Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort
Hello, I'm a 19-year-old female, 5'4" and weighing 105 pounds. Lately, I've been experiencing a persistent and annoying pain in my stomach that tends to arise about one or two hours after I eat. It resembles gas pains or the sensation of having eaten too quickly—even when I haven't chowed down hastily. Initially, these episodes were infrequent, beginning around a month ago, but they've escalated to nearly every day since last week. This change coincided with indulging in my mom's extremely rich meatloaf, followed by a heaping portion of holiday poutine from Swiss Chalet the next day (it was delicious, but I definitely paid for it!). Usually, the discomfort is manageable, but at times it intensifies to the point where I find it challenging to engage in any activities until it subsides. To better understand my situation, I have been conducting some self-assessments at home. I've noticed that spicy foods, greasy meals, and even peanut butter seem to exacerbate the issue, while fizzy beverages surprisingly alleviate the discomfort most of the time. Additionally, lying down with a pillow against my abdomen brings relief, as does keeping active—standing or moving around feels much better than sitting still. Another point that might be relevant is that I began taking birth control three months ago for the first time. Normally, I would have sought medical guidance already, but since I visit the doctor quite often, I figured this might not be serious enough to warrant a trip. Instead, I thought I could explore some home remedies to address the issue myself.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 8:30:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing persistent abdominal discomfort, especially after eating, which seems to worsen with certain foods. This pattern could suggest a few possibilities, including indigestion, food intolerances, or increased sensitivity to rich or greasy foods. While it can feel concerning, there are effective home strategies you can implement.
Understanding Your Symptoms
The discomfort you're experiencing could be due to a few reasons:
- Indigestion: This can occur after eating rich, heavy, or greasy meals, which may explain your symptoms following the meatloaf and poutine.
- Food Intolerances: Certain foods may not agree with your digestion, causing gas and bloating.
- Hormonal Changes: Since you started birth control three months ago, it's possible your body is adjusting, which could influence your digestive system.
Next Steps
Here are specific, prioritized steps you can take to help manage your abdominal discomfort:
-
Adjust Your Diet:
- Start keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your symptoms. Pay attention to triggers, especially rich, spicy, or greasy foods.
- Gradually reduce your intake of potential irritants (e.g., fried foods, dairy, etc.) and see if your symptoms improve.
-
Practice Eating Habits:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of larger portions to ease the strain on your digestive system.
- Chew your food slowly and thoroughly; this can help your stomach process food better.
-
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This aids digestion and helps divert excess stomach acid.
-
Activity and Positioning:
- Continue the practice of staying active after meals—gentle walking can help digestion. Avoid lying down immediately after eating, as this can worsen discomfort.
- If discomfort arises, lying down with a pillow against your abdomen is a good way to promote relief.
-
Consider Probiotics:
- Including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt (if tolerated) can support gut health and improve digestion.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next few weeks. Note any changes, particularly if the severity increases or if you develop new symptoms like fever, drastic weight loss, or persistent nausea.
If your symptoms continue without improvement or worsen significantly, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional to explore further options, which may include checking for underlying conditions or adjusting your birth control method.
Stay attentive to how your body responds, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need further guidance or if your situation changes.
Related Questions
Went to the ER Due to Severe Stomach Pain; CT Revealed Ileus and Ongoing Symptoms
Greetings, I'm an 18-year-old Caucasian male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. My daily medication consists solely of 30mg of Vyvanse. About two weeks prior, between November 28th and 29th, I awoke to experience mild abdominal discomfort, yet I decided to proceed with my work shift. As a pharmacy technician, my job isn't particularly strenuous, though it does involve frequent bending, crouching, and reaching. I quickly realized that any slight physical activity seemed to exacerbate the pain. During my lunch break, I left for a job interview. However, while driving, I began to feel a sharper, stabbing sensation in my abdomen. Despite this discomfort, I pushed through the interview and intended to head to the emergency room afterward, which I did. Upon arriving at the ER and checking in, the pain intensified to an unbearable level. In extreme discomfort, I was grunting, crying, and occasionally screaming, which drew the attention of other patients. Thankfully, my wait time was significantly reduced, and two nurses came over to assist me into a wheelchair. I was administered 0.5mg of dilaudid, but unfortunately, it did little to alleviate my suffering. After a series of scans and tests, the doctors concluded that I exhibited "air-filled mildly distended loops of large and small bowel" throughout my abdomen, noting no substantial stool retention or obstruction; they suspected an ileus pattern. Recently, while the pain has somewhat diminished, it still hurts to lie down or sit in various positions, leading to troubles with sleep. Additionally, I haven't experienced regular bowel movements for nearly two months; my stools have turned entirely liquid, with minimal output. The whole experience has been incredibly stressful, leaving me uncertain about the best course of action. Although I considered returning to the ER, it doesn't feel critical enough to warrant a visit just yet, despite the ongoing discomfort that appears to be worsening. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Seeking Clarity on My Abdominal Pain
INFO: 18-year-old female, currently weighing just under 250 pounds (embarking on a weight loss journey), height of 5'5", and experiencing a minor heart valve issue that doesn’t close properly. Hello, Reddit. I’m reaching out because I’m feeling quite lost and unsure of where to turn for help. About two days ago, I found myself in the emergency room, grappling with excruciating upper abdominal discomfort that felt even worse than what I imagine kidney stones would feel like. They conducted an ECG and a chest X-ray, which I understand were precautionary measures. However, I was initially told I could go home as it was attributed to my (insert name of diagnosis here). In my state of exhaustion and distress, I made the doctor clarify, and he mentioned that my stomach was positioned in my diaphragm. After a quick online search, I discovered the term “hiatal hernia,” but what he mentioned didn’t seem to start with an 'H.' I am planning to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist after the weekend, but I would appreciate any insights or information from medical professionals who have encountered similar cases or can shed light on what this diagnosis could entail, aside from a hiatal hernia. Thank you for your assistance!
Should I Consider Dental Factors Before Opting for Surgery?
Age: 29, Gender: Female, Location: USA Hello! For the past two and a half years, I have been dealing with persistent mucus production. On average, I find myself needing to clear my throat every ten minutes, and if I don't, I struggle to speak, leading the mucus to eventually come up in an uncomfortable way (please excuse the bluntness, but it does describe my situation). I don’t experience any additional symptoms; my primary issue is the excessive mucus, which of course causes significant breathing difficulties due to a blocked airway. I've followed the recommendations of both my general practitioner and ENT specialist, but unfortunately, I've seen little to no improvement from the treatments I've tried: - Saline solutions - Chlorpheniramine (ChlorTabs) - Cetirizine (Zyrtec) - Guaifenesin (Mucinex) - Ipratropium bromide nasal spray - Cefuroxime 500 mg - Azelastine nasal spray Here's a summary of my recent CT scan results: Date: 12/8/2025 Procedure: CT scan of maxillofacial/sinus (no contrast) Reason for Scan: Chronic maxillary sinusitis; considering functional endoscopic sinus surgery - Frontal sinuses: Clear, no air-fluid levels - Ethmoid sinuses: Clear, no air-fluid levels - Sphenoid sinuses: Clear, no air-fluid levels - Maxillary sinuses: Mild mucosal thickening present bilaterally, no air-fluid levels - Ostiomeatal units: Clear - Nasal cavity: Normal - Orbital cavities: Normal, globes are unremarkable - Bones: No abnormalities - Soft tissues: Normal - Dental issues noted: Periodontal disease affecting the right maxillary premolar Summary of findings: - Bilateral maxillary sinuses show mild mucosal thickening without air-fluid levels. - Periodontal disease identified in the right maxillary premolar. My ENT has suggested surgery to address the sinus issues, but we have not discussed the potential relevance of my dental health regarding these concerns. What I'm trying to understand is whether these findings justify surgical intervention without first considering the dental aspect. Is dental health a factor that should be evaluated in this context? I'm committed to taking whatever steps necessary to alleviate my mucus problem; I just want to ensure that we're not overlooking any key evaluations before moving forward with surgery. Thank you for your insights!
Seeking Assistance: Frightening Experiences After Starting Vyvanse
18m Ever since I began using Vyvanse, I've encountered some alarming episodes that occur randomly, particularly in the evenings. These incidents have happened about three times now, and they always seem to follow my evening showers. During these episodes, I suddenly feel incredibly lightheaded, almost as if I’m under the influence of something, coupled with an unusual sensation of pressure in my head. I’ve noticed that my limbs go numb sporadically—sometimes it’s one leg, other times it’s an arm—accompanied by tingling sensations and a racing heartbeat, despite the fact that I’m lying down and trying to relax. This overwhelming fatigue sets in, and I find myself gripped by panic, convinced I might be on the verge of dying. Earlier today, it happened again, and I began to suspect that it could be linked to my potassium levels. I consume a significant amount of potassium to reduce facial bloating (don’t ask; it’s a lookism/PSL thing) and utilize high-potassium electrolyte tablets because I've heard they can help mitigate Vyvanse’s effects. Plus, I stay well-hydrated. Initially, I feared I might have overdosed on electrolytes, which sent me into a frenzy as I guzzled water and scoured Reddit for answers, only to find similar symptoms mentioned by others. Additionally, I've noticed that my hands and feet sometimes turn a reddish or purplish hue, and my face feels uncomfortably warm. I've also been struggling with severe constipation and noticeable stomach bloating, as well as an odd difficulty in urinating—there's a lack of urgency, and I can't seem to empty my bladder completely.
Urgent Concerns Regarding Severe UTI Symptoms
A 36-year-old female, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds, with no history of smoking or known medical or sexual issues among relatives, is questioning whether a urinary tract infection (UTI) can progress rapidly from being asymptomatic or causing slight discomfort to presenting extreme pain, significant swelling, and blood discharge within just two hours. Is it common for UTIs to escalate to such severe symptoms so quickly? In her recent experience, she wonders if it was reasonable for an emergency room physician to inject a single dose of antibiotics without confirming if the urine sample—which predominantly showed blood and pus—was contaminated by bacteria from the external area rather than originating from within the urinary tract. Is it appropriate to send someone home with only an antibiotic prescription while they are in severe pain and experiencing bleeding and pus discharges? Furthermore, why was screening for sexually transmitted diseases deemed unnecessary, resulting in no tests being conducted? Her girlfriend’s condition has raised significant alarm; she witnessed alarming symptoms emerge within a couple of hours, culminating in her labia swelling to more than three times its normal size, accompanied by intense pain and abnormal discharge. These symptoms contrast sharply with the UTIs the poster has previously experienced, which never manifested this suddenly. They are reaching out to confirm if such a drastic and distressing reaction is possible with a UTI, as it feels highly irregular that someone would be discharged in this state with the limited treatment provided, especially considering they have insurance coverage.