Do I Need a Diagnosis After Treatment for Abdominal Infection?
As a 28-year-old female, I visited the emergency room three days ago due to intense pain in my lower left abdomen accompanied by nausea. After undergoing blood tests and receiving an intravenous drip that alleviated my discomfort, I was administered an intramuscular injection of Rocephin. That same day, I was discharged with a report indicating the presence of a bacterial infection. The physician advised me to return for additional antibiotic shots, specifically a daily dose of 1g Rocephin for three consecutive days. Having completed all my doses today, I'm feeling much better. However, I can’t shake off the uncertainty regarding my diagnosis – the doctor never specified what I was actually dealing with. I’ve researched various conditions that could match my symptoms such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, and gastroenteritis, but without a precise identification from the doctor, I’m left in the dark. Should I revisit the hospital and insist on a more comprehensive evaluation for reassurance, or is it acceptable to just appreciate my recovery and move forward?
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 4:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great to hear that you’re feeling much better after your treatment! The absence of a specific diagnosis after receiving antibiotics can leave many patients feeling uncertain, but it's important to balance your recovery with any lingering concerns.
Explanation
From your description, it sounds like you experienced an acute abdominal issue likely related to a bacterial infection. Conditions such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or gastroenteritis can indeed cause similar symptoms, but sometimes a definitive diagnosis is not reached without further tests, especially if the situation improves rapidly with treatment.
Given that you’ve completed your antibiotic course and your symptoms have significantly improved, you're on a positive path; however, your feelings of uncertainty are valid. It’s completely understandable to want clarity about your condition.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Continue to pay attention to how you feel. If you experience any return of pain, nausea, fever, or any new symptoms, that would indicate the need for follow-up care.
-
Observe Changes: Keep a brief log of your physical state over the next week, noting any unusual symptoms or changes. This will help you notice if anything arises that requires attention.
-
Follow-Up Appointment: If your symptoms return or if you feel anxious about not having a specific diagnosis, consider contacting your healthcare provider for a follow-up discussion. You might mention how you feel about not having a clear diagnosis and see if further evaluations, such as imaging studies or lab work, are warranted.
-
Focus on Recovery: For now, focus on the positive improvements in your health! Continue to practice self-care by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting ample rest.
It can be helpful to have open communication with your healthcare provider, so don’t hesitate to seek additional information if you need reassurance. Your health and peace of mind are important!
Related Questions
Sensation Étrange de Liquide dans ma Tête
Âge : 40 ans Genre : Masculin Taille : 180 cm Poids : 80 kg Origine : Homme de race noire Durée des symptômes : 7 mois Région : Europe Problèmes de santé préexistants : Aucun Médicaments actuels : Vitamine D3 Bonjour, je suis un homme d’une quarantaine d’années. Depuis mars 2025, je ressens une étrange sensation comme si un liquide coulait dans ma tête, de haut en bas. C’est une expérience troublante car c’est la première fois que cela m’arrive et je ne sais pas ce que c'est. J’en ai donc discuté avec mon médecin, qui m’a fait passer un examen sanguin. Les résultats n’ont révélé aucun problème significatif, sauf une carence en vitamine D. En conséquence, j’ai commencé à prendre de la vitamine D3 il y a 3 mois. J’ai également subi une IRM, dont les résultats étaient normaux, montrant que mon cerveau et mes vaisseaux sanguins ne présentaient pas d’anomalies. Malgré ces traitements, je continue à ressentir ces sensations. Il est important de noter que je n’ai aucun autre symptôme (pas de fièvre ni de vertiges). C'est vraiment inconfortable et je suis inquiet car je ne comprends pas ce qui m’arrive. Mon médecin m’a conseillé de continuer avec la vitamine D3 pendant 3 mois et de surveiller l’évolution des symptômes, en me demandant de le tenir informé en cas de modification de mon état. Que devrais-je faire ? Merci.
Recent Appendectomy Left Me with Persistent Abdominal and Back Pain
I'm a 24-year-old male and at the beginning of this year, I suffered from long COVID. It lasted around seven to eight months, from December to July. By July, I was relieved to notice a significant decline in symptoms, and I felt a lot better. However, since then, I've encountered a variety of health issues. I’ve been experiencing intermittent pain in my left testicle and groin, with the intensity varying over time. I visited the ER last month, where doctors conducted an ultrasound and CT scan, finding no abnormalities; my testicles and other organs appeared to be normal. About a month later, I began experiencing persistent pain in my lower right abdomen that lasted for three consecutive days. I returned to the hospital for another scan, and they informed me that my appendix had enlarged since my last visit and required laparoscopic removal that Sunday night. The following Monday, I was discharged without major issues apart from some urine retention and general soreness. Fast forward to two days ago, I began to feel a deep, intermittent pain in my lower left abdomen. This discomfort seems localized, sometimes beneath my left rib cage and at other times nearer the lower left quadrant of my abdomen. I suspect constipation may be contributing to this since I have been quite constipated lately. Additionally, I’m experiencing pain around my upper left ribs (specifically the 4th and 5th), which can be felt at various locations—on my back, side, or across the front of my rib cage. The pain varies in quality, sometimes dull or achy, and occasionally presenting a mild burning sensation. It fluctuates with my position and activities, like walking. Breathing isn't a problem, but it feels like I've got pain throughout the entire left side of my abdomen and rib cage. While most of the discomfort has been mild, it hasn’t subsided for several days. This year alone, I've had about five CT scans—including three in a short period—with contrast, and I’m apprehensive about undergoing more. I'm frustrated and just want to regain a sense of normalcy. After my appendectomy, I anticipated feeling much better and returning to my usual self, but now I’m dealing with these new pains, suggesting potential underlying inflammation. Is it typical to experience such discomfort related to constipation and gas after an appendectomy? Could my spleen be involved, even though there isn’t anything apparent that would cause it to enlarge, and a recent CT scan confirmed it was normal? I appreciate any insights or guidance you might offer.
Understanding Doctors' Sensitivity to Patient Questions
A 32-year-old woman, standing at 5’4” and weighing 140lbs, is grappling with serious health concerns, including Hashimoto's disease and psoriatic arthritis. For several months, she has been experiencing a noticeable decline in her neurological health. The most alarming symptoms include difficulty focusing her eyes, problems with balance, cognitive challenges, and an abrupt loss of bladder sensation and control. After consulting a urologist, she underwent an ultrasound of her bladder. The doctor informed her that her options included using a catheter or an implanted device. In the meantime, he suggested she practice "double voiding," even though she cannot consciously empty her bladder. It's not that her bladder isn’t functioning; however, the physician interpreted the test results as indicating urinary retention. Concerned, she reminded the doctor of her unique situation, particularly questioning whether an implanted device would be effective given her lack of nerve sensation. Ultimately, she posed an unsettling question: why, at only 32 years old and without any prior injuries or conditions, had she suddenly encountered such significant loss of bladder control? She expressed her apologies if her query sounded impolite and mentioned that she had similar questions for her ophthalmologist. Unfortunately, despite addressing her concerns, the doctor did not respond to her message, leaving her without any follow-up or guidance. She finds herself in a frustrating situation, seeking treatment but feeling abandoned in her medical journey. This encounter raises a burning question: why do some doctors seem to react defensively to patient inquiries? The physician even forgot the reason for her visit and erroneously stated, "as we thought, your bladder is retaining urine," contradicting their own medical notes, which highlighted her severe incontinence. This prompts a reflection on the challenges of doctor-patient communication and the barriers that can arise when patients seek clarity on their health issues. Why is it that the very professionals entrusted with our care can struggle to engage with our questions?
Could This Be Jock Itch or Another Issue? 35M
I’ve developed a rash on the inner part of my thigh. Whenever I scratch it, it appears to worsen. Currently, I don’t have health insurance, and I’ve never experienced jock itch before, so I can’t make any comparisons.
Seeking Insights on My Child's Skin Condition
I'm reaching out for guidance regarding my son, who is 16 months old. He stands at 84 cm tall and weighs around 12 kg. For nearly two months, he has presented with small, red spots on his left arm, a concern I've been monitoring since mid-August. To address his condition, I've used several treatments, including: - Calamine lotion - Pseudo cream - Derma Aid (which contains hydrocortisone) Despite these efforts, the rash appears to have worsened, with additional spots emerging. Interestingly, my son does not seem to be discomforted by it at all—he's not itching, nor does he express any pain, and his overall health remains unaffected. I'm left wondering whether these markings could be indicative of eczema, keratosis pilaris, or perhaps another skin issue entirely. Have any parents experienced similar situations with their children? Should I continue with moisturization and observation, or is it imperative that I consult a physician soon? I would greatly appreciate any insights or shared experiences. Thank you for your help!