sharp burning pain in left mid abdomen with diareha

Two days ago I noticed a stabbing pain in my mid left side below my ribcage.  The pain only came with sudden movements, bending or streching ect.   The next day the the pain was more noticable and feels like a burning stabbing pain in the same place and now i have awful smelling diarhea (diarrhea).  I havn't seen a doctor other than prenatal care in years, usually if I have an ailment I just let it pass, but lately I have not been feeling well at all.  I am always tired, depressed, my lower back hurts alot, and sometimes my lower stomach feels like it's bruised or like i have done a hundred set-ups.  I know I have to see a doctor but I would like some idea of what could be wrong.   I am a 34 year old female.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say without examination.  Possible causes can be muscle pain, gastroenteritis, a kidney stone, or pancreatitis to name a few.  

If this is associated with diarrhea, this can be indicative of an infection or pancreatitis.  I would send off stool cultures to evaluate for infection, as well as obtain blood tests looking for pancreatic inflammation.  

If there is suspicion for a kidney stone, a urinalysis can be obtained to evaluate for blood in the urine, or a CT scan can be performed for imaging the stone.  

Other GI causes can be evaluated with an upper GI series or upper endoscopy (looking for GERD, an ulcer or inflammation).

If these tests are negative, musculoskeletal causes can certainly be possible - especially with its worsening on movement.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[dawn109]

A related discussion, could wind cause such pain was started.