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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Lower Left Abdominal Pain
Question: Hi. For the last several weeks I have had persistent lower left quadrant pain. It goes away at night, responds to ibuprofen, and is lessened with some stretching. The pain usually worsens in the morning and after lunch. I have had a CT, blood work, seen a GI doc, and had an xray of my kidneys. All has been normal. I am not sure what to try next.
Brief Answer:
Colitis or disc problems
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/41 - several weeks - persistent lower left quadrant pain - goes away at nigh - responds to Ibuprofen and lessened with stretching - worse in the morning and after lunch - Normal CT, X-ray, blood work - seen GI Doc - Wants to know what next.
May I please know a few more details so that I can assist you more precisely:
- Any associated symptoms related to constipation or loose stools, bloating, nausea or any GI related problems?
- What was the opinion of your GI ?
- Any associated pain in any part of the back?
- Any other symptoms which you may feel related or unrelated to the present problem?
As per the history you have provided I have the following differential diagnosis:
- Anything related to sigmoid or other part of colon like may be colitis or IBS.
- Any disc problem in the mid-back that is causing referred pain to the area you mentioned about. (relieved by Ibuprofen and stretching)
- Since CT scan is normal, pain arising from the ureter, ovary and such area is obviously ruled out.
You may go for the antispasmodic medicines round the clock if IBS is suspected.
Colonoscopy in case CT scan has missed something (CT does not pick up all the diseases).
MRI of the spine.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to give feedback, ask relevant further questions if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap-of-communications.
Colitis or disc problems
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/41 - several weeks - persistent lower left quadrant pain - goes away at nigh - responds to Ibuprofen and lessened with stretching - worse in the morning and after lunch - Normal CT, X-ray, blood work - seen GI Doc - Wants to know what next.
May I please know a few more details so that I can assist you more precisely:
- Any associated symptoms related to constipation or loose stools, bloating, nausea or any GI related problems?
- What was the opinion of your GI ?
- Any associated pain in any part of the back?
- Any other symptoms which you may feel related or unrelated to the present problem?
As per the history you have provided I have the following differential diagnosis:
- Anything related to sigmoid or other part of colon like may be colitis or IBS.
- Any disc problem in the mid-back that is causing referred pain to the area you mentioned about. (relieved by Ibuprofen and stretching)
- Since CT scan is normal, pain arising from the ureter, ovary and such area is obviously ruled out.
You may go for the antispasmodic medicines round the clock if IBS is suspected.
Colonoscopy in case CT scan has missed something (CT does not pick up all the diseases).
MRI of the spine.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to give feedback, ask relevant further questions if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap-of-communications.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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