A Decade of Discomfort
(M16) Hello everyone, I’ve been grappling with a recurring stomach issue for about a decade now. Every time I contemplate this particular problem, I wake up the following day experiencing significant pain. I haven’t been able to pinpoint the origin of this discomfort, and trying to ignore it hasn’t proven effective. The pain intensifies gradually over the hours, reaching excruciating levels by midnight, making it impossible for me to get a good night’s rest. The only relief I’ve found is by inducing vomiting, which temporarily alleviates some of the discomfort, allowing me to sleep, only to wake up the next day feeling free from pain. The discomfort is localized in my lower right abdomen. My mother, who works as a nurse, arranged for me to undergo an MRI, which indicated the presence of gallbladder sludge. However, a subsequent consultation with a surgeon—who is a friend of my mother—revealed that my gallbladder appeared normal. At the moment, I’m once again experiencing this distress, and it’s raising concerns about whether it could be a more serious issue. If there’s anything crucial I might have overlooked, please let me know. I would greatly appreciate any assistance or advice. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 7:40:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds very distressing to deal with recurring abdominal pain for so long, especially when it disrupts your sleep and daily life. Let's clarify some key points and outline actionable steps that you can take to manage this situation.
Main Points
- You have longstanding abdominal discomfort, particularly in the lower right abdomen, which is exacerbated at night.
- The pain improves temporarily with vomiting, and you've had imaging that shows gallbladder sludge but normal gallbladder function.
- Your goal is to find relief and identify any underlying issues that could be contributing to your pain.
Explanation
The pain you're experiencing could have several potential causes, including:
- Gallbladder Issues: While your gallbladder appears normal, gallbladder sludge can sometimes cause symptoms even if stones are not present.
- Acid Reflux or Gastritis: Indigestion or inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to similar discomfort, especially if aggravated by certain foods or stress.
- Appendicitis: Though less likely if imaging shows a normal appendix, this is another consideration, particularly with pain in the lower right abdomen.
- Other Digestive Disorders: Issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or even food intolerances could play a role.
The cycle of pain followed by vomiting suggests that your body might be responding to something irritative. It's important to track your symptoms more closely to identify triggers.
Next Steps
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when the pain occurs, its severity, associated activities (like eating certain foods), and any measures that bring relief. This will help you identify patterns.
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Dietary Adjustments: Consider following an elimination diet for common irritants like fatty foods, dairy, or gluten to see if avoiding these helps alleviate your symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals might also help.
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Hydration and Over-the-Counter Options: Stay well-hydrated and consider antacids or over-the-counter medications that reduce stomach acid (such as famotidine) to see if they provide relief.
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Explore Stress Management Techniques: Since you've linked the discomfort with anxious thoughts, practices like mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise might help mitigate stress’s impact on your digestive health.
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Follow Up with a Healthcare Professional: Given the chronic nature of your symptoms and potential for more serious underlying issues, it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist or a specialist who can further evaluate your situation, potentially considering additional tests or treatments based on your symptoms.
Please remember that while many digestive issues can be managed effectively, it's crucial to maintain open communication with healthcare providers to explore this matter comprehensively. You're not alone in this, and there are steps you can take to find relief.
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