lower right pain 2 days after alcohol

[tribalzone]

Im a 27 yr old male, height 1.84m weight 65kg in general good health although I am on cronic medication (zetomax 5mg) for hypertention. have enjoyed my fair share of alcohol for the last 6 years but mostly only on weekends. but when I do drink it will be 6-10 units of alcohol for the night.

For the last 6 months I have found when I bindge drink I get a sharp constant pain in my lower right abdomen 2 days after drinking but if applying pressure to pinpoint the origin cant seem to find a spot. the pain will sometimes radiate down my right leg and is generally worse at night when lying down.

along with the pain (which will last about 3 days) I find myself urinating more frequently and more urgently. I have also noticed my hands seem to be a bit swollen. to date I havent noticed any blood in my stools but did have a fair amount of creamy looking mucas in one of my last stools.

other symptoms not sure if they are connected is that before I never really suffered from a hangover whereas now I suffer the following day before the pain sets in.

I have been avoiding alcohol for a while but now feel a very dull distant pain (hardly noticable) where the sharp pain normally comes from.

other background info, I was suffering with cluster headaches last year but because of it not been diagnosed correctly never went on the correct medication to control it. the result was 2 months of large amounts of over the counter as well as prescription pain killers to help cope.

I went for an ultrasound which showed normal liver and kidneys but couldnt check anything lower because of large amounts of gas which also seems to be something I suffer from more than I used to.

I really want to be able to celebrate birthdays and special days with a few drinks but am scared I could really damage something. any insights or thought would be much appreciated

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.  

Imaging the abdomen should be done at this point.  I would consider a CT scan - which can evaluate the appendix as well as exclude colitis.  

If negative, you can consider a colonoscopy to look for inflammatory bowel disease.  In the right lower quadrant, small bowel disease can lead to pain here.  If the colonoscopy is non-revealing, a small bowel follow through can be done.  

With the association with alcohol, I would also look at the liver.  I agree with the ultrasound you had done.  I would also obtain liver enzyme tests to exclude hepatitis.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI specialist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[mr.lucky66]

Are you from the UK? It sounds like your drinking days should be over as you may have liver damage. It is consitant with r. side ab. pain after boozing. How important is drinking to you?