Frequent severe lower abdominal pain HELP

[Alicemariejam]

Hi everyone, please could someone help.

I’m 22 years old (23 in feb). I get very severe lower abdominal pain that is not hormone/period pain related or cycle related.

To best describe it, it starts as a “niggle” and an uncomfortable feeling and then over the space of I’d say an hour - progresses to a very widespread, sharp, static pain all across my lower abdomen (below belly button level). It’s associated with extreme bloating and the pain is that severe breathing/sucking in even the slightest, lightly pressing, or sitting properly on a chair is almost unbearable. I’m a social worker so most of my day is sat on a chair in the office and I literally have to lean to one side. The pain does not go away completely although staying as still as I can and lightly breathing keeps it bearable. Passing gas will sometimes relieve the pain a little and for a couple of minutes, although it barley does anything, and in fact passing gas when it’s doing this can hurt itself!

I have a relatively healthy diet, I eat a lot of fruit and veg, and some meat. I also try to drink lots of water. I would say on a scale of having loose stools, and being constipated, I am more towards the constipated end of the scale, although it is nothing really problematic and I usually go daily or every 2 days. I am 5,4 and just under 9 stone so not over or underweight.

The thing is, I first experienced this type of pain about 4 years ago, although it would be very rare and probably happen once every 1 or 2 months. That’s why I never went to the gp. Over the years it’s appeared to progress in frequency and severity of pain. For the last 6 months, it happens almost daily, but barely on a weekend when I am not at work? I don’t know if it’s associated with starting to eat earlier when at work, stress, or sitting position. However I still eat at about 9:00am (not that early?) and I only have something like a breakfast bar and a piece of fruit which is what I’d have at home. I’ve kept a food diary, no pattern or identifiable triggers in regard to certain types of foods. I don’t drink coffee and don’t drink milk - I have alternative milk in hot drinks if I do have one.

The pain is getting that severe now it is effecting my daily life. I literally can not work properly or concentrate when it’s doing it - it can make me wince!

I thought IBS but does IBS really cause this severity of pain where you can’t suck in or breath normally? That any movement of the lower belly is so painful. If I do suck in all the way, the pain is so splitting and travels to my sides and back (nearly cried when I did this today).

I’ve never gone to the Dr about it because when it’s not there, there is literally no problem. I have a flat stomach, I can breath normally. I think because it’s been progressing over time it’s not flagged up as an immediate problem too. If I’d never have had it before, and suddenly got what I experienced today, I would have gone to A&E immediately. I’d be scared to let the Dr press on my stomach to examine due to pain!

When the pain is present, it usually only goes away later in the day when I do go to the toilet. But when the pain first starts, I literally don’t need the toilet and can’t go even if I try as an attempt to make it better!

I’m booking an appointment at the GP tomorrow as I can’t stand it any longer and I am starting to worry. But I worry they will just write me off as being “fine” because I’m young and appear “healthy”. But I need answers and I need relief!

Any comments, similarities or methods of relief would be very much appreciated!

Thank you!

[FRreedman]

Normally, pain on the lower left is related to the bowel/intestines and the lower right is gall bladder related. I would reduce the amount of fresh fruit you eat everyday, (you said). I am surprised you are tending towards IBS(c) if you are drinking as much water as you think you are, and this in itself, may indicate a problem. I think you should tell your GP exactly as you have told us, and he should instigate some further investigation. If he/she doesn't then I would see another GP or ask specifically to be referred to a gastroenterologist. Good luck. stay safe and keep us informed of your progress.

[Lkhaggy]

Morning,

Anything persisitant and / or severe needs looking into. Lower pain could be IBS but lower RT (towards hip) could be appendix. Could also be an ovarian cyst if female or endometriosis particular if pain with periods and sex etc, diverticulitis if on lower Lt. Going to back could be kidney related like a stone or infection. Please visit gp or a&e if severe. All the best!

[Superzob in reply to Lkhaggy]

I agree. I think it would be worth Alicemariejam getting tested for diverticulitis - a recurrent infection might clear up with antibiotics.

[Ibs_1]

Hi Alice, I would suggest definitely contacting your doctor and push for some investigations. Nothing to be worried about but best to get a good idea about what's going on inside of you..hope it goes well x

[Alicemariejam]

Thanks everyone for your advice! I’ve spoken to GP today (only over the phone, wouldn’t see me). Im having some blood tests tomorrow, but no mention of any other scans or investigations or even an in person examination. She did ask me if it was “doing it now”, (maybe so she could ask me to pop in) although it hasn’t been a problem today. She said she thinks IBS - and asked me if I suffer anxiety! I feel like any young person with a health problem they pin to anxiety. This is most definitely not psychological, although work stress may be making it worse I guess. I’ve been prescribed a tablet today in the meantime called mebeverine hydrochloride. Do you think I should push for more tests? And if so, which ones? I work in a hospital so if it gets really severe and I can’t sit properly again, I might go to A&E, just feel bad taking there time when they are so busy atm but you get no where with the gp anymore!