What Causes Left-sided Abdominal Pain Radiating To Back, Hot Flashes And Mood Swings?

Posted on Tue, 22 Dec 2015

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

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been having for about a month or more terrible pain on left side of stomach and goes around to back. hurts most when I sit or bend. Main pain in back area. Hot flashes alot lately, and very moody. I am 58 yrs old, good health, I do have Hep C but the doctors said my blood count is better then the average person. But this pain in my back right now is terrible, Im bloated, stomach seems swollen.

Im waiting for response, also I cant keep having money taken out everymonth. Im homeless and not starting job till hopefully in January 2016, Please take me off the list .

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need work up and management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. With history of hepatitis C and gastric discomforts and pain in left upper quadrant of abdomen referred to back are all connected. Hepatitis reduces gastric motility thus causing bloating, pain, gastritis and also constipation. Thats why a person needs constantmotility enhancing medication, antacids, rifaxamines and laxatives to keep the bowel free from constipation as that can lead to encephalopathy.

This back pain should be followed up a little with some work up like serum amylase and lipase tests to rule out pancreatic involvement. Once done then all you would need is some pain killers, some antacids and some diet and lifestyle modifications. Also compliance to the medication for long term use and getting assessed for the damage caused by hepatitis C and the genotype of it and get treated accordingly for that too would be wise.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

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

Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (26 hours later)

What does the tests consist of ? what kind of doctor ? I might go to the emergency room, so hard to get into a specialist, months. And insurance is an issue at the moment.. Should I take this print out and give to whom I choose to go to. ? Also, Can I give Hep C to someone if we use condoms, been with same person over six years. If he got tested how long would it take for results. ? Thankyou XXXX

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Does not transmit through condom.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

With Hep C in history, you just need follow up screening like abdominal ultrasound, fibrosure scan to assess the damage of cirrhosis . Liver functions need to be addressed. As far as transmission is concerned, Hep C rarely transmits through coitus or oral secretions. Blood and needle sharing syringes are likely causes. Using a condom would not transmit it any how.

I hope it helps.
Regards
Khan

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