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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Pain In The Left Quadrant Of The Body Indicate?

I have a 25yr old male friend that has been having Left lower quadrant pain for several weeks now that is not getting any better. He has been having issues with sleeping due to the severity of pain. He did state that he had been having hard formed stools and even after those have passed he has no relief from the pain. He is not an avid water drinker but has been drinking more water over the past 2 weeks to see if this would help. He decided to take a laxative today and has had great results from it but he stated that the pain has intensified, he now feels very weak & wants to lay down to sleep? I have advised him to seek medical attention but he would like a second opinion because he does not want to listen to my advice as, I am just a nurse. Please help & Thank you!
Mon, 18 Jun 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I carefully read your question and understand your concern. The pain he is experiencing is very likely due to constipation. The fact that he has had hard stools is a clear indication of it. Sometimes the laxatives can make the pain worse as they stimulate the bowel so it is not uncommon for the pain to get worse with their use. I would say that it is important that he takes regularly (daily) fiber supplements like metamucil and make sure he gets food with plenty of fiber like plums and pears daily. It would be helpful to avoid junk food or fast food and have plenty of salads. Drinking well helps also. If these do not help enough in 4-5 days he can add lactulose syrup 1-2 tablespoon a day till he starts to have 1-2 stools a day for a few days and than can cut it down and go on with fiber supplements as mentioned above. If the pain is intensifying he will need to see a doctor to rule out other more urgent causes of abdominal pain.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Does Pain In The Left Quadrant Of The Body Indicate?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I carefully read your question and understand your concern. The pain he is experiencing is very likely due to constipation. The fact that he has had hard stools is a clear indication of it. Sometimes the laxatives can make the pain worse as they stimulate the bowel so it is not uncommon for the pain to get worse with their use. I would say that it is important that he takes regularly (daily) fiber supplements like metamucil and make sure he gets food with plenty of fiber like plums and pears daily. It would be helpful to avoid junk food or fast food and have plenty of salads. Drinking well helps also. If these do not help enough in 4-5 days he can add lactulose syrup 1-2 tablespoon a day till he starts to have 1-2 stools a day for a few days and than can cut it down and go on with fiber supplements as mentioned above. If the pain is intensifying he will need to see a doctor to rule out other more urgent causes of abdominal pain. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.