[34M] Experiencing severe abdominal pain with recent ER visit

Patient Description

A 34-year-old male presented with severe abdominal pain described as starting at the bottom of the stomach and feeling like a sharp, cramping sensation that travels up to the top, just below the chest. The pain, lasting for about 20-30 seconds, goes away and returns in a minute or two. The patient has been experiencing this pain for the past two days, which is described as the worst pain ever experienced. Relief was temporarily achieved by inducing vomiting. The patient also reported a loss of appetite, chills, and changes in stool color (part of it appearing almost white) and urine (darker than usual). The patient was recently diagnosed with cellulitis and enteritis in the ER, where a CT scan also revealed a spot on the liver. The patient has a history of heavy drug use for 16 years but is currently in recovery, taking Sublocade, Seroquel, Bactrim, and Zofran. There's no family history of liver disease or other liver conditions. Further tests are scheduled to investigate the liver spot.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, here are some possibilities:

  • Gallstones or Cholecystitis: Given your severe abdominal pain, changes in stool and urine color, and the spot found on your liver during the CT scan, gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) could be a possibility. Gallstones can block the bile ducts, leading to severe pain, changes in stool and urine color, and potentially affecting liver function.

    • Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the gallbladder, especially if the pain is severe or recurrent. Medications can also be used to dissolve gallstones, but this is less common.

  • Liver Disease: Given your history of heavy drug use and the spot on your liver found during the CT scan, liver disease could be a possibility. Liver disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including changes in stool and urine color, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

    • Treatment depends on the specific type of liver disease and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or in severe cases, a liver transplant.

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and is highly infectious. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in stool color.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be needed if the cause is bacterial.

What you can do

  1. Follow the treatment plan given by your doctor, including taking the prescribed medications (Bactrim and Zofran).
  2. Stay hydrated and try to eat small, light meals if you can.
  3. Rest as much as possible to help your body recover.
  4. Avoid alcohol and any illicit substances, as these can further damage the liver.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes unbearable
  • You develop a fever
  • You notice yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • You have bloody or black stools
  • You have persistent vomiting

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What could cause severe abdominal pain that comes and goes?

Severe abdominal pain that comes and goes could be caused by conditions such as gallstones, cholecystitis, or gastroenteritis. These conditions can lead to intermittent pain due to blockages or inflammation in the digestive system.

Why might stool color change to almost white and urine become darker?

Changes in stool color to almost white and darker urine can indicate a problem with bile flow, often associated with liver or gallbladder issues. This can occur if bile ducts are blocked, as bile is responsible for the brown color of stool.

What are the potential implications of a spot found on the liver during a CT scan?

A spot on the liver found during a CT scan could indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from benign cysts or hemangiomas to more serious issues like liver tumors or metastases. Further tests are needed to determine the exact nature of the spot.

How can a history of heavy drug use affect liver health?

A history of heavy drug use can lead to liver damage, as the liver is responsible for metabolizing substances. This can result in conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis, which can impair liver function and lead to various symptoms.

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1 Comments

Patricia#17104

7 mo ago

This sounds like a liver or bile duct issue! Did you get the care you need?

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