[48F] Experiencing severe lower left abdominal pain and sudden dizziness

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possible causes of your symptoms:

• Ovarian Cyst: These are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the ovaries. They're common and usually form during ovulation. Most ovarian cysts are small and don’t cause symptoms. However, if a cyst becomes large or ruptures, it can lead to severe pain in the lower abdomen.

  • Treatment can range from monitoring to surgery, depending on the size and potential complications of the cyst.

• Diverticulitis: This is a condition where small pouches, called diverticula, develop in the digestive system and become inflamed or infected. This can cause severe pain in the lower left side of your abdomen.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, pain relievers, and a temporary change to a liquid diet. More severe or recurring cases may require hospitalization or surgery.

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. A kidney stone may not cause symptoms until it moves around within your kidney or passes into your ureter — the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. At that point, you may experience severe pain in your side and back, below your ribs.

  • Treatment includes pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up larger stones.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

1. Continue to use a heat pad and rest as these seem to alleviate your pain.
2. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
3. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with the pain, but they should not be used as a long-term solution.
4. Keep track of your symptoms and any potential triggers to share with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• The pain becomes severe or unbearable
• You develop a fever or chills
• You experience nausea or vomiting
• You notice blood in your urine or stool
• The pain spreads to other areas of your body

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.