Persistent Night Pain: Seeking Answers After Multiple Doctor Visits
I’m a 34-year-old male experiencing intermittent pain in the gallbladder region, which has persisted for approximately nine months. The discomfort is particularly troublesome at night, waking me up between 1 AM and 4 AM. There are periods, about four weeks long, where I don’t feel any pain, but then it returns again, sometimes nightly. When it strikes, the sharp pain subsides if I sit up or occasionally if I stand, often disappearing within 5 to 20 minutes. I visited a healthcare professional who performed an ultrasound and confirmed that there are no gallstones present. My diet is quite healthy; in an effort to find a correlation, I've experimented by consuming more fatty foods, but this has not triggered any pain during those evenings. I have been meticulously tracking my diet and physical activity. While my stress levels are manageable now compared to earlier times, I’ve noticed an increase in bloating lately. Although one doctor suggested pain relief medication to assist with sleep, my priority is not just to manage symptoms but to understand the root cause of my discomfort. This ongoing situation remains unresolved, and I am eager to discover what is happening to me.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 1:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent pain, especially in the gallbladder region, can be concerning, but it's encouraging that you've had an ultrasound with negative results for gallstones. The nature of your pain and the factors influencing it suggest several possibilities, including muscle strain, gastrointestinal issues, or even nerve-related discomfort. It's great to hear that you've maintained a healthy diet and track your symptoms diligently.
Understanding Your Situation
The fluctuation in your pain, especially at night, and its association with certain positions (sitting or standing) can indicate that it might not solely be related to gallbladder issues. It's possible that your symptoms may stem from muscular pain or gastrointestinal sources such as gastritis or even possible nerve irritation. The connection with bloating could indicate an underlying digestive issue, which may need further exploration.
Next Steps
-
Keep Tracking Your Symptoms: Since you've been tracking your diet and activity, continue this practice. Pay attention to any changes in symptoms relative to stress levels, food intake (especially fiber), and any other factors that may correlate with your bloating or pain.
-
Dietary Adjustments: Even though fatty foods haven't triggered pain, consider trying a low-FODMAP diet temporarily. This diet can help identify or reduce symptoms related to food intolerances, particularly if bloating is a recurring issue. Foods high in FODMAPs (like beans, certain vegetables, and some dairy products) can cause gas and bloating in some individuals.
-
Pain Management Techniques: While you aim to understand the root cause, using heat (like a warm compress) or relaxation techniques before bed may help alleviate some discomfort. Gentle stretching or yoga may also relieve tension in the abdominal area.
-
Consider Additional Evaluations: If the pain persists or worsens, review your current tracking for specific patterns and consider asking your healthcare provider for additional evaluations that explore other potential causes, like functional dyspepsia or nerve-related issues. Tests such as an endoscopy, gastric emptying study, or further imaging may provide more insight.
-
Monitor and Reassess: Continue to monitor your symptoms closely. Keep a diary of any new developments or patterns that emerge over the next few weeks to discuss with your healthcare team. Documenting circumstances surrounding your discomfort can guide diagnostic efforts.
It’s understandable to feel frustrated with ongoing symptoms, but your proactive approach is crucial. Stay engaged with your healthcare provider, share your findings, and ensure you get the answers you seek regarding the underlying cause of your pain. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Seeking Answers for Persistent Upper Abdominal Discomfort
I'm a 54-year-old individual, weigh 70 kg, and do not smoke. Currently, I'm on sertraline. For the past year, I have been experiencing persistent pain beneath my sternum, particularly on the right side, just under the rib cage. Despite undergoing two ultrasound examinations that revealed no abnormalities in my internal organs, I initially suspected my gallbladder, but it turns out there are no issues there either. I've also had a comprehensive range of blood tests, covering liver and kidney functions, to no avail. I’m starting to feel like a burden at my healthcare provider’s office, and I'm at a loss for what to do next. I even pondered whether the discomfort could stem from stress, but after two months on antidepressants, there hasn't been any improvement. I actively go to the gym, which led me to consider whether it might be muscular-related, yet my doctors remain unable to identify the cause. I attempted a course of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to rule out acid reflux, but I lack other associated symptoms. The pain manifests intermittently throughout the day, characterized as a dull ache, and the area in question tends to be sensitive when pressed. I've found myself searching for answers online, which typically leads me down troubling paths—like worries about pancreatic conditions. However, I’m simply seeking clarity on my situation. I've also thought about issues related to the xiphoid process or costochondritis. Nevertheless, my only symptom remains the pain itself. What steps might I take to uncover the source of this discomfort? It has profoundly impacted my daily life, and I'm uncertain about what further inquiries to pursue or how to effectively address this ongoing problem. Thank you for any guidance you can offer! 🙏
Is My Hearing Deteriorating? ***HELP NEEDED FROM MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
About five years ago, I (18F) began experiencing a persistent sensation of fullness in my ears. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment it started, but I suspect it was either during a flight or right after taking a shower. I went to bed hoping it would clear up by morning, but unfortunately, it did not. Ever since, I have dealt with this annoying issue of feeling like my ears are clogged. On occasion, I can relieve the pressure somewhat by manipulating my ears, but there are also times when I need to pinch my nose and try harder to clear them, with only temporary results. Although I’ve adapted to living with this discomfort, it can sometimes escalate, especially during flights, leading to greater blockage or even a ringing sensation, particularly at higher altitudes—which I understand might be normal. I’ve sought treatment multiple times, having my ears professionally cleaned and consulting various doctors, and even tried acupuncture around the area. Sadly, none of these interventions have provided any lasting relief. The medical professionals I've seen assure me I have excellent hearing but seem unable to address the root of my issue. This has led to my parents feeling rather hopeless about finding a solution. Some doctors have speculated that my frequent use of earbuds could be contributing to my problem, yet I typically favor headphones over earbuds and have consciously reduced my use of the latter in the last five years. I've also looked into different tools and creams to alleviate the blockage, but so far, nothing has proven effective. Lately, the situation seems to have worsened, possibly due to my attempt to clean my ears with a specific tool—although I truly have no certainty. I am genuinely worried about the possibility of losing my hearing and detest the constant effort required to clear my ears or the sensation of submerged pressure. What actions should I consider taking?
Seeking Advice on Stomach Discomfort
I'm a 20-year-old woman experiencing severe pain in my lower abdomen. Initially, I assumed it was just intense menstrual cramps; however, my period is late, and I have never experienced such extreme cramping before. This discomfort is my only symptom—the pain is quite intense. I’ve found that when I take a combination of ibuprofen and Tylenol, it alleviates the pain for a day or sometimes up to a day and a half, but it consistently returns. This episode has been recurring for the past week. I am not currently menstruating, nor am I pregnant. The pain is also causing discomfort in my lower back, manifesting as a sharp sensation that only subsides with medication. What could be the cause of this pain?
Persistent Pain in the Dorsal Wrist - Seeking Further Guidance
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for insights regarding a recurring and quite debilitating pain on the dorsal aspect of my wrist that has persisted for several years. Each time I experience a flare-up, I find myself unable to exert any pressure with that wrist for a duration of weeks. **Background** - Age: 23 - Location: France - Dominant hand: Right - Affected wrist: Right (currently experiencing the most issues) - Duration: Several years with repeated flare-ups **Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life** - Pain is specifically located on the dorsal side of the wrist. - Activities that trigger pain include extending the wrist while under stress—such as during push-ups, planks with palm support, pushing against doors or objects, and rising from the ground using my palms. - When a flare occurs, I cannot bear any weight on the wrist in an extended position, nor can I push against anything. - The pain lessens with rest but reactivates easily, requiring several weeks before it settles down again. **Diagnostic Investigation (Ultrasound)** I will include the ultrasound images and the accompanying written report. **Summary of Key Findings from the Report (dated 25/08/2023)**: - There is a noted thickening of the dorsal intercarpal ligament or the capsular plane. - Extensor tendons appear to be normal. - No joint effusion is observed. - No dorsal ganglion cyst was identified during this examination. - The conclusion suggests the presence of a chronic sprain or chronic changes in the dorsal ligamentous/capsular region. **Treatments Explored** - **Physical Therapy**: Unfortunately, this exacerbated my pain rather than alleviating it. - **Aspiration and Injection**: A physician aspirated a lump in the painful area and then injected medication, which provided temporary relief, but the issue recurred later. - **Consultation with a Hand Surgeon**: The feedback I received indicated that this is a condition related to fragility, and the recommendation was to avoid movements that trigger the pain. **Questions for the Community** 1. What diagnostic considerations do you think are most relevant in this case? 2. Which additional imaging techniques or evaluations would you suggest? 3. If conservative treatments have failed and physical therapy worsened my symptoms, what non-surgical options should I consider? 4. At what stage should I contemplate surgical interventions, and what procedures are typically effective for similar issues? I am eager to regain a pain-free wrist, as this condition significantly hampers my ability to engage in sports. Thank you for any advice or shared experiences you can provide.
Understanding My Abdominal Discomfort
I’m a sixteen-year-old assigned female at birth, and for the past five days, I’ve been experiencing a mild discomfort on my right side abdomen. While it’s not severe, it’s certainly noticeable; the pain fluctuates and remains the same whether I apply pressure or not. A few months back, I had a similar but more intense episode and ended up in the emergency room, but they couldn’t identify any cause for my pain. Given my family's background of gastrointestinal conditions, including Crohn's disease and issues like ovarian cysts, I have some concerns. Additionally, I’ve been struggling with stress and anxiety and am planning to start treatment for that soon. I have had normal bowel movements, but at times I feel unsatisfied, as if I still need to go, or like my body just isn’t cooperating. Sometimes, I’ve noticed a change in how often I’m going, with an increase in frequency. The onset of this discomfort coincided with my menstrual cycle, which was delayed by a few days. I also contend with Illness Anxiety Disorder, and my mind has been racing with thoughts of potential appendicitis, although I don’t genuinely believe that’s the issue. The pain doesn’t worsen when I curl up or extend my abdominal muscles, and occasionally I feel discomfort on my left side as well. Notably, there’s no pain around my belly button area. I would really appreciate any help in ruling out appendicitis, as it would help alleviate my anxiety and allow me to relax. My constant online searching for answers is only adding to my stress. I just want to find some peace so I can enjoy a good night's sleep without worrying about my health.