[47F] Experiencing intense upper abdominal pain with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 47-year-old female reports intense upper abdominal pain that started last night, described as constant and worsening with movement or coughing. Attempts at relief with Tums and other measures have been unsuccessful. The patient also experiences nausea, a headache with a dull thump at the base of the skull, chills, hot sweats, and a change in bowel habits, with stool appearing as small pellets. The patient has been suffering from insomnia for several months, impacting daily function and concentration. Chronic lower back pain due to a past spinal injury and a study disc implanted at L5S1 is described as achy with sharp stabbing pains radiating to the buttocks and legs, exacerbated by prolonged sitting and at night. The patient has a history of spinal cord damage from a herniated disc, chronic back issues, and a weakened immune system. Medications include Oxycodone, Baclofen, Eliquis, Tizanidine, Ambian, as well as over-the-counter Tylenol, Motrin, and Gelusil. The patient has allergies to Penicillin and Tetanus.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Fever, chills, and body aches can also occur if the cause is viral.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cause is bacterial.
  • Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause intense pain in the upper right abdomen or the center of the abdomen. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and dark urine.

    • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
  • Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, and a rapid pulse.

    • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids, medications for pain, and possibly procedures to treat gallstones if they're causing the pancreatitis.
  • Peptic Ulcer: This is a sore on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus. Symptoms can include burning stomach pain, feeling of fullness, bloating, intolerance to fatty foods, heartburn, and nausea.

    • Treatment usually involves medication to decrease stomach acid. If an infection with a bacterium called H. pylori is causing the ulcer, antibiotics are also used.
  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Symptoms can include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and possibly bleeding.

    • Treatment usually involves medication to decrease stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if an H. pylori infection is present.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described, and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. Rest and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and foods that are high in fat and sugar.
  2. Try over-the-counter remedies for symptoms like nausea and pain.
  3. Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, what you're doing at the time, and what foods you've eaten.
  4. Seek medical attention. Your symptoms are concerning and it's important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Have severe abdominal pain
  • Have bloody or black stools
  • Have bloody or black vomit
  • Have a high fever
  • Are unable to keep down fluids due to constant vomiting
  • Have signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, intense thirst, little to no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of gallstones and how are they treated?

Common symptoms of gallstones include intense pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and dark urine. Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.


How can pancreatitis be identified and what are the typical treatments?

Pancreatitis can be identified by symptoms such as upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a rapid pulse. Treatment usually involves hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids, medications for pain, and possibly procedures to treat gallstones if they're causing the pancreatitis.


What lifestyle changes can help manage chronic back pain due to a spinal injury?

Lifestyle changes to manage chronic back pain due to a spinal injury include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular low-impact exercises like swimming or walking, practicing good posture, using ergonomic furniture, and avoiding prolonged sitting. Physical therapy and pain management techniques can also be beneficial.


What are the potential side effects of taking multiple medications like Oxycodone, Baclofen, and Eliquis?

Potential side effects of taking multiple medications like Oxycodone, Baclofen, and Eliquis include increased risk of bleeding, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and potential interactions that can affect the effectiveness of the medications. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to manage these risks.


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