OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Left Upper Abdominal Discomfort for Over Five Months

I am a 23-year-old female, standing 5'4" and weighing 180 pounds. My medical history includes adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, dysautonomia, and celiac disease, for which I strictly adhere to a gluten-free regimen. For the past five months, I've experienced varying intensities of pain in the upper left part of my abdomen. The episodes appear sporadic, but I recall a brief period of relief following a course of antibiotics for an unrelated issue, only for the discomfort to return to its previous intensity soon after. This persistent pain is unusual for me, particularly localized in this specific area. After undergoing an endoscopy, the only notable finding was a fundic gland stomach polyp, accompanied by mild inflammation and erosion. Additionally, a barium swallow x-ray indicated thickening in my duodenum. Although I had an MRI that reported no abnormalities on that side, the results were returned surprisingly quickly, raising my concerns about potential oversights—particularly as that facility has a reputation for missing certain details. As I'm preparing to relocate, I'm contemplating whether I should seek an alternative evaluation of my previous tests, consider a repeat MRI, or what information I should pursue next. The discomfort is significant enough that I cannot lie on my left side or bend toward that direction. On particularly bad days, the pain intensifies to a point where deep breaths become challenging. I also find it concerning that the pain remains consistently in the same location, unlike typical gas or cramping sensations. Alongside the abdominal pain, I'm dealing with frequent nausea and increased instances of vomiting, though not on a daily basis. Upon palpation, the pain escalates dramatically, characterized by sharp, stabbing sensations. One nurse suggested the possibility of a colonoscopy to investigate whether my large intestine could be the source of this discomfort. However, I am uncertain of my doctors' willingness to administer anesthesia so soon again. Generally, my stomach feels fine aside from this issue, with no changes in my diet. My gastroenterologist believes that the root cause is musculoskeletal, yet I have never experienced muscle pain like this before. The sensations are unlike anything I’ve encountered, often impacting my ability to eat comfortably. I recognize that my weight may be a concern, which has been influenced by significant drops in my thyroid levels after contracting EBV. I am actively working to reduce the weight gain that ensued from that, while also striving to normalize my thyroid function. Currently, I’m taking Trileptal, Cortef, and Levothyroxine, along with Omeprazole to mitigate excess stomach acid due to the Cortef. I have been on these medications for several years with no prior issues, and I did not alter my medication regimen before these symptoms began to manifest.

Answers (1)

2/14/2026, 2:30:46 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel anxious about your persistent abdominal discomfort, especially with the complexity of your medical history. The pain you are experiencing, specifically located in the left upper abdomen, combined with other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, definitely warrants careful attention.

Main Points:

1. Symptoms Consistency: The localized pain and associated symptoms suggest a possible underlying gastrointestinal issue, musculoskeletal problem, or even a referral pain from another area.
2. Next Steps: Given your situation, consider prioritizing comprehensive evaluations and symptom management strategies.

Explanation:

Since you have been evaluated already with an endoscopy and MRI showing no major concerns, but you're still experiencing significant discomfort, it's important to explore further to pinpoint the cause. The recommendation from the nurse regarding a colonoscopy is valid, especially considering your ongoing symptoms.

The fact that the pain worsens upon palpation and is described as sharp and stabbing could indeed be indicative of an underlying issue that might require deeper investigation. Although your gastroenterologist suggested a musculoskeletal origin, the persistence and nature of your symptoms seem to indicate that further diagnostic clarity is necessary.

Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Consider a Colonoscopy: This can provide a direct view of your large intestine and detect any potential issues, especially since your current symptoms suggest more than just simple gas or cramping.

2. Request a Second Opinion: Since you mentioned concerns about the quality of the MRI interpretation, consider seeking a second opinion from another gastroenterologist who can evaluate your previous tests and provide insights on your current symptoms.

3. Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any factors that seem to relieve or worsen the pain. This can be incredibly helpful for your healthcare provider to identify patterns.

4. Pain Management: While awaiting further evaluations, consider discussing pain management options with your doctor. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but you should confirm these won’t interact negatively with your current medications.

5. Nutritional Considerations: Given the nausea and vomiting, ensure you stay well-hydrated, and consider smaller, more frequent meals that are easier on your stomach. Avoiding any known food sensitivities can also help.

6. Lifestyle Adjustments: Given your varying stress levels—especially related to your upcoming relocation—finding ways to manage stress may help with your overall symptom experience. Techniques like yoga or mindfulness may be beneficial.

Feeling uncertain about your health can be distressing, so taking proactive steps to address your pain and discomfort is important. Please prioritize following up on these suggestions, and I hope you find relief soon.