Concerns Over Husband's Unexplained Pain and Frequent Urination
For nearly two months, my husband has experienced a dull, nagging pain located just beneath his ribcage on the left side of his abdomen. He describes this discomfort as intermittent, arriving and departing at unpredictable times. Recently, he has noted that he feels full more quickly than usual, leading to a reduced appetite. Additionally, for the past month, he has had two occasions where he woke up feeling sore throughout his body and in his joints, with these symptoms lingering for about two days, and occurring without a fever. Today, he has also reported discomfort in the bladder region along with an increased urgency to urinate, something he says he has not experienced until now. We have done some brief online research and the potential causes we found include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, splenomegaly, or other spleen-related issues, as the pain aligns closely with that area. He generally maintains good health and stays well-hydrated. Unfortunately, we currently lack health insurance and are working on obtaining coverage. We feel somewhat lost and would greatly appreciate any guidance or insights on this matter!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 3:10:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your husband's symptoms; it sounds concerning, and it's understandable to feel lost in this situation. His combination of abdominal pain, reduced appetite, and changes in urination could point to various underlying issues that may require attention. Here’s a structured response:
Main Points
- Symptoms Analysis: The ongoing abdominal pain, fullness, and urinary changes warrant careful observation.
- Possible Causes: Symptoms could range from minor to more significant health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or gastrointestinal concerns.
- Next Steps: Prioritize symptom tracking, hydration, and dietary adjustments, while seeking cost-effective evaluations.
Explanation
Your husband’s dull pain under his ribcage combined with feelings of fullness could suggest gastrointestinal causes, but the recent bladder discomfort and increased urge to urinate must be considered seriously as they may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney-related issues. It's good to stay aware of symptoms like a reduced appetite or lingering body soreness, as these can further inform the situation.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Symptom Diary: Start tracking his symptoms including pain intensity, eating patterns, hydration levels, and urination frequency. This information will be valuable for any healthcare provider when he is able to see one.
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Hydration: Encourage him to continue drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush the urinary system. It can ease symptoms if a UTI or kidney stones are present.
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Dietary Adjustments: Focus on a bland diet if he feels full easily. Eating smaller, frequent meals can help ensure he gets enough nutrition without overwhelming his system.
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Gentle Care Techniques: Consider using a warm compress on the abdomen to help ease discomfort and promote relaxation.
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Emergency Signs: Be vigilant for any warning signs requiring immediate help—such as severe abdominal pain, fever, blood in urine, or significant changes in health status.
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Explore Low-Cost Options: Look for local community health clinics or urgent care centers that provide services for low or no cost. They can offer assessments and potentially necessary laboratory tests.
I hope these steps provide some clarity and actionable guidance. Please take care, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.
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