Persistent Right Abdominal Discomfort for a Week
Age: 31, Female, Height: 5’4”, Weight: 120 lbs. Medical Background: I have a history of inappropriate sinus tachycardia, psoriasis, asthma, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). I am currently taking spironolactone daily at a dosage of 50mg to manage acne. I have no previous abdominal surgeries. For the past week, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my right abdomen, rating it between 4 to 6 on a pain scale, which occasionally radiates to my right side of the back as well. This discomfort tends to intensify, especially when I am lying down. Additionally, I've been running a mild fever, around 100 degrees, and I've noticed a decreased appetite. Fortunately, I haven't experienced any nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or discomfort during urination. I initially contacted my primary care physician, but they advised me to go to urgent care instead, where I was again told to visit the emergency room. Reluctantly, I complied. In the ER, my blood pressure was noted to be higher than usual, anywhere from the 140s over 90s; typically, I have lower blood pressure readings. An analysis of my urine showed a slight presence of blood, and my urinary pH was on the lower side, at 5. I am approximately two weeks away from my next menstrual period. My complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) results were normal, showing no significant anomalies. Following that, the physician recommended a pelvic ultrasound to exclude the possibility of appendicitis, which returned normal results except for a small cyst on my right ovary, deemed incidental by the doctor. As no additional tests were conducted, I was discharged with the pain still ongoing. What steps should I take moving forward?
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 9:30:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
You are experiencing persistent abdominal discomfort with associated symptoms, including a mild fever and changes in appetite. It’s understandable to be concerned, especially given your medical background. The information you provided suggests a few possible considerations, and we can focus on actionable steps to help manage your discomfort while monitoring your symptoms.
Explanation
The pain in your right abdomen, especially if it's intensified while lying down, could relate to several issues, including:
- Ovarian Cysts: You mentioned having a small cyst, which is usually harmless but can sometimes cause pain.
- Infection: The presence of blood in your urine and mild fever might indicate a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) or another type of infection that could be contributing to your symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Your symptoms could also be linked to gastrointestinal issues not directly observed in the tests you've undergone.
Given that both your pelvic ultrasound and blood tests returned normal findings, it is reassuring, but ongoing pain necessitates tracking what's happening next.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a daily record of your pain levels, any new symptoms, and when the pain intensifies. Jot down any patterns related to food, activity, and position (especially lying down).
-
Hydration:
- Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids, as dehydration can worsen symptoms and affect general well-being.
-
Pain Management:
- You might consider over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help manage your pain. Follow dosing instructions as indicated on the package.
-
Diet Moderation:
- Lightly manage your diet by opting for easily digestible foods to see if your appetite improves. Avoid heavy, spicy, or fatty foods that could aggravate discomfort.
-
Rest and Stress Management:
- Make sure to rest as much as needed, and consider gentle relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga stretches to alleviate tension.
-
Follow-Up with Healthcare Provider:
- Since you have ongoing discomfort, follow up with your primary care physician if the pain worsens or persists beyond a week. They may consider further imaging or labs to rule out any other causes, like a gastrointestinal issue or infection.
When to Seek Immediate Care
If you experience severe pain, or if your fever rises significantly, or if you start developing new symptoms like vomiting, significant changes in urination, or severe fatigue, please seek medical attention urgently.
Remember, it’s important to listen to your body and take these steps to manage your symptoms while keeping an open line with your healthcare team. If at any point you feel unsure or your symptoms escalate, don’t hesitate to return to care for a re-evaluation.Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
Related Questions
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!