[58F] Experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the right side

Patient Description

A 58-year-old female reports a 5-day history of intermittent, severe (7/10), localized sharp pain at the lowest rib on the right side, described as feeling like 'something digging into my side.' The pain does not radiate, and there are no associated symptoms such as fever, jaundice, changes in urine color, nausea, vomiting, or altered bowel movements. The patient has a medical history of gallbladder removal 15 years ago, well-controlled type II diabetes with an A1c of 5.3, and obesity for 28 years. The patient is currently on a weekly 2 mg dose of Ozempic for diabetes management and reports no allergies to medications.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the intermittent sharp pain on your right side could be due to a number of conditions:

Musculoskeletal pain: This is a common cause of right-sided pain, especially if it's localized and doesn't radiate. It could be due to muscle strain or inflammation.
- Treatment typically involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes physical therapy.
Kidney stones: These can cause severe, sharp pain that's often located in the back or side. However, kidney stones often cause other symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent urination, or pain that radiates to the lower abdomen.
- Treatment can range from drinking lots of water and taking pain relievers to medical procedures to break up or remove the stones.
Liver conditions: Given the location of your pain, it's possible that it could be related to your liver. However, liver conditions often cause other symptoms like jaundice, itchy skin, or changes in bowel movements.
- Treatment depends on the specific liver condition, but can include medication, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, surgery.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Try over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help relieve your pain.
Rest: If the pain is due to muscle strain or inflammation, rest can help your body heal.
Stay hydrated: This is especially important if the pain is due to kidney stones, as drinking lots of water can help pass the stones.
Keep track of your symptoms: Note any changes in your symptoms or any new symptoms that develop. This can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis.