[42F] Experiencing severe lower abdominal pain and other symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both). The exact cause of IBS isn't known, but certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, or other illnesses can trigger the symptoms.

  • Treatment for IBS is usually focused on relieving symptoms and can include changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management. In some cases, medication or therapy may be recommended.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and highly infectious. Gastroenteritis can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fever and chills.

  • Treatment usually involves rest and rehydration. Antibiotics may be used if the cause is bacterial.

• Diverticulitis: This is a condition where small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that can form in your digestive system become inflamed or infected. This can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and a marked change in your bowel habits.

  • Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet and antibiotics. Severe or recurring diverticulitis may require surgery.

• Breast Cancer: Given the family history of breast cancer and the presence of a lump in your breast, it's important to get this checked out. Breast cancer can present as a new lump in the breast or armpit, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area, pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area, or a change in the size or shape of the breast.

  • Treatment for breast cancer can involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy drugs, or immunotherapy.

Please remember that these are potential explanations based on the symptoms you've described, but they are not definitive diagnoses. It's important to consult a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in a comprehensive manner and provide an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a breast specialist, for further evaluation.
2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential triggers for your symptoms.
3. Try to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, especially if you're experiencing diarrhea.
4. Regular physical activity can help manage symptoms of IBS and improve overall health.
5. Follow up on the lump in your breast as soon as possible. This could involve a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Blood in your stool or dark, tarry stools
• High fever (over 101°F)
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness
• Any changes in the lump in your breast, such as size, shape, or pain

Remember, I am an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's really important you reach out to a healthcare professional who can properly diagnose and treat your symptoms.