[42F] Experiencing upper stomach pain and microscopic hematuria

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: This condition is characterized by sores or ulcers developing on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Symptoms often include upper abdominal pain that may improve with eating, but can also worsen with food intake in some cases. The presence of a bulge could be related to a complication of an ulcer, such as a perforation or obstruction.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if a bacteria called H. pylori is involved.

• Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause upper abdominal pain, especially associated with eating. It can be caused by various factors including long-term use of certain pain relievers, infection with H. pylori, and certain autoimmune disorders.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to reduce stomach acid, and possibly antibiotics if H. pylori is involved.

• Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating a fatty meal. However, gallstones are less likely given the long duration of your symptoms and the lack of mention of a pattern related to eating fatty foods.

  • Treatment can range from observation to surgical removal of the gallbladder, depending on the severity of symptoms and whether complications develop.

Microscopic hematuria (blood in the urine that's only visible under a microscope) can be caused by a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and certain kidney diseases. However, without additional symptoms, it's difficult to narrow down the cause.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider will likely want to perform further testing, which may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and possibly an endoscopy to look at the lining of your stomach and small intestine.

What you should look out for

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

• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Passing black, tarry stools
• Fever or chills
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss

Please remember that this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation.