What Causes Dull Left-sided Abdominal Pain After An Open Appendectomy?

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Mar 2015 Answered on

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, i am female with 26 years of age. i have open appendectomy 5 months ago. from that time i am facing dull (4 out of 10) pain (pricking and very irritating) on left side of my abdomen constantly (no change in intensity and nature of pain over 5 months) that moves from in midline region both above and below naval also at the end of my left ribs and below. also has excess bleaching. done the courses for h.pyroi, ppi, and antiworm. but got no relief. it is very less related to type of food i eat. other than pain no other bowel issue but feel numbness in hand and feet. done with ultrasound, KUB xray, endoscopy, barium follow through, blood test, urine test, and stool test. all negative. but not getting from pain. what it can be?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gastro opinion / CT and Colonoscopy / think of IBS

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
To recapitulate:
Young Female / 27 - appendectomy 5 months - pain on the left as explained - belching (bleaching?) too - no relief in spite of treatment - unrelated to food - no other bowel issue - many tests done are negative - Wants to know the reason....

I would suggest you the following:
-Colonoscopy
-CT scan of the abdomen
-Consult a Gastroenterologist

If these tests are also negative, discuss with your Doctor / Gastroenterologist about the possibility of IBS- Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The treatment aimed at this may help you.
At the same time, try to have control over stress and anxiety (this is a day-to-day matter for practically everyone.

I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis and proper treatment to get over your problem of 5 months.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant question if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap-of-communication.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (10 minutes later)

Thanks....

I am done with barium x Ray of colon..which states it's normal...I m bit hesitated to do CT scan due financial crunch. Gastro doc. Says it's mild gastritis but endoscopy is,clear. Does its can cause constant pain for 5 months. Plz reply

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Discuss and get prescription for IBS. as a trial that may benefit you the m

Detailed Answer:
Fine, thanks for feedback.
Gastritis can not cause constant pain for 5 months in presence of normal upper GI Endoscopy.
Your history is more suggestive of IBS and not gastritis as the Endoscopy (Upper GI Endoscopy ) is normal you say.
Well, Barium of the colon is normal.
CT scan and Colonoscopy are done to ''rule-out '' any problem so that treatment on the lines of IBS can be started. Get them done whenever possible.

You may also provide me some further information if you think can add to my knowledge.
You may consult a Family Doctor who is at least MBBS and discuss about IBS and get started the treatment for you get a relief and comfortable life.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar