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Welcome, eCureMe.com medical contents search May 9, 2013
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Commonly Asked Questions / Doctor’s Answers
Abdominal Pain
Gastroenterology




Question

I am having pain in my upper to middle left abdominal region. The pain is in the front mostly but sometimes it hurts in the same region on my back. I cannot lie down on my stomach or sides at night to sleep and sometimes it also hurts when I lie down on my back.

I have been having the pain for about one week. Sometimes it is better and sometimes, usually at night, it gets worse. The area that is hurting feels hot internally and the skin in the region sometimes itches.

I weigh around 290 lbs., am 5’8" and am 39 years old. I take Risperdal for a psychiatric condition and am on no other medication. I have been having gastrointestinal problems for the last 2 years. I thought it was acid reflux. I had pain in my stomach after eating usually 3 or 4 times per week. During those episodes I would have acid back up into my throat and also have vomiting sometimes.

Currently with the pain on my left side, which is something new, unlike he pain in my stomach, I have been having gas, bloating and some diarrhea. I have not been to a doctor for either the pain in my stomach, which is ongoing, or the new pain in my upper to middle left side abdominal region.

The pain in my upper to middle left abdominal region is constant, I feel it pretty much all the time. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate it a 4 most of the time and when I lie down, especially at night, I would rate it a 6 or 7. I have been having regular bowel movements, although again I have also had gas and diarrhea.

I hope you can help me figure this out, I plan on going to a doctor on Monday, is this something which I should seek help for sooner?




eCureMe’s Advice 1

In view of the long term nature of this pain, it seems safe to wait until Monday. Your symptoms, together with your weight and body habits, make me think of hiatus hernia or even a diaphragmatic hernia. These will be on the mind of the PMD or gastroenterologist you should be seeing. In the meantime, taking any of several good OTC antacids should be helpful and sleeping with your head slightly elevated also. Keep the appointment.

eCureMe’s Advice 2

Probably no need for more urgent evaluation as long as you don’t have a fever or pain that ’doubles you over’. There are several considerations, some more serious than others, but it would be helpful to know (especially) if there is evidence of blood in your stool, what is your alcohol consumption? What past abdominal injuries and surgeries have you had? And what is your serum lipid profile (i.e. cholesterol, triglycerides). Consider peptic ulcer disease/duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, splenic flexure syndrome, ’occult’ constipation. I doubt they¡¯re relevant, but also consider abdominal aortic aneurysm and gall bladder disease (and you clearly need to lose some weight). Good luck!

eCureMe’s Advice 3

Since today is Monday, I’m hoping that you will have or have already seen your doctor. My concerns include the possibilities of ulcer, gastritis, gall bladder disease and pancreatitis. Eat a bland, low-fat diet, and take your reflux medication consistently. No alcohol, cigarettes or caffeine.





 
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