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Dear Doctor, I hope you can shed some light on some symtoms I'm having. I'm a 29 yr. old female, non smoker, non drinker, 5'5, 148 lbs and pretty active, except for latley because of the discomfort I've been having. I am experiencing pain but mostly extreme pressure under my ribs on both sides and in my mid-to-lower back. Also most times it feels like I have pressure pushing up into my chest. I have had a ct scan done, and was told i have a cyst on my left side, but that it probably wans't the reason for the pain and pressure. The other night I had so much pain i couldn't sit or move much, but it eventually let up, and was mostly in my right lower abdomen. Sometimes i get random "poking" pain in my right or left side below my ribs. I didn't have a period this month, and have alos been experiencing what i guess to be heartburn the last few days and some nausea, but I had a tubal ligation a year ago. Can u please help me? Thank u so much!

Submitted: 26 days and 22 hours ago.

Category: Health

Value: $18

Status: CLOSED

Gender: Female
Age: 29

Already Tried:
Nothing, just waiting it out. Have had a ct scan done.

Posted by Lisa, MSN, FNP-BC, CCRN 26 days and 22 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello; Thank you for writing in tonight. I want to provide you with the best possible information, so I do have a few questions. First of all, to clarify, most of your pain is mainly in your upper abdominal area; however, there is some discomfort in the lower abdomen. Or, is it different than what I've said? Any change in bowel movements? Any recent illness? Any past medical history or chronic conditions, especially with regard to the abdomen? What medications and supplements do you take? Any other symptoms not mentioned here, such as bloating or cramping? Was this a pelvic CT? Was the cyst on your left ovary? Has your provider given you a diagnosis, treatment, or made any recommendations? When was your last pelvic exam? How long have you had these symptoms? What makes it better and worse? Please let me know. Lisa

26 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

Thank u so much. No, most of the pain and pressure is under and below both sides of my ribs and lower to half way up my back, and sometimes pushingup towrd my chest. No recent illness, and bowell movements are regular. Yes i am bloated and have had minor cramps associated with menstration, but no period. No medical history of this. Take a daily vitamin. They didn't say if the cyst was on my ovary, just said left side, and i could investigate further if i wanted. Last pelvic exam was a year ago and was normal. Nothing really makes it better or worse. Again thank u for replying. I really appreciate it. Also I have svt and mitral valve prolpase, so i've been told.

Posted by Lisa, MSN, FNP-BC, CCRN 26 days and 22 hours ago.

Info Request

Thank you for responding. I know questions can be a hassle, but this information is really helpful. With this being said, I have another question. Think about your pain as it relates to eating. Do you notice any increase in the discomfort after eating, even if it's 2-3 hours after eating? Any pattern?

26 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

Yes there are times it gets worse after eating, but not always. I'm also thirsty alot and can't seem to get enough water if that helps at all. Also i seem to be more tired than usual, that came to mind as i was sitting here thinking, thanks again. No, your questions aren't a hassle at all!

Accepted Answer

Obviously, there are some limits to the internet and our abilities. Without the ability to do a physical exam or access to diagnostic testing, it's really difficult to provide a definitive answer; however, I can offer my expert opinion. Based on your symptoms, I would be highly suspicious of a gastric issue, such as an ulcer. An ulcer could explain the pressure, pain, dyspepsia, bloating, and the increase in pain after eating. Obviously, there are other possible causes, such as pancreatic or gallbladder issues. Regardless, I really think disorders of the gastric tract may be the right place to evaluate next. What I would recommend is discussing this with your provider. He or she may be able to arrange a consult with a gastroenterologist. If you discuss this with your provider, while waiting for your consult with the gastroenterologist, your provider may want to provide you with some treatment in the meantime, such as Protonix for your dyspepsia. For now, I would recommend avoiding all caffeine and acid producing foods. I would also recommend obtaining a copy of your CT results to clarify this left sided cyst location and so that you will have it for future appointments, specifically for any gastroenterology consults. Finally, as for your menstruation, this may just be a response to the stress of your current situation. However, if you do not menstruate soon, you should consult with your Ob Gyn provider. I know this isn't a definitive answer for what's causing your symptoms; however, I do hope it gives you some information and options for the next step. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please let me know. Lisa

Accepts:
Expert:	Lisa, MSN, FNP-BC, CCRN
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	10/27/2009

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Gender: Female
Age: 29

Already Tried:
Nothing, just waiting it out. Have had a ct scan done.

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Yes there are times it gets worse after eating, but not always. I'm also thirsty alot and can't seem to get enough water if that helps at all. Also i seem to be more tired than usual, that came to mind as i was sitting here thinking, thanks again. No, your questions aren't a hassle at all!

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Gender: FemaleAge: 29 Already Tried: Nothing, just waiting it out. Have had a ct scan done.

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Yes there are times it gets worse after eating, but not always. I'm also thirsty alot and can't seem to get enough water if that helps at all. Also i seem to be more tired than usual, that came to mind as i was sitting here thinking, thanks again. No, your questions aren't a hassle at all!

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Related Health Questions

Gender: Female
Age: 29

Already Tried:
Nothing, just waiting it out. Have had a ct scan done.