[44M] Experiencing intermittent flank and stomach pain with occasional green stool

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the U.S. It causes diarrhea and can also cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacteria or parasites are the cause.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.

  • Treatment of IBS typically involves long-term management of diet, lifestyle changes, and stress. Medication and counseling might be recommended in some cases.

• Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause abdominal pain and other digestive problems.

  • Treatment for gallstones usually involves surgery to remove the gallbladder. In some cases, medications may be used to dissolve gallstones.

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract and can cause severe pain that comes and goes.

  • Treatment for kidney stones usually involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be needed if the stone is too large.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Weaknesses in the mucus-lined barrier that protects your stomach wall allow your digestive juices to damage and inflame your stomach lining.

  • Treatment usually involves taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which helps relieve gastritis symptoms and promotes healing.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to narrow relieve your symptoms or figure out what's going on:

1. Keep a food diary to track what you eat and how you feel afterwards. This can help identify any food triggers.
2. Stay hydrated, especially if you're experiencing diarrhea.
3. Try over-the-counter remedies for gas and bloating.
4. Rest and avoid strenuous activity until you feel better.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you notice blood in your stool or urine
• If you develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F) or chills
• If you cannot keep food or liquids down
• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week

Please 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.