Ongoing Upper Abdominal Discomfort and Additional Concerns
At 24 years old, I find myself grappling with a handful of medical issues, two of which have left me searching for answers for quite some time. 1. I frequently experience intense discomfort in my upper right abdomen, specifically under my ribs, primarily in the evenings and at night. This pain radiates from my back to the front and is particularly sensitive to touch beneath my ribcage. It’s as though I have a sixth sense—when the pain begins to arise, I immediately feel an instinctive urge to grab a heating pillow. If that doesn’t alleviate the discomfort, I resort to taking diclofenac. Despite my symptoms, healthcare professionals have been unable to provide a definitive diagnosis. An emergency room visit resulted in an ultrasound, which examined my liver and confirmed everything appeared normal. I’ve also undergone two X-rays, both of which yielded no significant findings. This pain has been a recurring issue for over 12 years, manifesting every two to three months, though there are times when episodes occur merely weeks apart. 2. In addition, since 2022, I’ve been experiencing episodes of hot, flushed knees. While these episodes do not cause pain, they leave my knees feeling weak, making it difficult to stand. There are months where I have no issues at all, but then suddenly, the problem resurfaces daily for a brief period before subsiding again. I am currently under the care of a rheumatologist, where it was noted that I have a positive rheum-factor IgA at greater than 20 and slightly elevated ANA levels, although the rest of my health indicators are largely normal. Last October, I began taking Levetiracetam for suspected focal epilepsy. Additionally, as a vegetarian, I struggle with iron absorption despite taking supplements for the past two years. Furthermore, I have been diagnosed with optic disc drusen in both eyes. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or recommendations regarding these health challenges. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 11:50:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your health concerns. It sounds like you are dealing with several complex issues, and I commend you for seeking clarity on them. Here’s a structured response focusing on your upper abdominal discomfort and knee episodes, emphasizing actionable steps to take.
Main Points
- Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Recurring pain under your ribs might be related to various conditions, including gastrointestinal issues or muscle tension.
- Knee Flushing Episodes: While these episodes are non-painful, they could be related to autoimmune activity, given your positive rheumatoid factor and ANA levels.
Explanation
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Upper Abdominal Discomfort:
- The pain you describe could stem from several causes, including gallbladder issues, gastritis, or musculoskeletal problems. It’s not uncommon for doctors to find nothing on imaging while symptoms persist. The heating pad and diclofenac help manage symptoms, indicating a potential muscular or inflammatory component.
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Hot, Flushed Knees:
- The episodes of flushed knees suggest possible vascular or inflammatory responses. The presence of a positive rheumatoid factor can indicate an autoimmune condition, but inflammatory markers or symptoms would be key indicators for further investigation.
Next Steps
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For Abdominal Discomfort:
- Dietary Management: Keep a food diary to identify any triggers related to your meals that could be contributing to the discomfort. Consider avoiding fatty or spicy foods in the evenings.
- Symptom Management: Aside from diclofenac, try other anti-inflammatory measures such as ginger tea or peppermint, which can soothe the digestive tract. Heat application is also helpful.
- Gentle Exercises: Engage in low-impact activities like walking or yoga, which may help alleviate muscular tension in the abdomen.
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For Knee Episodes:
- Track Episodes: Keep a detailed record of the episodes, noting frequency, duration, associated activities, and any dietary changes. This data can be helpful during your rheumatology visits.
- Evaluate Supplements: Since you're vegetarian and taking iron supplements, ensure your diet is rich in vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. Discuss with your healthcare professional about checking for other deficiencies, such as vitamin D or B12, which can affect joint health and muscle strength.
- Regular Check-Ups: Continue working with your rheumatologist to monitor your joint health and discuss any new or worsening symptoms.
Conclusion
Addressing chronic discomfort and unusual symptoms often involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle and dietary adjustments, symptom tracking, and regular follow-ups with specialists. Since your symptoms have persisted for a long time, keeping an ongoing dialogue with your healthcare team is crucial. If you notice any new symptoms or significant changes in your current ones, be sure to inform your healthcare provider promptly.
Please feel free to reach out for more specific questions or if you would like further assistance!
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