Health question. pain in the right lower quadrant

I was in the emergency room with horrible pain in my side, thought for sure it was my appendix. $100.00 and seven hours later, all the tests came back normal except for an enlarged spleen, but that is on the other side. Still have pain right where my appendix is (they gave me painkillers) but no one has any idea what it could be, no pain in the stomach so ulcers are out. I've had my gallbladder out and am experiencing nausea. (I am not pregnant). Any one have any experience with this kind of mystery?
Mobi

Oh, ouch - I'm so sorry you're hurting, Mobi. Did they do an ultrasound? Might you have an ovarian cyst or endometriosis? I went through the former in 1992 and the pain was incredible in my lower back and around my side/groin.

This message was edited Dec 28, 2003 11:51 PM

I do have poly cystic ovaries and they looked normal on the CT scan. And I have experienced bad pain when the cysts burst and you know what I'm talking about. But this is higher up near the naval and different kind of pain. (The doc did say it COULD be a different pain from my ovaries but he just didn't know).


Endometriosis is another possibility I plan to discuss with my doctor next time I see him. No infection, my blood count came back normal.

And I had to drink radioactive tracers to get the catscan - it was awful! LOL. They mix it with crystal light, which I'll never drink again! LOL.

I know it seems silly to ask things like this on a forum but so many different people have so many different experiences that it brings up different ideas.
Mobi

First of all, I would not accept a doctor telling me he just doesn't know. I had pain as you describe for months - sometimes so severe I thought I should go to ER. Finally, after we ruled almost everything out, my doctor sent me to an gastroenterologist. Turns out I have irritable bowel syndrome (like everyone on the forum needs to know that !)
It is easily treated, and now I am not anxious because I know what the pain is and what to expect. The bottom line is, like you said, we all have had different experiences and none of them may be what you have. You need to go to your family doctor and persist until you get a reasonable diagnosis.

Severe pain can be caused by blockage. Intestines; urinary track; anywhere fluids are supposed to flow, but can't. Very painful. Yes, this is the gastroenterologist's realm; and more testing. The problem is real. You live in a populated area of fine doctors. If your insurance allows, go to a teaching hospital clinic where your diagnosis is their business.

I speak from experience when I say go to the best doctors, if possible. Get this solved and under control. No sense fooling around. You know, "come back in 3 months."

The best to you!

I don't wish to alarm you but twenty years ago we went through something like this. When we left the emergency room the Dr said to my wife when Dr Winters finds out whats wrong please call so we can include this information in our records.

She had pain for about four weeks off and on and had been treated for kidney problems then bladder problems and the only meds that did any good were pain pills.

She went to Dr number three and after about five minutes he told her she needed an operation for a tubal pregnacy. He had his nurse push her across the street to the hospital and by the time I got there she was being operated on.

She was very lucky because she was a mess inside and spent ten days in the hospital because when they got inside it had burst and she was bleeding.

Pain is not normal pain is an indicator of problems please go to a better doctor.

There are good drs out there find one even if it means seeing two or three specialist to get your proper diagnosis.
Regards Ernie

I agree with the others. Keep looking for another doctor. Referred pain from spleen problems is usually in the clavical bone area. Please don't let this go on. I have had IBS flare ups and they can be very painful. So can just infections in the intestines, fallopians tubes, overies, etc. May GOD guide you in your search for the answer.

Mobi -
If, in day to day life, you have more Reproductive system complaints (history of ovarian cysts for example) I would start with an OB/Gyne (they are surgeons too - can look inside your abdomen with a tiny scope to view your "parts").
If you usually have many GI complaints (history of gallbladder disease etc.) I would then start with a gastroenterologist. Since most women usually "have" a Gyne that would be the most efficient route, since he/she can then refer you to the GI doctor if the problem doesn't seem to be female-related.
Best of luck to you!
Eileen

Mobi,

Like everyone else says, KEEP TRYING. I had my daughter to the ER (Swedish)here in town three times in 24 hours before they diagnosed appendicitis! They kept sending her home telling me it was a virus! And at Lutheran my dad spent 10 days with 4 to 5 degrees of fever and they couldn't diagnose it. Two days across town, and they had him diagnosed and on medicine. Find another doctor!

Terre

MOBI, are you taking any new medications? I was on a heart monitor, had radioactive stress tests and had totally bewildered the cardiologist with my severe chest pain when the tech giving me the echo cardiagram asked me about medications. I had given the list to the doctor, but repeated it for him. He said BINGO! I was taking the medicine to rebuild bone in bone-loss patients and it had irritated my esophgus (sp?) to the point it was masked as severe heart pain. The doctor and I both learned something new that day. I stopped taking it and all was well! I hope your problem is solved as easily. Don't mess around...see as many doctors as you have to and get a definite diagnosis.
Pati

this happened to me when i was 14 they went in to take my appendix and found in larged ovary with large cyst on it removed cyst and said i could n't have children, I have two beautiful kids thank you Jesus!! hope you feel betetr soon.

Thank you for all the info. I will keep getting more info and thanks for sharing your experiences.
Mobi

could it be Diverticulitis (sp)?? Jo

Mobi, I had severe pain (lower right) when I was a teen and went to three specialists and ended up in emergency exploritory surgery after I doubled up three times in one hour. I had a huge appendix that was ready to burst, five ovarian cysts that were the size of softballs, a hernia, and a severerly tipped uterous (sp?). The doctors had all told us they couldn't find anything for the cause of my symptoms but the surgeon was a family friend who knew I wasn't one to double over in pain for just anything.

Get another opinion and FAST too. It may be a lifesaver for you.

I will. i have an appt with my primary physician this week. The other doctor wans the emergency room doc. I am going to mention diverticulitis as well. I did have a CT scan which showed all my organs as normal size but this is getting crazy.
Mobi

I was going to say hernia as well.
Did they say why your spleen would be enlarged! I don't think I want to know what is going on inside me! LOL!
Maybe a colon problem.
Keep us updated.

Now that Roadrunner mentioned Diverticulitis, that seems a distinct possibility. My mother suffered with attacks for many years and your symptoms seem very familiar. I hope you get a quick diagnosis of what ever it is and are relieved from your pain.
Pati

Mobi - Have we helped - or have we scared you out of your wits ?

I don't scare easily. I had mono when I was a kid and my spleen was enlarged then so that is not a surprise. Diverticulitis seems most likely.
Mobi

Do you notice it more when you've just eaten, or is it at various times?

Various times during the night and day. Doesn't seem to matter if I've eaten or not. Oh what a mystery!
Mobi