What Causes Left-sided Stomach Pain And Symptoms Of Constipation?

Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015

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

Mon, 2 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : for a couple months now i have been having bad stomach pain in my left side. i had gone to the er and they did an ultrasound on both sides and said everything was fine. all of my blood work is fine, i just had an mri done on my brain and spine and everything was normal. wondering what to do or what it could be. honestly i think it feels worse after i eat.. i was also tested for GERD and i dont have it.. wondering what my next step should be. i get some relief from going to the bathroom but not fully.. all of my vitamin levels are good as well. ive had thyroid testing done too but not the complete test. sometimes it feels like its my rib cage and goest to my chest as well

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms possibly due to underlying constipation

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcaremagic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

Going by description of symptoms of pain partially subsiding with passing stools , possibility of constipation and loaded colon needs to be considered. Normal Ultrasound scan of abdomen is very reassuring and any significant lesion is ruled out.

I would suggest you the following

1. Ensure good intake of water : 2 to 3 liter a day

2. High fiber diet : 2 servings of vegetable salad and 2 servings of fruits especially citrus fruit will ensure adequate intake of fiber in diet.

3. Laxatives like Lactulose will be helpful.

4. Avoid carbonated / alcohol / caffeinated beverage

5. Ensure intake of meals at regular intervals

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

ok thank you! could it still be constipation if i regularly have a Bowel movement? just wondering if it could be IBS or a food intolerance of some sort. if pain doesnt go away should i go back to the ER or go to a Gastro? what would the stomach ultra sound show? thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
High fibre diet will be helpful

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

Even loaded colon with stools could have such presentation inspite of bowel movements being regular. As your previous Ultrasound is normal ,rrepeat scan is unlikely to show anything normal.

Even if it's IBS, following the previous advise of increased water intake and high fibre diet will be helpful. Do consult Gastroenterolgist on routine appointment if the symptoms persist.

Wishing you great Health

Best regards
Dr Deepak

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (35 hours later)

ok thank you. i get some weird feelings of burning pain at times and i can feel my stomach pulsating if i lay still.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Burning pain likely to be due to acid peptic disease

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

The burning pain is likely to be due to associated acid peptic disease. The pulsation are usually seen and felt in many normal individuals especially if they are slim.

I would suggest you the following

1. Eat meals regularly

2. Avoid carbonated/alcohol/caffeinated beverages

3. Acid suppressant like Pantoprozole will be helpful in relieving burning pain.

Wishing you great health

Take care

Regards
Deepak

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