extreme pain in lower right stomach

I guess I should cantact a Dr.....,Last night, 4 hours after going to bed.I awoke with extreme(bend me over)pain in my lower right side. I was sweating ,doubled over ,breathing fast. Pain radiated to center of my chest. I had a bowel movement! Pain continued.Took maalox,aspirin(thought I might be having a heartattack) and felt that I nedded to move.Walked around with pain for about an hour. Almost went to ER, but was embarrassed to show my belly,I know how stupid that sounds. and I also had gas.This am. ,I am fine.Had a normal bowel movement.No tenderness.What was it?? I have been doing atkins for 3 weeks-could that have contributed?/ Also ate several of his snacks that have malitol and sucralose.Could this have contributed??Should I see Gastroenterologist? Would gallbladder problem have gone away completely the next day?  thanks..sorry so wordy!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Sudden, extreme abdominal pain should always be evaluated immediately.  

Possible causes in the lower right quadrant would be appendicitis, gall bladder pain, or a kidney stone.  Gall bladder attacks can have intermittent, episodic pain.

In any case, this should be evaluated.  I would suggest abdominal plain films and a CT scan to evaluate for stones and the appendix and to make sure there is no obstruction or bowel perforation.  An abdominal ultrasound can also be considered to evaluate the gall bladder.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

gallbladder attacks can be very severe, doubling over etc, and go away completely within minutes or hours. So might a kidney stone. So, possibly, could bowel cramps -- even due to the laxative effects of malitol. Certainly if it recurs it should be fully evaluated. Possibly even now.

[EmieC]

I was just wondering if a constant annoying feeling in the right side would also be considered a reason to worry.  It's not necessarily painful....just annoying....like pressure.  Sometimes my lower back hurts too.  I have been really stressed out lately...so is it stress or a serious problem?

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