“What causes a dull abdominal ache?”
I am a 17 year old girl. I have been having a dull ache on the lower right side of my abdomen for the past month. I only get the pain hours or a day before my bowel movement. I don't feel any other pain or changes. I first got the pain around my periods so I dismissed it. But now that I have been getting the ache for a month I am very stressed. I have really bad stress issues. I was already stressed with my exams nearing and all the online articles that I read regarding the pain have only added to the stress as all of them end at cancer.
I do have to let you know that I have a family history of cancer but none of them are gut-related and all of them were diagnosed in their 60s. Also, I have a swelling in my palate, which has been sent for a biopsy. The docs think it is most probably benign, but I am still waiting for my results. Also, I have hypothyroidism. I have an anal fissure due to constipation from hypothyroidism. But now that I am on medication for the past 2 months, I feel like it's healing. I don't know if the above two points have any relation to the pain, but thought I should let you know.
I do have to let you know that I have a family history of cancer but none of them are gut-related and all of them were diagnosed in their 60s. Also, I have a swelling in my palate, which has been sent for a biopsy. The docs think it is most probably benign, but I am still waiting for my results. Also, I have hypothyroidism. I have an anal fissure due to constipation from hypothyroidism. But now that I am on medication for the past 2 months, I feel like it's healing. I don't know if the above two points have any relation to the pain, but thought I should let you know.
Female | 17 years old
Complaint duration: 1 month
Medications: Euthyrox (25 ug)
Conditions: hypothyroidism
6 Answers
You must see you doctor to have a good physical exam and evaluation.
You may have appendix problems. Appendicular colic. Do cat scan abd and pelvis and then decide further treatment.
Stress can alter your bowel habits and in particular can exacerbate irritable bowel, which is the most likely explanation for your concerns. Colon cancer at your age is extremely rare. A good GI doctor can help you with these issues, but you may also need a psychiatrist to help with stress, anxiety and/or depression.
You need a vaginal/pelvic US. This could be an ovarian cyst or endometriosis.
Dear Patient,
I am sorry for your distress; hypothyroidism does not cause abdominal distress; some women get menstrual cramps with each period. Your abdominal pain occurring during stressful school period could be an irritable bowel. I would suggest you discuss this with your physician and perhaps visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment. Most likely there is no serious issue present, but you should learn to cope with anxiety, which is probably fueling your problems.
Respectfully,
Marvin A. Leder, MD FACP FACE
I am sorry for your distress; hypothyroidism does not cause abdominal distress; some women get menstrual cramps with each period. Your abdominal pain occurring during stressful school period could be an irritable bowel. I would suggest you discuss this with your physician and perhaps visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment. Most likely there is no serious issue present, but you should learn to cope with anxiety, which is probably fueling your problems.
Respectfully,
Marvin A. Leder, MD FACP FACE
Most likely, but impossible to know for sure without an examination if that there is gas from constipation that is distending your colon and giving you the dull ache that you describe. Dramatically increase your fluid and your fiber (fruits and vegetables 3 times per day; only whole grains-brown rice, wheat bread, wheat pasta, high fiber cereal and supplemental fiber, e.g., Metamucil 11 tablespoon with breakfast and dinner in 8 oz fluid). Use the gastrocolic reflex by going to the bathroom 45 minutes after your high fiber breakfast and high fiber dinner. Use Valsalva technique to help you evacuate by sitting up straight, making sure your feet are on a solid surface with books, stool, etc and blow on a balloon If no better, see your doctor, who may request an X-ray.
Simon S Rabinowitz, PhD, MD, FAAP
Simon S Rabinowitz, PhD, MD, FAAP
