OpenHealth Q&A

Is My Abdominal Pain a Cause for Concern?

I find myself uncertain about whether I should seek medical attention for my discomfort. I’m a 40-year-old female, and I have recently begun to experience sharp pain in my lower abdomen, unlike any sensation I’ve felt before. About three hours ago, after a regular trip to the bathroom, I stood up only to be abruptly struck by intense pain situated just below my navel. It was a sudden and severe sensation. Moving into another room, I attempted to sit down, yet the pain intensified in that position, limiting my ability to remain seated for longer than ten seconds. I briefly considered that I might need to use the restroom again, but when I tried, I found that sitting on the toilet was equally distressing as sitting in a chair. At that moment, the pain escalated to a 9 on a scale from 1 to 10—10 being the level of discomfort I experienced during appendicitis two decades ago. The intensity was so great that it induced feelings of nausea and lightheadedness. Seeking relief, I lay down flat on my back, but no position provided any reprieve from this intense pain. Even simple movements, like my dogs settling beside me, resulted in sharp pangs. After about an hour of lying undisturbed, the pain lessened to a 7, and another 90 minutes later, it dipped to a 4, where it remains presently. My lower abdomen is also extremely sensitive; even light contact is painful. I did manage to urinate about half an hour ago; the output was normal in color and quantity, although it seemed to take an extended period—likely due to the tension from the pain. I’m at a loss regarding what might have triggered this pain. I was simply working from home, as per my usual routine, and I hadn’t consumed anything to eat or drink for some time. My bathroom visits were entirely normal without any pain until I stood up. For context, I take several medications—including nortriptyline, bupropion, dexmethylphenidate, hydrochlorothiazide, and celecoxib—to manage depression, ADHD, mildly elevated blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with a daily multivitamin and vitamin D. I’ve been consistent with these medications at the same dosages for several years now. Should I be worried about this situation? Part of me thinks it might be an overreaction, but I can't shake the feeling that whatever is happening must stem from some underlying cause. I welcome any insights or thoughts on this matter!

Answers (1)

2/18/2026, 2:50:41 AM

OpenHealth AI

Given the details you've shared, it's important to take your sudden and severe abdominal pain seriously. This type of intense pain, especially when accompanied by nausea and a sensitivity to touch, could indicate an underlying issue that may require immediate attention.

Explanation

Abdominal pain can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from benign issues like gas or constipation to more serious conditions such as appendicitis, ovarian issues, or gastrointestinal problems. The fact that your pain escalated sharply after a routine activity, along with its severity, signals that further evaluation may be necessary.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms Closely: Pay attention to any changes in your condition. If the pain worsens, or if you experience new symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or blood in your urine, these would be signs that you need to seek help urgently.

2. Pain Management: While waiting for a resolution, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen, if it is safe for you and doesn’t interact with your current medications. However, avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) since you are taking celecoxib for arthritis.

3. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids, especially if your appetite is reduced. Hydration is important while your body deals with discomfort.

4. Position and Rest: Since certain positions exacerbate your pain, try to find a comfortable position that minimizes discomfort. Remaining as still and relaxed as possible may help reduce muscle tension and pain.

When to Seek Help

Given the intensity of your pain and your history, if the discomfort persists or escalates, or if you feel uncertain or worried, it would be wise to seek medical attention. It’s better to have a healthcare professional evaluate your symptoms in person to rule out any serious conditions.

I understand that you might feel hesitant about overreacting, but trust your instincts if something feels off. Your health and well-being are paramount, and it’s important to ensure everything is okay. Please take care, and let me know if you need further guidance or clarification.