[43F] Experiencing severe upper abdominal pain with additional symptoms. Also had gallbladder removed 9 years ago. Also has many fevers off and on.

Patient Description

A 43-year-old female has been experiencing severe upper abdominal pain, rated 8 out of 10, primarily in the middle and left side, with radiating pain to the shoulder. Accompanying symptoms include bloating, gas, a burning sensation, nausea, sharp pains across the stomach, and a sensation of the liver being swollen, described as similar to the feeling of a baby's feet under the rib cage. The pain has been particularly severe for the past few days, though milder symptoms have been present for approximately four months. The patient finds some relief when lying in a fetal position. The last bowel movement was described as watery diarrhea. The patient has noticed some yellowing of the skin below the eyes and an unexplained weight loss of 11 pounds. The stomach feels swollen and distended. There is a family history of ulcers and stomach cancer. The patient has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C 10 years ago and has been anemic for 28 years. Currently, the patient is taking Zoloft 100mg twice daily, an iron supplement once daily, and Omeprazole 20mg twice daily for acid indigestion. No known allergies to medications have been reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, there are several possibilities:

Gastritis or Peptic Ulcer Disease: These conditions involve inflammation or damage to the lining of the stomach or small intestine, which can cause pain, bloating, and nausea. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, excessive alcohol use, and infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.
- Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and, if H. pylori is present, antibiotics.
Gallstones or Cholecystitis: Gallstones are hard deposits in your gallbladder that can cause pain in the upper right abdomen. If a gallstone blocks the ducts that drain the gallbladder, it can cause cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Treatment can range from dietary changes to medications to dissolve the gallstones, or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, as well as nausea and vomiting. It can be caused by gallstones, excessive alcohol use, and certain medications.
- Treatment typically involves hospitalization to manage pain and replace lost fluids, and may include dietary changes or surgery in severe cases.
Hepatitis: Given your history of Hepatitis C, it's possible that your liver disease has progressed, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Treatment for Hepatitis C has advanced considerably in recent years, with new medications able to cure many cases. If you haven't been treated for Hepatitis C, or if your treatment was unsuccessful, you should discuss this with your doctor.

What you can do

Seek immediate medical attention. Your symptoms are severe and could indicate a serious condition.
Avoid alcohol and any unnecessary medications, as these can worsen many of the conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Try to eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals, and avoid fatty foods, which can worsen symptoms of gallstones and pancreatitis.

What you should look out for

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

Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
Blood in your vomit or stool
Fever or chills
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

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.

1

Hugs

1

Comments

Save

9 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Bloating & Gas