, but the surgery date was set for this upcoming Friday, which felt like a long wait. In the meantime, I've managed to ward off most discomfort by sticking to a diet of plain grilled chicken, fruits, and plain brown rice. However, over the past week, I've been experiencing an intense pain in my stomach that feels distinctly different from my typical gallbladder pain. This new discomfort is located in the upper central region of my abdomen and manifests as a squeezing sensation. Interestingly, I tend to feel alright for most of the day, but every evening around 6 PM, without exception, this pain strikes. It occurs right before dinner, leading me to believe it may not be directly linked to my gallbladder issues. The source of this troubling pain remains a mystery to me. Relief comes when I sit down, though the sensation lingers. In contrast, standing increases the intensity of the pain to a nearly unbearable level.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 11:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a new type of abdominal pain, particularly when you're already managing gallstones and preparing for surgery. Your description suggests that this discomfort occurs daily and coincides with your evening routine, which makes it distinct from your typical gallbladder-related pain.
Main Points:
- The new pain likely isn't related to your gallstones, especially given its timing and location.
- Possible causes include gastrointestinal issues or muscle strain triggered by your movements or posture.
- Since you're about to undergo surgery, monitoring your symptoms is crucial.
Explanation:
The squeezing sensation you feel could be due to several factors:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, or even muscular tension in your abdomen can cause similar symptoms.
- Gallbladder Issues: While your surgery is timely, your symptoms might be underlined by inflammatory conditions starting to brew.
- Muscular Strain: Sometimes, the position we assume, especially when preparing meals or after long periods of sitting, can cause discomfort that feels like pain.
Next Steps:
- Dietary Adjustment: Continue with your bland diet but consider tracking any food that might trigger discomfort. You might want to avoid rich foods, especially at dinner.
- Pain Relief and Positioning: Since sitting down provides relief, use this to your advantage. Experiment with your posture when standing or preparing food, and see what positions help alleviate the pain.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of the pain intensity, other associated symptoms (like nausea or changes in bowel habits), and what you were doing when it started. This can help clarify any patterns.
- Hydration and Calmness: Stay hydrated and look for ways to reduce stress, as anxiety can exacerbate pain perception.
- Consultation Timing: Since surgery is imminent, keep your surgical team informed about the changes. They may decide to investigate further or adjust your care during the procedure.
By focusing on these steps, you’ll be better prepared for your surgery and can address any discomfort more effectively. Please take care, and remember to inform your healthcare provider about these changes promptly, especially as your surgery date approaches.
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