[37F] Experiencing sharp upper left abdominal and back pain

What might be happening

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

• Gastritis: Given your history of antral gastritis, it's possible that your current symptoms are a flare-up of this condition. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause upper abdominal pain, bloating, and a feeling of fullness. The pain can sometimes radiate to the back.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and inflammation. Your current medication, Nexpro RD, is a type of medication used to treat gastritis.

• Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause sharp, severe pain in the upper right or center abdomen. The pain can radiate to the back or the right shoulder. Other symptoms can include bloating and a feeling of fullness.

  • Treatment can range from watchful waiting to surgical removal of the gallbladder, depending on the severity of symptoms and whether there are complications.

• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, as well as bloating and a feeling of fullness. It's often worse after eating.

  • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for pain management and fluid replacement, and avoiding eating or drinking until the inflammation subsides.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: This is a condition where painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Symptoms can include a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to the back, bloating, and a feeling of fullness.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed if a bacterial infection (H. pylori) is the cause.

What you can do

Given the severity of your pain, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, you may find some relief by:

1. Avoiding foods and drinks that irritate your stomach, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
2. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large meals a day.
3. Avoiding lying down or going to bed soon after eating.
4. Continuing to take your Nexpro RD as prescribed.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe, sudden or worsening abdominal pain
• Blood in your vomit or stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
• High fever with your abdominal pain

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.