Discomfort in lower abdomen

I have taken Tylenol in high doses ( 8000 mg) day for years to treat back pain. Recently, I have had lower stomach discomfort(tightness). It has been ongoing for 3 weeks. No sickness or discolored urine. Although I get a sharp pain in my lower back each morning when I urinate. It is one shot of pain and then gone. I have been drinking diet Pepsi and have become addicted to it and sure the combination needs to stop. Any idea what the pain could be and the discomfort in my lower abdomen could be?
Here are a few other symptoms:
- Joint Pain
- Fatigue

Regards

[Kevin Pho, MD]

First off, 8 grams of Tylenol is double the maximum safe dose.  I certainly would evaluate the liver to ensure there is no Tylenol poisoning.  

I would be evaluated for any type of urinary infection.  If you are male, I would also evaluate the prostate.  This can be done with a thorough rectal exam as well as sending out the prostatic fluid for analysis.  

Other things to consider would be kidney dysfunction - which can be initially evaluated with a kidney ultrasound.  If negative, you may want to consider an abdominal CT scan as well as colonoscopy for a thorough evaluation of the GI tract and organs.  Appendicitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease or colitis are all GI possibilities.  

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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
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