Persistent Pain in Lower Right Abdomen
F29. For several months, I have experienced intermittent pain in my lower right abdomen. The discomfort can be quite severe, often occurring alongside cramping or feelings of gas. This tends to manifest mainly in the evenings after I have been lying down for a while. My bowel movements appear normal, but they consistently float. Initially, I suspected it could be due to an ovarian cyst; however, a June ultrasound ruled that possibility out. Interestingly, pressing on my abdomen or engaging in activities like jumping or running does not trigger any pain. Instead, the discomfort intensifies when I take deep breaths or expand my stomach. I often find myself anxious about the possibility of serious conditions such as appendicitis, leading to panic at the slightest indication of pain. While I am inclined to seek medical advice, I harbor concerns about the potential recommendation for a colonoscopy.
Answers (1)
9/17/2025, 7:20:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent pain in the lower right abdomen can stem from several causes, and while it's understandable to feel anxious about serious conditions like appendicitis, there are more benign explanations that could account for your symptoms given the context you’ve provided.
Explanation:
Your description of intermittent pain, cramping, and gas-like feelings suggests that your symptoms might be linked to gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gas-related discomfort rather than appendicitis, particularly since you’ve ruled out an ovarian cyst with an ultrasound. Floating stools can also indicate steatorrhea, which is a sign of fat malabsorption, but it does not directly correlate with severe conditions like appendicitis.
The fact that your pain intensifies during deep breathing might suggest that it is related to muscle strain, diaphragm pressure, or even gastrointestinal distension rather than an acute abdominal issue like appendicitis.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary over the next couple of weeks. Note the timing of your pain, what you ate before symptoms appeared, and any other associated symptoms. This could reveal patterns that might inform management strategies.
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Dietary Changes:
- Avoid Common Triggers: Consider reducing foods known to cause gas, like beans, dairy, and certain vegetables (onions, broccoli, and cabbage). Gradually reintroduce to identify culprits.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help manage digestive health.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Since anxiety about your symptoms seems to amplify your discomfort, practicing relaxation exercises or mindfulness techniques can help manage anxiety and reduce the perception of pain.
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Focus on Self-Care: Engage in light physical activity that does not exacerbate your pain, such as walking. This can help alleviate gas and discomfort.
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Consider Further Assessment: If symptoms persist, examine your anxiety regarding procedures like a colonoscopy and consider discussing non-invasive tests that might also provide valuable information, such as dietary assessments or non-invasive imaging.
If you notice significant changes in your symptoms, like the pain becoming constant, sharp, or accompanied by other symptoms (like fever or vomiting), it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Your peace of mind is just as important as addressing any physical discomfort. If you have any additional concerns or specific goals in mind regarding your health, feel free to share!
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