Right lower quadrant pain

I had right lower quadrant pain for the entire 2004 year. Finally, in November, 2004, I had my appendix and right ovary and tube removed. I had pain up until mid-January 2005, and it's been gone ever since..up until today!  Now it is back again!  What could be causing this pain since there isn't much left down there?  I had a work up for Crohn's, including colonoscopy in August 2004, and all was negative.  Any ideas on what it could be and which medical specialty I should seek? Thanks!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty comprehensive evaluation already - with removal of the appendix and ovary as well as a colonoscopy.

Other possible causes would be irritable bowel disease, or a kidney disease with pain radiating to the RLQ.  

I would suggest a CT scan of the area to evaluate for any inflammation as well as the kidneys.  The colonoscopy was a good idea.  You can also consider a small-bowel series to further evaluate for inflammatory bowel disease.  There are some cases where the colonoscopy does not reach far enough to evaluate the small bowel.  

If negative, you can consider an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the gallbladder and liver.  In most cases, this affects the RUQ, but can radiate down to the RLQ.  

Irritable bowel syndrome can be considered if the tests continue to be negative.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[abcsoup]

I had an upper GI with small bowel follow-through in April 2004, which was negative. I had my gallbladder removed in May 2004.  There's not much left inside that could be causing problems is there?!  It's just very frustrating!  Thanks!