Symptoms etc.

Hi,
I am a 35 year-old female and I have recently developed some intestinal trouble.  It started with a dull pain that kind of came and went in my right lower abdomen.  My doctor first thought it might be an ovarian cyst so I had an abdominal ultrasound where everything appeared normal.  I was having some mild gas pains and small frequent bowel movements as well.  She suggested a colonoscopy if things didn't clear up.  About a week later, I started running a fever and having cramping gassy pains.  That led to a night of near vomiting/diarrhea.  The fever lasted around three days as did the diarrhea, but painful intestinal cramping lasted about four more days.  I went back to my doctor and she prescribed Cipro.  I have been off the Cipro for a couple of days, but things still aren't quite normal, although they are better.  My doctor mentioned a concern about diverticulitis.  I am not having the bad cramping anymore (that went away right after I started the Cipro), but I am having gas, small, narrow bowel movements, and random abdominal pains, sometimes under the ribs, sometimes in the lower right area, sometimes lower left, etc.  I am attributing them to gas, but I am not sure about that.  I am concerned about the worst case scenario of colon cancer, as this seems to be going on for quite some time and because of the narrow stools.  My doctor doesn't seem as eager to do the colonoscopy now and wants to wait 7-10 more days while the Cipro is still in my system to see if it will work.  What are the other possibilities besides cancer with these symptoms?  Does diverticulitis seem likely, and if so, could the narrow stools be connected with that?  How long would it take for a mild case to clear up?  Will the Cipro take care of it?  Thanks for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Possibilities can include problems with the appendix, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.  

Tests to consider would be an abdominal CT scan.  This can evaluate for possible colits as well as the appendix.

If negative, the colonoscopy is a good idea.  

If these tests are negative, irritable bowel syndrome can be considered - treatment can include increasing the fiber in the diet as well as antispasmodic agents.  

The ovaries should also be considered - but this has already been evaluated via an ultrasound.

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

[frustrated37]

I dont know what is happening with me, I have had many test, done colonoscopy, etc. I was diagnosed with ibs. Would that cause pain in my left side just under my rib cage and hip?  Sometimes makes my ovary area hurt. I currently have an abdominal ahernia, could that be causing the pain. I have already been to my gyn he pretty much said everything looked normal.  Although from my ct scan/ and sonograms/ I have small circles several of them just outside my bladder area.  Could you give me any clue as to what that may be???

Thank you
Dawn