Could This Be My Kidney or Another Issue?
Personal Details: I’m a 28-year-old male, weighing 180 pounds. I don’t smoke, and I only occasionally consume alcohol. Overview: For the last three to four weeks, I’ve been experiencing varying abdominal pain. The discomfort shifts in location, sometimes being lower, sometimes upper, and even on both sides. I've also noticed significant changes in my stool; they have ranged from soft to irregular—constipated, thin, and at times long, sometimes even containing mucus. Recently, I began experiencing a burning sensation in my upper abdomen, which sometimes feels like pressure beneath my sternum. This pain has disrupted my sleep, leading me to seek medical attention. I visited the emergency room, where my blood was tested, and my abdomen was examined, but no abnormalities were detected. I was prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and advised to return if symptoms persisted. My primary care physician reiterated this advice during our follow-up yesterday. Primary Concern: I have noticed what feels like a fist-sized mass approximately two inches to the right of my belly button, extending upward toward my ribs. This mass is firm and round, and I can only detect it when applying deep pressure; it tends to shift upward under my ribs when I press harder. It isn't particularly painful unless I apply significant force, and I can exclusively locate it when standing—reclining seems to make it disappear. I have struggled to find relevant information regarding similar experiences online. The closest reference I discovered was concerning Nephroptosis, where an individual described having a similarly palpable mass, though it seems to be an unusual condition in males. Therefore, I am left wondering whether this could genuinely be related to my kidney, or if it warrants further investigation by my doctor. Naturally, I am concerned about potential serious issues, such as colon cancer.
Answers (1)
3/4/2026, 4:00:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have been experiencing a series of concerning symptoms, including abdominal pain, changes in stool habits, and the presence of a palpable mass. It's completely reasonable to seek further clarification about your condition, especially given your health-conscious approach and the lack of concrete findings so far.
Key Points:
- Pelvic Pain and Symptoms: Your described abdominal pain, stool irregularities, and the potential mass are worthy of careful evaluation.
- Physical Findings: A firm, movable mass can indicate various conditions ranging from benign to more serious issues.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
- Abdominal Pain: Pain that shifts location can be related to digestive issues, muscle strain, or even internal organ conditions. The burning sensation and feeling of pressure may suggest digestive tract involvement, possibly linked to acid issues given your PPI prescription.
- Stool Changes: The irregularity in your stool, especially with the presence of mucus, could suggest inflammation in the intestines, and could be related to conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Palpable Mass: The movement of the mass with deep pressure and its position could suggest it might be related to the abdominal wall or organs like the kidneys. Nephroptosis (a condition where the kidney drops into the abdomen when standing) is a possibility, though it's less common.
Suggested Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including the location and intensity of pain, stool characteristics, and any other accompanying symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, or changes in weight. Documenting this can help your doctor with further evaluations.
-
Follow Up on the Mass: Given your concern about the mass, it's crucial to communicate this clearly to your primary care physician. Request imaging studies (like an ultrasound or CT scan) to get a clearer picture of what this mass might be.
-
Diet and Lifestyle: Modify your diet to include more fiber-rich foods and stay well-hydrated to help with stool regularity. Avoid known irritants like caffeine, spicy foods, and excessive alcohol, which may exacerbate abdominal discomfort.
-
Stay Alert for Serious Symptoms: Be vigilant for any alarming symptoms such as significant weight loss, persistent vomiting, or bleeding in your stool. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.
-
Consider a Gastroenterologist: If symptoms persist despite current management, consider asking for a referral to a gastroenterologist for specialized evaluation.
It's important that you keep advocating for yourself in the face of unclear diagnoses like this. Many gastrointestinal conditions can be managed effectively once identified, so your ongoing communication with healthcare providers is key. Remember, you're not alone in this, and being proactive is a positive step towards finding answers.
Related Questions
The Long-Term Effects of Amphetamine Use: A Personal Reflection
At the age of 16, I was prescribed a daily dose of 30mg of extended-release amphetamine, a treatment I continued until I turned 18. Looking back, I realize that this medication was altering my state of mind significantly—I felt euphoric each day. However, having never experimented with any substances before, I didn’t recognize these sensations as abnormal. Misguided by my own online research, I convinced myself that this was how ‘normal’ people felt. At that time, I struggled to articulate my cognitive experiences sufficiently enough for medical professionals, so my concerns went unresolved. Throughout those years, my sleep was severely limited to just 4-5 hours each night. Although I never misused my prescription, I notice a distinct shift in my cognition now, eight years after discontinuing the medication at 27 years old. First, my attention span has plummeted; I find it challenging to maintain focus for more than 3 to 5 minutes without distractions. Secondly, the intense joy and elation I once experienced—akin to the excitement of a child on Christmas morning—has vanished entirely, leaving me unable to feel genuine excitement, even during enjoyable moments. Cognitively, it’s as if my mind is tenuously held together; without regular caffeine consumption or high levels of stress and anxiety, I feel nearly incapacitated. Furthermore, my sleep patterns have suffered tremendously. I suspect this disruption arises from the stimulant use at an impressionable age, though I am uncertain how to address it. I often endure cycles of 3 to 4 days of 5-6 hours of sleep, followed by an occasional restorative night. Despite attempts to improve my sleep quality—such as a period in college where I managed to sleep 8-10 hours daily—the drawbacks persisted. I feel emotionally flattened now. Before using amphetamines, I had a keen awareness of my physical and mental state; each day was distinctly different, and I experienced a range of genuine emotions. In today’s fast-paced environment, I often struggle to complete tasks on time due to these lingering issues. While working, I might initiate a task but then hit a mental roadblock—be it waiting for a process to load or for information from a colleague. In these moments, my mind defaults to an unconscious quest for stimulation; I find myself zoning out or aimlessly scrolling on my phone. This behavior, which is increasingly common, contrasts sharply with my younger self, who functioned much more efficiently prior to stopping amphetamines. Before my use of amphetamines, I engaged in what I called ‘active learning’; I could intuitively grapple with challenges as they arose. Now, this process requires immense effort, and I’m relegated to ‘passive learning’, where I need to motivate myself with external incentives to grasp concepts. Additionally, I can no longer simply absorb information when someone explains something—I often must record meetings to ensure I can re-listen later, allowing me to fully process the information over time. Am I facing irreparable damage to my cognitive functioning? What pathways do I have to explore for improvement?
Seeking Answers for Leg Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
**Female, 19 Years Old** Height: 170 cm Weight: 60 kg Occasional smoker (rarely; a typical 20-pack lasts several months). ### Medical History: - Paroxysmal Sinus Tachycardia (unexplained): This condition arose after I used a prescribed spray for a persistent cough that left me feeling unwell, leading to an ER visit where I was informed the medication was intended for severe COPD patients. - Adenomyosis. - Two strabismus surgeries on both eyes (most recent on March 25). ### Current Medications: 1. **Bisoprolol 1.25 mg**: Prescribed for tachycardia and mild hypertension (140/90 to 160/100). 2. **Elvanse 40 mg**: For ADHD (tests have ruled it out as a cause of my symptoms). 3. **Birth control pill (Maxim)**: Used to help manage adenomyosis-related pain. All medications have been well-tolerated without previous issues. ### Symptoms: I'll try to keep this concise, though expressing myself in English can be challenging for me: My legs have recently developed a concerning tendency to jerk involuntarily. Initially, I considered deficiencies like magnesium or sleep issues, but this has persisted for months, causing several awkward situations. **Current Predicament**: The discomfort in my legs has become severe. On two occasions, the pain struck while I was out, making it difficult to walk due to an overwhelming feeling of heaviness and ache. My legs and even my lips turn blue and feel cold quickly, leading to frequent remarks about their color. This phenomenon used to happen only in cold environments, but now it occurs even in temperate settings. Beyond the jerking, the leg pain is erratic but notable. Although it doesn't strike daily, when it does, the intensity is undeniable. I'm now facing unanticipated issues with stairs; some days I can navigate them easily, while on other occasions, merely taking four steps feels daunting, leaving me slightly winded. After a recent echo at the ER—triggered by a prior doctor's concern regarding my health during a rough spell—tachycardia symptoms resurfaced despite my medication. The diagnostic tests appeared normal, leading my GP to downplay my issues. She suggested that if I experience leg pain, I should consult an orthopedist and that my symptoms might be stress-related, attributing them to my age and physique. I want to emphasize that I’ve tried all recommended remedies: magnesium supplements, various natural solutions, staying hydrated, and I’ve ceased smoking. I feel apprehensive about visiting another doctor due to previous experiences where I was dismissed as merely being “young and slim.” I’m unsure where to turn next, especially since I firmly believe that my situation isn’t stress-related. If there were stressors, I would certainly acknowledge them. My vocational training is going splendidly, with high marks, and I genuinely enjoy my work. Life is stable—no personal issues, breakups, or conflicts; the most dramatic aspect is possibly a slightly messy room, which I feel wouldn't influence my health. Despite assurances from a psychiatrist and a licensed therapist that I have a sound understanding of my situation with no identifiable emotional concerns, my doctor insists that stress management is key. However, I maintain that stress is not an issue for me. I’m left searching for guidance on how to navigate these ongoing health concerns, which began around September and seem to be intensifying. Recommendations?
Uncertainty About Jaw Pain and Skin Issues
I'm a 17-year-old male, standing around 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 140 to 150 pounds. Occasionally, on the left side of my jaw, I experience a strange sensation about once a year, where something seems to roll over under the skin. It feels akin to a flexible tube, and it can be quite painful when I become aware of it. Touching it causes discomfort, and when I attempt to push it back, the pain intensifies until it settles back into what I believe is its original position. Does anyone have insights into what this might be? Additionally, I have a minor observation regarding my right foot. There’s a small section of skin that protrudes when I apply pressure while standing. It seems insignificant, but I’m curious if anyone knows what it could be.
Enlarging Lymph Node Under Chin: Seeking Insights
I'm uncertain if this is the best forum for my query, but I'm seeking some general medical advice. I’m a 25-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 175 pounds. I identify as Caucasian and reside in the United States. I do not partake in smoking or recreational drug use; however, I consume alcohol on a regular basis. Currently, the only medication I am taking is nystatin, which was recently prescribed for an episode of oral thrush. I do not have any significant health issues. In 2016, I first discovered a lymph node under my chin that was roughly the size of a marble. An ultrasound conducted back then showed no alarming findings, and the physicians didn't express any worries. Shortly afterward, I found another lymph node in close proximity to the first one. Over the following years, both nodes reduced in size to approximately that of a pea or bean, with only minor fluctuations occurring since then. Occasionally, they would feel slightly tender but generally did not cause discomfort. Throughout the years, I've consulted with primary care doctors as well as specialists about these lymph nodes. The prevalent consensus seems to be that sometimes lymph nodes may not revert back to their initial size once they’ve swollen. My blood tests have returned normal results, I haven’t experienced night sweats, and my weight has remained relatively stable at about 175 pounds. After experiencing oral thrush again (roughly a year after my initial occurrence), I was prescribed nystatin once more. Just a couple of days ago, I observed that the original lymph node from 2016 had become enlarged again, returning to its marble size and, for the first time in several years, is now tender to the touch. I plan to visit my doctor later this week, but in the meantime, I am curious to know: **Is it typical for lymph nodes that have been stable for an extended period to temporarily swell and become painful during infections like oral thrush?** **In Summary:** A pair of lymph nodes under my chin has been present since 2016, previously shrinking to pea-sized with normal test results. After experiencing a recent episode of oral thrush treated with nystatin, one of the lymph nodes has returned to marble size and is now tender.
Can an Acquired Brain Injury Influence Political Views?
In February 2024, I unexpectedly experienced an acquired brain injury (ABI), which I understand can also be described as an anoxic brain injury, despite these terms not being perfectly synonymous in all contexts. **I’m 21 years old.** Since this incident—coupled with numerous neurological consultations and subsequent care—I’ve noticed a significant transformation in my political outlook, leaning increasingly toward progressive ideologies. Before my ABI, my views were predominantly conservative. Interestingly, even though I've been identifying as transgender since 2016, I found myself aligned with right-leaning politics. At one point, I even considered joining the local chapter of Turning Point USA at my previous private school. However, post-recovery from my ABI, there's been a dramatic shift—I now identify with leftist principles, bordering on what many might consider radical socialism. This ideological change has not only influenced my personal views but has also affected relationships with my family. I acknowledge that the current political climate is quite divisive, and it might have influenced my perspectives as well. Moreover, a noteworthy detail is that when I regained consciousness after my ABI, Joe Biden was still the sitting president, almost as if I had literally awoken to a new world. Thus, I’m left pondering: Could my ABI have triggered this shift in my political beliefs? Or is it simply a natural part of growing up? It’s important to note that this change occurred during a crucial transition phase in my life from adolescence to adulthood, as I was only 19 when my ABI happened. I’m open to questions and discussions about my experiences! Feel free to engage! Moderators: I hope this inquiry aligns with the forum's guidelines. I've reviewed the rules and couldn’t find anything explicitly prohibiting political discussions. If it’s an issue, I’d appreciate a private message before any action is taken to remove my post. To everyone reading this: I’m not inviting debates about personal political views. I’m sincerely asking a question based on my experiences and the science behind brain injuries. TL;DR: Can an acquired brain injury lead to changes in political beliefs?