Persistent Pain in Lower Right Abdomen
A 32-year-old male, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 18 stone, has been experiencing lower right abdominal pain since December 26th, the day after Christmas. Initially, I dismissed the discomfort, thinking it might be a minor strain. However, the following day brought a dull, constant ache that did not abate. By December 28th, the pain had intensified, prompting me to arrange a visit to my doctor on December 30th. The physician suggested that it could be the early stages of appendicitis, although I wasn’t exhibiting the classic symptoms. Notably, I had localized pain in the lower right abdomen but no rebound tenderness. The doctor advised that I undergo an ultrasound and instructed me to go to the emergency room if the pain worsened. Blood tests were also ordered. On December 31st, my condition was worsening, so I went to bed in hopes of finding relief through rest. When I awoke on January 1st, the pain had escalated, leading me to seek emergency care. At the hospital, I underwent various observations and blood tests. The most significant finding was a slight elevation in white blood cell count and a C-reactive protein (CRP) level of 14. The attending physician expressed skepticism about appendicitis, prescribed pain management, and requested that I return on January 2nd for further evaluation in the surgical ward. Upon my visit on January 2nd, I was still in considerable pain. My blood tests showed little change, with CRP having increased to 15, and I continued to feel severe discomfort in the lower right abdomen. After examining me, the surgical team was puzzled and concurred that it likely wasn’t appendicitis. They proceeded with an ultrasound, which yielded inconclusive results due to intestinal gas obstructing visibility. While the appendix was not visualized, no alarming issues were detected, and they recommended I go back to my primary care doctor for follow-up, suspecting that my symptoms were related to bowel issues. My pain persisted severely for several days, leading to another doctor’s appointment on January 8th. I still felt significant discomfort, and the doctor proposed a calprotectin test, promising to discuss the results upon their arrival. On January 16th, the test revealed a calprotectin level of 190. By this point, the abdominal ache had largely dissipated. The doctor suggested further blood tests and a repeat calprotectin analysis in two weeks. On January 29th, I had blood drawn again. Results were mostly normal, although my CRP had risen to 22 and serum ferritin was at 516. I subsequently had a calprotectin test on February 6th and am currently waiting for the results. The doctor indicated that if necessary, a colonoscopy might be required to investigate my symptoms further, but they want the second calprotectin results first. Recently, I’ve noticed a return of discomfort, albeit not as intense as during the peak of my pain episodes late last year. The sensation resembles a pulling feeling in my lower right abdomen, occasionally manifesting as a deep, internal itch I cannot reach, accompanied by a persistent dull ache that's challenging to articulate. Importantly, I have not noticed blood in my stools, though I have a history of loose and inconsistent bowel movements. It’s common for me to experience milder diarrhea, particularly in the mornings, which can occur throughout the day. While instances of stress previously exacerbated this issue, my bowel habits have stabilized recently, resulting in soft stools (classified as type 6 on the Bristol stool chart). Previously, when I experienced severe abdominal pain and frequent bowel movements in a single day, I did see minor traces of blood, likely due to irritation caused by frequent wiping. Like many, I find myself turning to online resources to understand my symptoms, only to encounter alarming possibilities. Given the outlined symptoms—especially with appendicitis ruled out—I'm concerned about potential serious conditions like cancer or tumors. Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
2/10/2026, 10:21:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with persistent lower right abdominal pain and a complex medical background. It’s understandable to feel concerned, especially after multiple evaluations and tests. Let’s address your situation with clear information and actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Persistent abdominal pain with varied test results can be associated with several conditions, including gastrointestinal issues or inflammation.
- Your recent symptoms, including calprotectin levels and CRP, suggest possible inflammation in the gut, but more definitive testing may be needed to pinpoint the cause.
Explanation:
Given your symptoms and the ongoing evaluations, the primary concerns revolve around potential gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other bowel disorders. The slight elevation in calprotectin indicates inflammation, which can occur due to many reasons, including infections, irritation, or conditions like IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). However, with the normalization of some blood markers and the improvement in your pain, this can sometimes indicate that the inflammation is not active or severe at this moment.
The abdominal sensations you're describing (pulling feeling, internal itch) could relate to digestive tract changes or even muscle tension due to ongoing discomfort.
Next Steps:
1. Follow up on your tests: Since you are awaiting the results of your second calprotectin test, it’s essential to stay in touch with your healthcare provider regarding those results. They will help determine if further investigations, like a colonoscopy, are necessary based on those readings.
2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting when pain intensifies, any changes in bowel habits, and stress levels. This can provide valuable information for your next consultation.
3. Diet and hydration: Focus on eating a balanced diet, including soluble fiber (oats, bananas, apples) while staying well-hydrated. Avoid known irritants (spicy foods, caffeine) to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
4. Manage stress: Since you mentioned stress can exacerbate symptoms, consider stress management techniques like meditation, gentle exercise, or deep breathing exercises, which can help reduce tension.
5. Communicate changes: If your pain worsens significantly or if you experience new symptoms (like vomiting, fever, or significant weight loss), it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Reassurance:
It's understandable to worry about serious conditions, but many gastrointestinal issues can be effectively managed with the right approach. Stay proactive about your health, and remember that most concerns can often be addressed thoroughly with the proper follow-up and care.
Please keep me updated on how your follow-ups go, or if you have more specific questions as you navigate this situation.
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