Abdominal Pain on Waking

Hi,

For the past month or so, I've had a strange pain in my lower left abdomen on waking in the morning. It is kind of a sore feeling, like someone punched me or like I badly strained a muscle. Some mornings it is very pronounced, though not unbearable. Other mornings it is barely noticeable or absent altogether. It always seems to go away or at least fade as soon as I sit up. I can't seem to find any information on that type of symptom anywhere I've looked. Kind of strange and worrisome. I am a 32 year old female. Thanks for any help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

GI causes for lower left abdominal pain can be irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or a colonic polyp.  Other causes to consider would be a hernia, kidney infection/stone or GYN causes (i.e. an ovarian cyst).  

I would consider an exam by your personal physician.  Tests to consider would be a transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries as well as an abdominal/pelvic CT scan.  If those are negative, a colonoscopy can be considered.  

If all the tests are negative, then you may attribute the cause to a muscle strain, but you may want to ensure there isn't anything more serious first.  

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:
kevinmd_b

[kevinmd]

I'll be away until May 10th.  Have a nice weekend everyone.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b