Colicky Abdominal Pain

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.
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 Gender: Female
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'5"
 What is your weight in pounds?: 200
 How old are you?: 67
 How long has this been going on?: A week or two

 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing: Abdominal Pain

 Describe associated symptoms not listed above: Stabbing intermittent abdominal pain lasting 10 to 20 seconds in lower right abdomen just above groin area. Some days only 2 or 3 bouts , other days 8 to 10. Piercing , like a knife being stabbed into you, comes on suddenly with no warning and leaves just as suddenly... Nothing triggers it.could be walking, sitting , sleeping etc. bowel movements are normal. Am diabetic but controlled with Metformin and januvia and gluconorm. Also have fibromyalgia bur this pain much worse than any fibro pain experienced. Feel perfectly normal between episodes .

 What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
 : Awaiting dr appointment... Doing nothing.

 Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): Fibromyalgia. Diabetes type 2

 Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
 None of these
 Please list any medication allergies that you have : : None

 Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Januvia, Metformin, gluconorm, atacand +,loses

 When was your last menstrual cycle?: I no longer have a menstrual cycle
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely

Possible conditions causing this
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So abdominal pain is notoriously difficult to diagnose without laboratory studies and imaging studies such as a CT Scan. This being said, I can offer a few thoughts.

The type of pain you are experiencing is termed 'colicky' pain- pain that comes and goes suddenly.

To complicate matters abdominal pain is perceived differently than pain in other areas of the body because of the way the nerves to the abdomen are wired.

Based on your symptoms the cause could literally be anything from a hernia to problems with the ovaries to an intestinal problem.

I'm sorry to not be able to help more, but if you click on THIS LINK HERE you might be able to learn a bit about possible and likely causes of your pain.

Thanks for your question.

 

Abdominal Pain and a Trip to Mexico

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I have recently (a week) had a dull ache to the right of my solar plexus, just below the lower rib. I have recently been on holiday to Mexico.Otherwise I am fit and well.

 Gender: Male
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'8"
 What is your weight in pounds?: 231
 How old are you?: 47.5
 How long has this been going on?: A few days

 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
 Chest Pain

 What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
 : I have as yet not taken any action

 Please list any medication allergies that you have : : Ampicillin
 Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) ::  I am prescribed Allopurinol for uric acid (gout).

 When was your last menstrual cycle?: Now
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Weekly

Possible causes?
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Well that's a tough one. Obviously your gall bladder could be a problem as this is the most common cause of pain in the right side of the abdomen under the rib. Without other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea it's very hard to guess further than this. If your pain is persistent or recurrent you should see your physician as labs and imaging studies might be needed to assess the cause of this pain. Be well.

Multiple Sclerosis?

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About 4 months ago, I experienced severe pain in my left eye and severe vertigo.  The vertigo eventually went away, but the pain didn't.  I saw an eye doctor and a neuro eye doctor who said that my eye was healthy, no injury.  The neuro eye doc ordered a CAT scan and blood work, as my eye was bulging a bit.  Everything came back normal.  Went to my neurologist who ordered an MRI.  He said it was most likely optic neuritis, and there was a chance it could be MS.  MRI came back normal.  Neurologist then ordered an MRI of my cervical spine to rule out Devic's syndrome.  And also 3 days of consecutive IV steroids to reduce inflammation/pain. I have had no other symptoms of MS. Nor have I lost my vision or have experienced any visual problems.
 However, I've read that a person can have it even though the MRI is clean. I also have fibromyalgia if that is relevant. I just want to know if it's possible to have MS.  Not looking for a diagnosis, just your thoughts.  Also, there are two people (second cousins) who have MS in the family, and my neurologist mentioned that it's possible that MS does run in families.  Thank you.

 Gender: Female
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5' 2"
 What is your weight in pounds?: 196
 How old are you?: 37
 How long has this been going on?: More than a month
 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
 Eye
 Describe associated symptoms not listed above: Severe constant pain in left eye

 What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
 : CAT scan - normal
 Blood work on thyroid - normal
 MRI - normal
 (1) IV infusion of steroids - pain went away for a day and a half, only to return
 Will have 3 days of IV steroids in 2 weeks
 MRI of cervical spine ordered but not done yet
 Taking painkillers, motrin, and neurotin
 Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery : fibromyalgia
 intractable vertigo
 migraines
 TMJ surgery at 15
 Ankle surgery in 2011
 Tonsils out at 7
 Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
 Cancer

 Please list any medication allergies that you have : : Emaycin, penicillin and derivatives, flagyl
 Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Elavil 75mg 1x/day
 Reglan 5mg 2x/day
 Omeprozole 20mg 2x/day
 Birth control
 Allegra 180 1x/day
 Allergy injections 1x/month
 Neurotin 1x/day
 Motrin 800mg 3x/day
 Zoloft 100mg 1x/day
 Xanaz .25mg as needed
 Maxalt 10mg as needed
 Vitamin D
 When was your last menstrual cycle?: 1 week ago
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Never
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Good gracious! I'm sorry you have so many problems (and so many medicines to take).

I do not think you have MS for two reasons. First of all, your MRI, the diagnostic test of choice, was normal. But perhaps even more importantly, you saw an Ophthalmologist who did a direct visualization of your optic nerve. You did NOT have optic neuritis if an eye doctor did not see bulging of the optic disc on exam. Period. I am not sure what this was or if you will ever know, but it is not MS.

Be Well

Acute Mid-Abdominal Pain

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.

I have felt nauseous all day, and about 30 minutes ago I had an intense radiating pain just above my solar plexus and through to the corresponding area of my back. I felt like a couldn't breathe deeply, but I had no trouble breathing. I got dizzy and started to black out. The pain lasted for about 3-5 minutes then slowly went away.  This started today but the drop down box wouldn't recognize that answer.

 Gender: Female
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5' 6"
 What is your weight in pounds?: 140
 How old are you?: 45
 How long has this been going on?: A few days

 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
 Abdominal Pain
 Difficulty Breathing
 Vomiting
 Nausea
 Musculoskeletal Pain

 What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
 : Laid down.

 Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): D&C 2005, 2 C-sections 2006, 2012

 Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
 Hypertension
 Please list any medication allergies that you have : : None
 Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Chlorthalid 25mg, Wellbutrin 300xl, vitamin D, Motrin
 When was your last menstrual cycle?: Now
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Never

 What could the pain be from?
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So sorry this question sat for a while. For the benefit of my readers more than you at this point any pain such as you experienced with nausea and near-syncope is not something to ignore or try to sleuth-out on the internet. It is a reason to go directly to the ER.

Many things could cause this; ulcer disease, pancreatitis, Aortic dissection, blood clot in the lung... but first and foremost any pain in or near the chest of the nature you have described and with your history of hypertension should be assumed to be heart related... a heart attack, until proven otherwise. This remains true even if the pain resolves as this pain could be a harbinger of a heart attack.

Again, sorry for the delay in answering, if you are still having this problem please get in with your physician as soon as you possibly can, and if the pain recurs go to the ER.

Be Well

Gall Bladder Pain Without a Gall-Bladder

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.

I have been experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. it starts usually at the very bottom of my sternum closer to the right side of my body & as it gets more intense it radiates to my ribs & i always break out into a pouring sweat & get either really pale or my face gets really red & I can barely breath but if I calm down (which I've managed to do a little better) I can ease the pain a tiny bit by breathing in through my nose & outta my mouth. The episodes last less than an hour most of the time & since April of 2009 when the first one happened I've had them at least once a month sosometimes more. it started about 4 days after having my gallbladder removed (lapriscopic) I had no gall stones at all just after doing all proper testing it showed that my gallbladder only 12% function. please help no Dr can tell me what it is.

 Gender: Female
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'6"
 What is your weight in pounds?: 145
 How old are you?: 32
 How long has this been going on?: More than a year
 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
 Abdominal Pain
 Chest Pain
 Nausea
 Bruising or Bleeding

 Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery:
 GERD
 gall bladder removal
 Tubal ligation

 Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
 Cardiac Disease
 History of Back Pain
 Hypertension

 Please list any medication allergies that you have : : NSAIDS
 Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Hydrocodone 5/325
 Santa 150mg

 When was your last menstrual cycle?: 3 weeks ago
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: Yes
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely

 1. Why do I have this severe pain after gall bladder removal?
 2. How to fix it?
 3. What will reduce pain while experiencing an episode of severe pain?
 May we send you a satisfaction survey after your question is answered? It takes a minut to fill out.: Yes

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You have a difficult problem. No doubt your gall bladder needed to be removed. However, you now continue to have symptoms that mimic the initial problem, and this is called 'post-cholecystectomy syndrome'. Unfortunately this can be difficult to treat and is a 'diagnosis of exclusion', meaning, all other possible causes need to be ruled out. HERE IS A GOOD REFERENCE FOR YOU. My advice is to see a Gastroenterologist, not a surgeon, and if you have done this and are dissatisfied get a second opinion. Unfortunately diagnosing your problem will be complicated, and is beyond what we can do here, but my best guess is that you do have post-cholecystectomy syndrome, and seeing a good Gastroenterologist is, unfortunately, the best advice I can give you.

Be Well

Knees or Something Else?

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I participated in a 5K run (1st in 10 years.) I am out of shape, 20 lbs over weight and stopped running some time ago due to arthritis in my knees that is worse due to the extra weight.  I had been walking fairly regularly but only a mile or two and I bowl 2x per week.

I used a combo of walk/jog for the 5K and finished in 47 minutes.  I did have some breathing pain during the race but figured, yep I am out of shape and this is normal. Since my knees felt pretty good, I would slow to walk to ease up the pain, then jog.  If it were not a race, I would have walked more or quit early.  I probably ignored warnings since my primary stopper (my knees) were not the problem.

After the 5K I am experiencing pain in my solar plexus and it is agravated when I eat.  Feels like acid reflux (or what I imagine that would feel like not having it before.)

Generally I am pretty healthy and very low stress.

Not sure if I pulled something and should give this a few more days to calm down, or if I should speak to a doctor as its likely unrelated.
 Gender: Female
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'3"
 What is your weight in pounds?: 140
 How old are you?: 50
 How long has this been going on?: A few days
 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
 Abdominal Pain
 Describe associated symptoms not listed above: No pain when I take a deep breath or stretch or twist in various directions.

No pain if a probe/press on my solar plexus area, none in my stomach.  Almost feels slightly sore, but I have always had a high tollerance for pain.

I am also premenopausal, have just started to get hot flashes and delays with my cycle. Tried eliminating foods that might be a cause.  High fat, dairy, most breads.

Do take ibuprophen for my knees, but scaled back the dose.  Typically if my knees are bad, will take 600-800 miligrams before activity or in the evening.

Took 800 yesterday after walking all day (went to a golf tournament).  Then only 600 before bowling today.

 Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): Diagnosed with arthritis in my knees at 21.  Doctor recommended ibuprophen as needed and mostly managable when I am slim.  Gained 15-20 lbs after 40 that I am having trouble loosing.  At 40 Dr. recommended I loose 15 lbs and strengthen my leg muscles.

 No surgery except TMJ at 21 to reconnect ligaments in both sides of my jaw.
 No family history of significance

 When was your last menstrual cycle?: 4 weeks ago
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Occasionally

Is it possible I totally overdid it going way beyond my comfort level on excercise and could have pulled some internal muscle?

Could this be related to being premenopausal?  Have not yet seen a Dr on that as its managable.

Could I be developing gluten intollerance/acid reflux having rarely had any stomach issues in the past?
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I'm sorry we are late in getting to this.

First of all, it is perfectly possible that your symptoms are related to GI upset either from reflux, ulcers, or these in combination witht the ibuprofen.

This being said, at age 50 you are getting to the age where heart disease DOES become a risk for women. If you have not done so already, then getting your heart checked out would be a very good idea.

From what you are telling me a cardiac cause for your discomfort is unlikely, HOWEVER, it IS possible to have sensations of pain in the abdomen which are actually related to heart disease.

A simple treadmill test would be an easy thing for you to do and probably all that would be needed to rule out a cardiac cause.

At the same time your doctor might start you on an acid blocking medicine which might give you some relief.

Ultimately, you might need to stop using the ibuprofen as it can cause these symptoms. Tyelenol would be better for your stomach while this is being worked out.

If you like you may ask questions in the comment section.

Thanks for your question and be well.
 

Multiple Medical Problems and Chest Pain

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.

Did 100 reps with 30 lbs 2 days ago (not sure if its important or not) Have had a sinus infection for almost 3 wks (dr appt in 2 days) I have back problems and have t4 and flexeril for it. I took them last night in hopes of sleeping better since sinus has been keeping me awake and restless sleeps. When meds kicked in, I got bad chest pains that kept me up all night and had a hard time breathing for 1/2 night. Today it's still sore and sensitive. Area is solar plex/between breasts.. Had this before and dr said was acid reflux. If so why does it happen only occasionally (once every 2 or 3 mos) and cause such pain for 24 hrs ?? I am overweight, had pituitary tumor, have hypothyroidism, celiac (found out in jan), low magnesium. I have had 3 kids as well.

 Gender: Female
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'3
 What is your weight in pounds?: 186
 How old are you?: 31
 How long has this been going on?: More than a year

 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
 Abdominal Pain
 Difficulty Breathing
 Chest Pain

 Describe associated symptoms not listed above: The difficulty breathing part felt like someone was sitting on my chest.. I know it wasn't the side effect of the meds as I have been on them for a while

What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
 : I was given reflux meds for a couple wks. That seemed to help at that time as I was getting the pains repeatedly. But now 3 mos later it's back.

Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): I have a pinched nerve in my lower back as well as arthritis. I can't take anti inflammatories as they caused major weight gain and stomach probs..  I have hypothyroidism, celiac disease, and low magnesium (taking vitamins)Had a pituitary tumor but it seems to be under control, not on meds for it anymore. I have had breast reduction 17 yrs old, surgery on my knee after skiing accident (15yrs), surgery on my armpit as breast tissue left  grew (28yrs),tonsils removed (16yrs), adnoid removed (8yrs)

 Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
 Asthma / Lung Problems
 Cancer

Please list any medication allergies that you have : : Penicillin - throat swells
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Cytomel 1/3.5 & synthroid 50mcg compounded in one pill .. I take 3.. I also take Tylenol 4 and Flexeril10 mg. I also take daily vitamins, including vitamin b 100 complex, kelp, omega 3-6-9, vitamin c 1000mg, digestive enzymes, vitamin d 25 mcg, magnesium glycinate 600 mg ..and occasionally iron 300mg ( was deficient last yr)

 When was your last menstrual cycle?: 3 weeks ago
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: Yes
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Occasionally

The pain causes, what other things it could be ?
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Ma'am, with respect, you have so many issues going on at once here I can't really tie this up nicely. The fact is that your symptoms could be coming from reflux, could be from gallstones, or it could be your heart. There are other possibilites, but these three are top of the list.

The point I guess I would make with you is that in order to GET the diagnosis more work needs to be done.

For instance, withn the chronicity of this, reflux is a likely cause. But you need to be checked for ulcers and you may need to have an upper endoscopy (camera exam of inside of esophagus and stomach).

You are also at the right age for gallstone disease. An ultrasound of the gall bladder is probably needed in your case.

Finally, even though the odds are against this being your heart, it is certainly worth looking at your heart with an EKG and, perhaps, a stress test.

Your other medical problems DO muddy the waters, so perhaps the best advice I could give would be to make sure your doctor is comfortable AND competent to manage a complicated medical patient such as yourself.

There are many unanswered questions in your case. I wish I could help more, but there is much that is yet to be done.

If you have any questions please do ask them below in the comments section.