[31F] Experiencing sudden and severe abdominal and back pain with body aches

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Gallstones: These are hard deposits in your gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. They can cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen and back, under the right shoulder blade, often shortly after eating a meal, particularly a fatty one. The pain can last a few hours and then disappear, only to recur later.

  • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. The pain can be triggered by eating, especially fatty foods.

  • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for pain management, IV fluids, and avoiding eating or drinking until inflammation subsides.

• Peptic Ulcer: This is a sore on the lining of your stomach or the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). It can cause a burning or gnawing pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen, often occurring a few hours after a meal or in the middle of the night.

  • Treatment usually involves medication to decrease stomach acid and protect the stomach lining.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This acid reflux can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing a burning pain in your chest (heartburn), which might radiate to your back.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

While waiting to see a doctor, you can try the following:

1. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
2. Eat smaller meals. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals.
3. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
4. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your pain becomes severe and constant
• You have a high fever (over 101°F)
• You start vomiting, especially if the vomit is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
• You have a significant change in your bowel movements, such as bloody or black, tarry stools, or severe diarrhea or constipation

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different approaches. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.