Ongoing Abdominal Discomfort

Digestive health
1

Hi all.

My problem started about 4 weeks ago when I was at home in England (now in another country). I started to feel an extreme discomfort in my lower right side. I assumed my appendix had decided it no longer wanted to be part of my body so I went to see my local GP a few days later. I was told it could not be appendicitis as the pain was not sharp and I was apparently too comfortable with it. The doctor brushed it aside, unable to give an explanation. Within a few days, the pain subsided and I felt relatively normal again. The only other symptom I remember having was a lot of indegestion.

A week later I arrived in Asia, where I now reside. I quickly became aware that every night my sleep pattern was being disrupted. I would wake up for no apparent reason at 4-5am, despite only having been alseep for 3-4 hours. I didn't think anything of this. I simply assumed it was stress or being in a new environment. Over the next week the sleeping habits got worse. I would only be sleeping for 2-3 hours before waking up, sleeping and repeating the process. I also noticed the discomfort on my right abdominal side was noticeable again. However, this didn't concern me a great deal as I was still able to conduct my daily routine without being worried.

However, about 5 days ago the discomfort seemed to get worse and began to feel more like a throbbing or intense discomfort, even accompanied by some sharp digs every so often. It's also higher up, closer to the area under my right rib cage. The worst part is that I find it almost impossible to sleep now, especially  if i'm lying flat. If I try to sleep flat on my back I either cannot fall asleep or I wake up with quite a painful abdomen. Additionally, I am burping a lot more often than usual. 

I finally decided enough was enough, so I went to see two different doctors a few days ago. One of them specialises in the abdominal area. He asked detailed questions and then did a physical touch test on my stomach (sorry for the lack of technical knowledge). He seemed to strongly believe the problem is not related to my liver or intestine and hinted the cause is down to a 'gassy stomach'. He then prescriped a load of medicine. Two days later and here I am with the problem just as bad as it was before...

I don't feel satisfied with what any of the doctors have said. I'm still unable to go out and live my life or even go back to work. I should also note that in the last 4-5 days I've had a flu like virus which comes with the typical symptoms. Coughing, sore throat, runny nose, mild diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue. However I believe this is something I've picked up additionally and not related to my stomach problem. Of course, I could be wrong.

What are you thoughts or suggestions? Should I go back to this doctor and demand an ultrasound scan or just do as he says and take the pills? If you have any questions which require me to elaborate further I am more than happy to share. Thanks in advance

2

Hello Rankie92

From what you are explaining, the only expereience I have which was identical to yours was just before I got a virus, my body, especially my whole stomach area, and my sleep patterns, was affected.  I think sometimes when our bodies become distressed for whatever reason, it targets our insides, and we get various symptoms, which obviously worry us, which makes it worse. I became ill for 10 days with a bug..and after the bug , I began to feel better.  I know that trapped wind, can be a problem, I was told by my GP to lay in bed on my stomach, which I try to do, but if the pain you experience is localised to one area only, in your right hand side, and throbs, I would get a second opinion. I was informed by my GP that appendicitus, would be an agonising pain, with a temperature. If you have no temperature, I would suggest your stress in your body will settle down after your bug is cleared.  I do hope so and send my best wishes.  It is sometimes nice to know you are not the only one with the same symptoms..we all are only human, and, if you are like myself, I worry about anything unusual that I cant explain. Good Luck amd Good Health.

3

Hi Rankie,

By your description of the symptoms it sounds as if you may have kidney stones.

The pain on your side indicates this and the sharpness of the pain. The stones may be in your ureters or trapped in your kidney.  It is not life threatening but you

will have to have an u.s.scan to confirm.  In the meantime drink lots of water to shift it just in case.  Have you noticed any change in urination i.e. frequency or amount especially at night ? I would go back to your GP and insist on an USC to see what is going on. If there are stones and they are left complications could set in. Go online and look up  symptoms of kidney stones and see if the symptoms relate to your symptoms.... Best wishes.....

 

4

Hi. I suffered with simular symptoms. Right sided abdominal pains and under the rib cage with sleepless nights for years. I was tested for gall bladder stones, kidney stones, IBS, appendicitis but all results came back as normal. So the doctors put it down to stress. Finally I was diagnosed with meckles diverticulitis a malformation of the small intestine. Unfortunately for me it was diagnosed too late and I suffered a perforated intestine and peritonitis with a not so delightful 16 night stay in the hospital. 

Request from your doctor a CT scan and or a meckles scan to determine if this is related to your abdominal pains.