[54F] With severe lower abdomen and back pain radiating to the leg

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female presents with severe, constant pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, particularly on the right side, which radiates into the leg and becomes excruciating with movement. The pain is described as achy in the leg and sharp at times in the abdomen. It is worse when lying down and upon waking, and it is associated with a low-grade fever, redness, and warmth in the legs and hands, and morning swelling. The patient has experienced these symptoms for three years, with recent intensification. There is a history of occasional blood in the stool and urinary incontinence. The patient has a medical history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and past surgeries including a C-section, hernia repair, ankle surgery, and hysterectomy due to cancer. There is a family history of kidney disease and cancer. The patient is currently managing pain with Aleve every other day and reports no known drug allergies.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in the back and lower abdomen, and sometimes blood in the urine. The pain can sometimes radiate to the leg.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up larger stones.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by viruses and fungi. UTIs are more common in women than men. They can cause pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen and back, frequent urination, and sometimes blood in the urine.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  • Sciatica: This is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It usually affects only one side of your body and can cause severe pain.

    • Treatment typically involves physical therapy and pain relievers. Surgery might be needed if the pain is severe or lasts for more than a few months.
  • Ovarian Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. They're common and usually form during ovulation. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. However, large cysts can cause significant pain in the abdomen and back.

    • Treatment may not be necessary if the cyst is small and doesn't cause discomfort. Larger cysts might need to be surgically removed.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of possible conditions, and these conditions may not be the cause of your symptoms. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Continue taking Aleve as directed for pain relief.
  2. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out any potential kidney stones or urinary tract infections.
  3. Try to rest and avoid activities that make your pain worse.
  4. Apply a warm compress to the painful areas to help relieve discomfort.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes unbearable or significantly worse.
  • You have a high fever (over 101°F).
  • You notice a significant amount of blood in your urine or stool.
  • You experience sudden or severe abdominal pain.
  • You have difficulty or are unable to urinate.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

3
 Hugs
2
 Comments

Save

9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back and lower abdomen, pain that radiates to the groin or leg, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination.


How can a urinary tract infection (UTI) be prevented?

To prevent UTIs, drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, wipe from front to back after using the toilet, and avoid irritating feminine products. Cranberry juice or supplements may also help reduce the risk.


What are the typical treatments for sciatica?

Typical treatments for sciatica include physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes steroid injections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.


When should someone with abdominal pain seek immediate medical attention?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if abdominal pain is unbearable, accompanied by a high fever, significant blood in urine or stool, sudden severe pain, or difficulty urinating.

2 Comments


Madelyn#94

9 mo ago

What tests have you gotten?

1
 Hugs
Reply

Madelyn#94

9 mo ago

hmm. The fact that this has been happening for 3 years makes the kidney stones and upper UTI a bit less likely as these shouldn't persist for that long. Sciatica is usually more of a shooting pain down the leg not in the abdomen.

1
 Hugs
Reply

Share your feedback

All Stories


Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback