Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort Near the Waist
I am a 20-year-old male, weighing 170 pounds and standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall. For as long as I can recall, I have been experiencing discomfort in my lower abdomen, particularly around and just beneath my waist. I have consulted with several physicians who examined the region, and although we discussed the possibility of a hernia, they found no signs to support that diagnosis. This pain occurs sporadically, approximately every two weeks to a month, and typically lasts from 2 to 5 hours, characterized by a sharp sensation. One of my doctors suggested it might be linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 9:00:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing intermittent discomfort in your lower abdomen, which has led to some consideration of conditions like hernias and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Managing such symptoms can be complex, but there are steps you can take to potentially alleviate your discomfort.
Understanding Your Symptoms
The sharp pain in your lower abdomen that lasts for a few hours and occurs every couple of weeks could be linked to various factors, including digestive issues like IBS or muscular strain. Since you've ruled out a hernia and consulted multiple doctors, it’s important to continue monitoring the nature and triggers of your discomfort.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized and actionable steps you can take:
-
Identify Triggers:
- Keep a symptom diary to record when the pain occurs, what you ate prior (if related to meals), your stress levels, and any other activities. This may help identify patterns or specific triggers.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- If IBS is a consideration, you might benefit from modifying your diet. Focus on foods low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) as these can sometimes exacerbate digestive discomfort. Common low-FODMAP foods include lean proteins, most fruits (except apples and pears), and certain gluten-free grains.
-
Hydration and Fiber:
- Ensure you're drinking plenty of water and consuming enough fiber to promote regular bowel movements. This can help prevent any digestive discomfort.
-
Stress Management:
- High-stress levels can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms. Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. These methods can help reduce the impact of stress on your digestive system.
-
Regular Physical Activity:
- Engaging in regular exercise can improve gut health and alleviate some symptoms. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Monitor Symptoms
Keep track of how your body responds to these changes. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms develop (like persistent pain, changes in bowel habits, or significant weight loss), it's important to follow up for further evaluation.
Remember, you're not alone in this and managing chronic symptoms can often require patience and a process of elimination to find what works best for you. If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Managing Hand Burns: Hydrocolloid and Neosporin Recommendations
Three days ago, I accidentally burned my hands while dealing with hot wax at my workplace. Since the incident on Wednesday, I have been treating the burns using cold water, Neosporin, and hydrocolloid bandages, as my initial treatment involved just regular band-aids available at work. I have changed the bandages a few times, carefully washing the area and reapplying Neosporin each time. Given that I can't completely avoid exposing them to moisture at work, I anticipate needing to change the bandages every day. Initially, there was a blister on my thumb that retained fluid, but it burst when I removed the hydrocolloid the following day. I’m wondering if sticking to this treatment plan is advisable. They are painful, but I don’t observe any signs of infection. Also, could anyone provide insights on how long the healing process might take? Thank you for your help! (47F, currently on Rinvoq and Lialda for Ulcerative Colitis)
Struggling with Persistent Illness
Age: 37 Height: 5’2 Weight: 186 Gender: Female Medical Background: Allergic asthma, chronic pain, unilateral vestibular hypo-function, binocular vision dysfunction (all resulting from a motor vehicle accident four years ago), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Greetings, Medical Professionals! My family of four and I have been experiencing intermittent illness since New Year's Eve. We’ve tested positive for Influenza A, and that's the only diagnosis we currently have, here in Southern California. Given my medical history, I tend to feel the effects the hardest, while my children, who also suffer from asthma and allergies, are similarly affected. My husband is generally healthy and appears to be in better shape, but he does manage Type 2 Diabetes. My children and I have been really unwell; we've dealt with high fevers, persistent coughs, severe colds, and sinus infections (we usually end up on antibiotics after a week of no improvement). I’ve had chest X-rays done, and thankfully, the results came back clear. We have consistently tested negative for both COVID-19 and strep throat. What are we missing? Why do we keep facing these health challenges? I trust my healthcare provider completely, yet my mother has started to influence my feelings, suggesting that the doctors aren’t thoroughly investigating our symptoms. While it’s true that my kids and I have been ill frequently, I assumed it was due to our existing conditions of asthma and allergies. My mom mentioned knowing someone who experienced frequent sickness and later was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I stay on top of my mammograms, gynecological check-ups, and my lab results are largely normal, aside from the fatty liver issue, which I am actively addressing. We’re not engaging in risky behaviors, so why are we being hit so hard? At what point should we be really worried about our health situation?
Persistent Discomfort Around the Liver Area
Age: 26 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 1 inch Weight: 62.5 kg Ethnicity: Indian Duration of symptoms: 2 years Location: India Related health conditions: Fatty liver, borderline cholesterol, pre-diabetic (5.6) Current medications: None Last year, I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease, which was characterized by an enlargement measured at 16.4 cm and demonstrating an elevated echo texture, classified as grade 1. For quite some time now, I’ve had a persistent sensation as if something is lodged beneath my ribs—I can almost sense my liver. Occasionally, there seems to be some movement in that area, reminiscent of gas discomfort. Additionally, I experience a tightness in the corresponding area on my back. This discomfort is constant, although I find some relief through exercise. Despite my concerns, medical professionals often suggest that I may be overreacting, attributing my feelings to anxiety, acidity, or gas. They insist that the liver itself does not cause pain and that I shouldn't be feeling anything unusual. Frustratingly, I have explained to my doctors repeatedly that this sensation predates my fatty liver diagnosis. At one point, I suspected a potential gallbladder issue; however, my doctor dismissed it, stating that the pain typically associated with such conditions is notably severe. Overall, my medical tests have returned normal results, with the exception of one factor: systemic inflammation identified in my body. I have undergone testing twice over several months, with the inflammation levels remaining consistent (ESR - 20 initially, then 18 subsequently). The doctors maintain that these results fall within standard limits. I find myself questioning whether my doctor is dismissive of my concerns or if I am indeed experiencing liver-related issues. My anxiety is heightened by the fact that my cousin passed away from stomach cancer, after suffering similar symptoms and receiving misleading advice from various doctors until it was too late. Given the duration of my discomfort—two long years—I am eager for any potential diagnostic tests that could shed light on my condition. I am anxious and desperate for answers regarding the underlying causes of what I’m experiencing. For further context: The medical professionals assisting my brother and myself are not the same individuals.
Persistent Rapid Heartbeat and Anxiety
I’m a 28-year-old female, weighing 110 pounds and standing at 5 feet 1 inch, and I follow a vegetarian diet. Recently, I have been grappling with severe panic attacks right after I wake up. These episodes have caused excessive sweating and nausea, often leading me to vomit, and then I typically drift back to sleep. When I eventually wake up again, even if it's only after a short nap of about 20 minutes, I generally feel significantly improved. Initially, I suspected that my frequent use of marijuana was the underlying cause of these disturbances. As a result, I ceased all marijuana usage a few weeks ago, only indulging in an edible during the Super Bowl. Since I stopped using it, the panic attacks have subsided. Though I still experience acute anxiety attacks, they do not include a rapid heartbeat; rather, the symptoms are characterized by overwhelming anxiety, nausea, profuse sweating, and episodes of shivering. Last Thursday night around 10 PM, I began to feel anxious, and by midnight, as I was preparing for bed, my heart began racing uncontrollably. It took nearly two hours for my heart to stop pounding so forcefully that it felt as though it might leap from my chest, allowing me to finally get some sleep. This morning, I awoke around 8 AM with a surge of anxiety and a racing heart. Although the anxiety subsided within two hours, my heart rate showed no signs of returning to normal. Typically, my resting rate is around 65 beats per minute, but today it has fluctuated between 80 and 105 beats per minute. It is now approaching 3 PM, and despite continuing with my daily activities, I am increasingly anxious about my heart rate's inability to stabilize. Is there anything I can do to help regulate it? At what point should I seek medical advice?
26-Year-Old Man Seeking Urgent Help for Severe Neurological Issues
Hello, everyone, I am a 26-year-old male from the Netherlands, standing at 180 cm and weighing 70 kg. I enjoy drinking but do not smoke. I am reaching out in a state of desperation, looking for assistance as my health has sharply deteriorated. I struggle with maintaining control over my body; my right shoulder droops noticeably lower than my left, my right leg buckles under me unexpectedly, and I find myself unable to walk or sit up straight. Completing simple daily tasks such as laundry and cooking has become increasingly challenging. I feel as though I am nearing a point where I cannot care for myself at all. This situation has developed over eight years, filled with various medical and neurological problems. To provide some context, I feel it’s important to describe how significantly my life has changed. Until I turned 18, I enjoyed robust health. I played tennis at a high national level in the Netherlands and excelled academically, generally living a fulfilling life without any mental health concerns; I truly loved life. * **2017 (Initial Symptoms):** The gradual onset of symptoms began with a peculiar sense of detachment between my mind and the right side of my body. I experienced: * Episodes of incontinence and a decline in morning erections. * Diminished sensation on the right side of my body. * Cognitive challenges, including brain fog, difficulty in planning, and a distorted sense of time. * Respiratory complications, often feeling as though my breathing was obstructed and I couldn’t inhale deeply. * Discomfort in my pelvic region, particularly while sitting, alongside lower back pain. In pursuit of relief, I consulted several specialists such as a pelvic floor expert, a urologist, and a sexual health professional. However, I grew skeptical of these approaches because I sensed a deeper issue at play. My pelvic function appeared normal. The urologist's only inquiry was about my smoking habits, and upon learning I didn’t smoke, I was immediately directed to a sexual health specialist. This felt misplaced, as my challenges were not related to sexual function. Despite my frustrations, I decided to carry on, hoping my situation might improve. However, for several years, nothing changed. * **2019 (Temporary Improvement):** In December of that year, I experienced a sudden resurgence of energy while lying on my bed. It felt as though something in my body had reset; my leg trembled, warmth surged through my right side, and all cognitive and physical functions appeared to return to normal, albeit briefly. * **2020 (Worsening Condition):** Soon after my brief reprieve, while preparing for exams, I found myself seated for prolonged periods. Subsequently, my symptoms returned with greater intensity, including burning sensations, cold extremities, tinnitus, and impaired taste and smell. The situation prompted another visit to the doctor, leading to neurological evaluations, including MRIs which yielded no clear findings. * **2021 (Deterioration Triggered by Chiropractic Treatment):** Following a chiropractic session focused on my neck and pelvis, my condition escalated dramatically. I noticed an immediate decline in posture and a significant increase in muscle weakness radiating from my core to my neck on the right side. * **Current State (2026):** I am experiencing a severe and progressive decline, characterized by: * **Muscle Atrophy:** Noticeable thinning of muscle mass on the right side of my face, right arm, and tongue. * **Physical Deformation:** My right shoulder is much lower, and my right leg often gives way under weight. * **Functional Loss:** I struggle to maintain an upright position or walk, and my tongue strength has diminished, removing my ability to participate in sports and live a normal life. **Medical Background & Assessment:** * **Imaging:** Numerous MRIs (brain, full spine, neck, pelvis) have shown no significant results. * **Consultations:** I have seen urologists, undergone pelvic floor therapy, and met with neurologists and osteopaths. * **Current Diagnosis:** Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). * **Treatment History:** Pursued multiple treatment plans focusing on FND which yielded no improvements. I am increasingly doubtful about my FND diagnosis because of the progressive muscle atrophy and physical decline directly following a specific treatment that intensified my neurological symptoms. I feel trapped in a situation where medical professionals are categorizing my condition without a true understanding of the underlying problem. As my symptoms evolve from pain and numbness to pronounced weakness, I feel as though I am losing the ability to support myself. If anyone here can provide insight, guidance, or is aware of alternative diagnostic methods for my condition, I would be eternally grateful. I believe there is a misalignment in my overall physiology contributing to these issues. I am willing to offer financial compensation for anyone who can genuinely assist me in this matter—$10,000 for the person who provides a viable solution. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.