[33F] Experiencing chronic abdominal and side pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Your upper and lower abdominal pain could be due to a variety of gastrointestinal issues, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gallstones. These conditions often cause pain in the upper abdomen, which can sometimes be severe.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, and medications to reduce stomach acid or treat an infection if present.

• Kidney stones: Given your history of kidney stones, it's possible that new stones could be causing your side pain. Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs.

  • Treatment often involves pain management, drinking lots of fluids to help pass the stone, and sometimes medications or procedures to break up or remove the stone.

• Parapelvic cysts: These are cysts that occur in the region of the kidney where urine collects before it travels to the ureter. They can sometimes cause pain, especially if they are large or if they block the flow of urine.

  • Treatment depends on the size and symptoms of the cysts. Small, asymptomatic cysts often don't require treatment, while larger or symptomatic cysts may need to be drained or surgically removed.

• Hashimoto's disease: This is an autoimmune condition that can cause hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, and muscle aches, among others.

  • Treatment typically involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the information you've provided, and they may not be the actual cause of your symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Here are some general suggestions that might help:

1. Maintain a healthy diet: Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach, such as spicy or fatty foods, and drink plenty of water to help prevent kidney stones.
2. Manage your pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage your pain, but they should be used cautiously and only as directed by a healthcare provider.
3. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when your pain occurs, its severity, and any other symptoms you experience. This information can be helpful to your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

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

• Severe or worsening pain
• Blood in your urine
• Fever or chills
• Nausea and vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking
• Unexplained weight loss

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