Is it pelvic pain or intestinal pain?

[Kathi Kimmerle]

What would cause very severe pain below the belly button? The pain seems to be centered right over the bladder area. It's very sharp and cramp-like, and comes in waves. It was worse yesterday than it has been today. There is always a dull ache in that area, and my lower back aches too, but the sharp severe pain only comes in waves.  When the sharp pain hits I just want to roll over and die!!

I had appendicitis and a ruptured ovarian cyst a few weeks ago. I also just got over diverticulitis. I know it's cleared up because a recent CT Scan showed no further infection. It did, however, show an ovarian "mass," which I am assuming is another cyst. My doctor will be doing further tests, and I'm on Darvocet and Hyoscyamine in the mean time to help deal with this incredible pain. Thankfully, the meds are taking the edge off of the pain, but I can't stay on these potent drugs for too long!

I had a hysterectomy three years ago due to adenomyosis, endometriosis and prolapse. My left ovary was also removed due to severe endo. Because of this history, I'm having a hard time deciding if this bad pain I'm having now is pelvic or gastro - or both! And, is it related to my recent surgery and/or the diverticulitis infection? Could my ovary be going crazy? Is the endo back? Too many questions...

I guess what it all boils down to is.....HELP!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Causes in that area can include diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, a colon mass, gynocologic conditions such as ovarian disorders, endometriosis, and urologic conditons including bladder disorders.

Tests for further evaluation would include an abdominal CT scan, urinalysis, or possible colonoscopy - which can evaluate for the GI causes and rule out any genitourinary infections.  If negative, you may then consider a transvaginal ultrasound, which would be a sensitive test to evaluate the ovaries.  

I would suggest further evaluation with a gastroenterologist or gynocologist.    

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.

[kevinmd]

I will be away until January 4th.  I will answer your question when I return.

Happy holidays,
Kevin, M.D.

[aye]

ps. help 42 year old male had hep  cfor 10 yr. completed treatment .beat it  liver liver levels normal as well as all outher labs for 2 years have  left upper quandrant pain , some times very sever  mostly dull.  ct.scan normal mri nomal  colonoscapy ok 2 small polups removed  i have degeative disc deseise ,meds 35 mg methadone 2 daily 40mg protonics 1dailey 5mg klonipin at bedtime hve been on those med 8years was told could slow bmovement down? but latlely very very  contipated. gi Dr.put me on miralax andducalax wich used over the years when back up also stopped takiin all pain meds tosee if that was it at Dr.instrution in hosp . after 2 well known hosp. and 3 and2 gastro. dr. as well as liver specialist pokin and probe. still no ansers. at this point any suggestins will help please family and self runnin on empty as well as funds/

[aye]

ps. help 42 year old male had hep  cfor 10 yr. completed treatment .beat it  liver liver levels normal as well as all outher labs for 2 years have  left upper quandrant pain , some times very sever  mostly dull.  ct.scan normal mri nomal  colonoscapy ok 2 small polups removed  i have degeative disc deseise ,meds 35 mg methadone 2 daily 40mg protonics 1dailey 5mg klonipin at bedtime hve been on those med 8years was told could slow bmovement down? but latlely very very  contipated. gi Dr.put me on miralax andducalax wich used over the years when back up also stopped takiin all pain meds tosee if that was it at Dr.instrution in hosp . after 2 well known hosp. and 3 and2 gastro. dr. as well as liver specialist pokin and probe. still no ansers. at this point any suggestins will help please family and self runnin on empty as well as funds/

[aye]

right upper quaudrant pain constipated.ps. help 42 year old male had hep  cfor 10 yr. completed treatment .beat it  liver liver levels normal as well as all outher labs for 2 years have  left upper quandrant pain , some times very sever  mostly dull.  ct.scan normal mri nomal  colonoscapy ok 2 small polups removed  i have degeative disc deseise ,meds 35 mg methadone 2 daily 40mg protonics 1dailey 5mg klonipin at bedtime hve been on those med 8years was told could slow bmovement down? but latlely very very  contipated. gi Dr.put me on miralax andducalax wich used over the years when back up also stopped takiin all pain meds tosee if that was it at Dr.instrution in hosp . after 2 well known hosp. and 3 and2 gastro. dr. as well as liver specialist pokin and probe. still no ansers. at this point any suggestins will help please family and self runnin on empty as well as funds/