[28M] With abdominal pain, indigestion, and palpable lumps

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described—dull stomach pain primarily to the right of your belly button, worsened by eating and improved with rest, along with indigestion and painless lumps in your abdomen—here are some possible explanations:

1. Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD):

   • This condition involves sores or ulcers forming in the lining of your stomach or upper small intestine. Pain is often sharp or dull and worsens after eating due to increased stomach acid production. Indigestion is a common associated symptom.
   • Typical testing includes an upper endoscopy or testing for H. pylori bacteria, which can contribute to ulcers. Treatment often involves acid-reducing medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and lifestyle changes.

2. Hernia:

   • A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, which can present as lumps in the abdomen. Hernias may not always cause pain but can worsen with strain, such as eating or physical activity.
   • Diagnosis is often made through physical examination and imaging like an ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment may involve observation or surgery, depending on severity.

3. Functional Dyspepsia:

   • This is a chronic condition causing indigestion and abdominal discomfort without an identifiable structural cause. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, triggered by eating, and may come and go throughout the day.
   • Treatment typically involves dietary adjustments, stress management, and medications like antacids or prokinetics.

4. Lipomas or Benign Growths:

   • The lumps you feel could be lipomas, which are soft, fatty tumors that are generally harmless and painless. These are often diagnosed through physical examination and imaging if needed.
   • No treatment is necessary unless they grow or cause discomfort.

Serious Conditions to Rule Out:

• Appendicitis: Pain near the belly button that shifts to the right side can sometimes indicate appendicitis. However, appendicitis pain is usually constant, severe, and accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting. Your symptoms don’t strongly suggest this, but if the pain worsens or becomes severe, seek immediate medical attention.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms and gather useful information for your healthcare provider:

1. Dietary Adjustments:

   • Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods that may worsen indigestion and stomach pain. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help.
   • Keep a food journal using MDandMe to track what you eat and how your symptoms respond. This can help identify triggers.

2. Symptom Tracking:

   • Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, including the location, intensity, and timing of your pain, as well as any changes in the lumps you've noticed. This will help your doctor understand your condition better.
   • Take note of any new symptoms, such as changes in bowel movements, nausea, or fever.

3. Over-the-Counter Relief:

   • Consider antacids or acid reducers like omeprazole to manage indigestion. These are available at most pharmacies and can provide temporary relief.
   • Avoid heavy lifting or straining, which could worsen a potential hernia.

4. Rest and Hydration:

   • Since resting helps alleviate your pain, ensure you’re getting adequate downtime. Staying hydrated is also important for overall digestive health.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of the following:

• Severe or persistent pain that does not improve with rest.
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting, as these could indicate infection or inflammation.
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools, which could suggest internal bleeding.
• Rapid changes in the lumps, such as growth, redness, or tenderness.
• Unexplained weight loss or appetite changes.

While your symptoms may not be life-threatening, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Let me know if you’d like help preparing for your doctor’s visit or writing a summary of your symptoms!