[42F] With severe lower abdominal pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, and painful urination

Patient Description

A 42-year-old female presents with severe lower abdominal pain, right shoulder pain, and painful urination for the past four days. The pain in the lower abdomen was initially severe, similar to delivery contractions, but has gradually lessened. The patient reports dark, smelly urine and has noticed blood in the urine. Additionally, she is experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding with large blood clots, dizziness, nausea, and changes in bowel movements (initially constipation, now diarrhea). The patient has a history of seven miscarriages and feels that this current situation is worse than those in the past. Medical history includes congestive heart failure (diagnosed two and a half years ago), asthma (since birth), and pre-diabetes (for 12 years). The patient is allergic to codeine and is currently taking Metformin 500 mg twice a day, an albuterol inhaler as needed, and a Qvar inhaler twice a day.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms and history you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your condition:

Lower Abdominal Pain, Painful Urination, and Vaginal Bleeding

  1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Kidney Infection: The dark, smelly urine, painful urination, fever, and back pain suggest a possible UTI or kidney infection. These infections can cause severe abdominal pain and may require antibiotics for treatment.
  2. Miscarriage: Given your history of miscarriages and the heavy vaginal bleeding with large blood clots, a miscarriage is a possibility. Miscarriages can cause severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and the passage of clots or tissue.
  3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection of the female reproductive organs and can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. It often requires antibiotics for treatment.

Shoulder Pain

  1. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain from the abdomen can be referred to the shoulder, especially if there is an issue with the diaphragm or internal bleeding.
  2. Musculoskeletal Issues: Pain in the shoulder could also be due to a musculoskeletal issue, such as a strain or inflammation.

Dizziness, Nausea, and Changes in Bowel Movements

  1. Dehydration: Heavy bleeding and infection can lead to dehydration, which can cause dizziness and nausea.
  2. Gastrointestinal Infection: The changes in bowel movements and nausea could be due to a gastrointestinal infection or another digestive issue.

What you can do

Lower Abdominal Pain, Painful Urination, and Vaginal Bleeding

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, it is crucial to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. You may need blood tests, urine tests, and possibly imaging studies to determine the cause of your symptoms.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing heavy bleeding and changes in bowel movements.
  • Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including the amount and type of bleeding, pain levels, and any changes in your urine or bowel movements. You can use MDandMe to journal your symptoms and share this information with your healthcare provider.

Shoulder Pain

  • Rest and Ice: Rest your shoulder and apply ice to reduce any inflammation or pain.
  • Avoid Strain: Avoid activities that strain your shoulder until you can see a healthcare provider.

Dizziness, Nausea, and Changes in Bowel Movements

  • Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small, frequent meals can help manage nausea.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink fluids like water or oral rehydration solutions to stay hydrated.
  • Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your bowel movements and any other symptoms. Use MDandMe to document these changes and share them with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms and the possibility of serious conditions, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Heavy or increasing vaginal bleeding
  • Fainting or severe dizziness
  • High fever or chills
  • Severe nausea or vomiting

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, I am not a doctor. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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5 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could cause severe lower abdominal pain and heavy vaginal bleeding with clots?

Severe lower abdominal pain and heavy vaginal bleeding with clots could be due to a miscarriage, especially given the patient's history. Other possibilities include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a urinary tract infection (UTI) that has spread.


Why might someone experience dark, smelly urine and painful urination?

Dark, smelly urine and painful urination could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a kidney infection. These symptoms suggest the presence of bacteria or blood in the urine, which requires medical evaluation and treatment.


What are the possible reasons for dizziness and nausea in this context?

Dizziness and nausea in this context could be due to dehydration from heavy bleeding or an infection. It could also be related to gastrointestinal issues, such as a gastrointestinal infection causing changes in bowel movements.


How can shoulder pain be related to abdominal issues?

Shoulder pain can be referred pain from the abdomen, especially if there is an issue with the diaphragm or internal bleeding. It could also be due to musculoskeletal issues unrelated to the abdominal symptoms.


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