[27F] Experiencing back pain, abdominal discomfort, and leg swelling

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several possibilities:

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in the back or side below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, and pain during urination. However, you haven't reported any changes in urination which are often seen with kidney stones.

• Musculoskeletal Strain: This is a common cause of back pain and can occur as a result of poor posture, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements. This would not explain your swollen legs and feet, however.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Given your history of a previous clot, swollen, painful legs could suggest a DVT, which is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs. DVTs can cause leg pain or swelling, but may occur without any symptoms. This is a serious condition as the clot can break loose and cause a pulmonary embolism.

• Venous Insufficiency: This is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. It can cause pain, swelling, and fatigue in the legs.

• Peripheral Edema: This is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including prolonged standing or sitting, heat, diet, medication, and hormonal changes.

What you can do

Given your symptoms and medical history, it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. Specifically, the combination of your leg symptoms and history of a previous clot is concerning for a possible DVT, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

In the meantime, try to rest and elevate your legs. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, and try to move around as much as you can without causing pain or discomfort.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Changes in color or temperature in any of your legs
• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as burning during urination, frequent urination, or cloudy, strong-smelling urine

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.