[57F] Experiencing sharp back and abdominal pain

Patient Description

A 57-year-old female presents with sharp pain in the right side of her back and front lower abdomen near the hip, which started yesterday morning. The back pain is dull when standing or walking, rated at a 5 in severity, but becomes sharp when sitting, making it uncomfortable to sit. The abdominal pain is rated at an 8 in severity. The patient is most comfortable lying on her stomach and has been taking 800mg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours, which initially helped but is no longer effective. The patient also reports a lack of appetite, a rapid heartbeat notification from her watch yesterday, extreme tiredness, and a dull headache accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. She has Hashimoto's disease and is on 75mcg of levothyroxine daily and 10mg of Claritin every morning. Additionally, the patient has a history of a calcified mass on her adrenal gland and right kidney, which were stable upon evaluation last year. She has allergies to Aspirin and Penicillin, which cause rapid heartbeat and hives.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Symptoms can include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, and pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity.

    • 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.
  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine. Symptoms can start as a dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. This is usually accompanied by loss of appetite.

    • Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the appendix.
  • Ovarian Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. They're common and usually form during ovulation. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal swelling, and pain in the lower abdomen.

    • Treatment can range from monitoring to surgery, depending on the size and effect of the cysts.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications.

Please note that these are possible diagnoses and you should consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms you're experiencing could indicate a serious condition that needs immediate treatment.
  2. Keep track of your symptoms. Note when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers.
  3. Stay hydrated. If you're experiencing diarrhea or loss of appetite, it's important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

What you should look out for

  • If your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • If you develop a fever
  • If you start vomiting
  • If you notice blood in your stool or urine
  • If your symptoms persist or worsen

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 a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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8 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the side and back, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain that comes in waves, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes blood in the urine.


How is appendicitis typically treated?

Appendicitis is typically treated with surgery to remove the appendix, known as an appendectomy. In some cases, antibiotics may be used if surgery is not immediately possible.


What are the potential causes of a rapid heartbeat?

A rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, can be caused by various factors including stress, anxiety, fever, dehydration, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or heart disease.


Can Hashimoto's disease affect other health conditions?

Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid, can influence other health conditions by altering metabolism and hormone levels, potentially exacerbating symptoms of other conditions or affecting medication efficacy.

1 Comments


Leo#17

8 mo ago

Don't risk it. Given that the over-the-counter meds aren't working anymore this could be serious. Please go to the ER!

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