swollen stomach

Question

two nights ago when I returned from a long drive my whole stomach area swelled up. It has come down a little except on the lower right side. It is not comfortable but I only get sharp gas like pains once in awhile.My bowel movements in the morning only produce a little compared to normal.

This discussion is related to pain in lower right side.

mammo · Accepted Answer

No, don't wait.  Try an Urgent Care Facility first, (usually open 24 hours) this costs about the same as a visit to your doctor, maybe a little more.  They can evaluate you and determine if this needs to be addressed at the ER. This way you may find out what is going on without the high cost of an ER visit.  But go to the ER if need be, they will work out a payment plan with you.  Now is not the time to worry about the money, I'm sure they are seeing a lot of this right now and have no choice but to work with people.
Try the Urgent Care and go from there, good luck and let us know how you are doing.

LivingInHope · Answer

Also, if you were not previously aware you had diverticulosis, I hope you were given the dietary advice for those with those sac-like pouches in the intestine in order to try to prevent diverticulitis from rearing its ugly head again!  Things like avoiding seeds and popcorn, where particles can get trapped in the pouches and cause irritation and inflammation!

LivingInHope · Answer

Thanks for the update!  I'm glad you got a diagnosis.  And since you are taking two antibiotics, that can kill your good bacteria as well as your bad.  A friend of mine recommended taking acidophilus capsules during taking antibiotic.  It can really help about the diarrhea that often can start up as a side effect otherwise taking antibiotics- you might want to get some (over the counter)!

mammo · Answer

Thanks for letting us know.  I'm glad you now know what you are dealing with, and do keep us posted.

markinrio · Answer

I went to ER this morning. Could not take it anymore. Had a CAT scan and diagnosis is DIVERTICULITIS. I have two antibiotics to start taking and see another doctor on tuesday. My small intestine is infected. Thanks to all of you for your concern and help. I explained my finacial situation and the hospital is going to work with me. I just feel so much better that I know what it is and that it is not more serious. I will post again after tuesday doctor visit.

LivingInHope · Answer

I am wondering if you are retaining fluid with the change in pants size.  Abdominal ascites can cause bloating of the abdomen.  That's where you have too much fluid in the peritoneal cavity.  Or if you may have something obstructing your bowels that you went so little after an enema if you were very constipated.   But you say in your description of where it is more swollen- on the right side, right about where the rib cage ends... that's where your gall bladder and liver are located. 
 
It's kind of difficult to say what you should do- ERs are better equipped for life threatening emergencies, which we don't know if you might have.  They do have to take you, regardless of your ability to pay and typically can recommend how to apply for financial aid, if necessary.  In our phone book, they have nurse hotlines you can call - one is connected to a hospital in the area and there's another one listed.  They look at criteria so they can know how to triage you- whether you can wait to be seen or not.  May I suggest you call one of them?  If you can't find a number in your phone book under hospitals, PM me and I'd be happy to get you one.

markinrio · Answer

I did the enema 1 1/2 hours ago and about 15 minutes later i had a bowel movement although it was not a large one. There has been very little pain today, mostly a stuffed feeling. My stomach is still very bloated...about two pants sizes bigger than normal..a little more swollen on the right side right about where the rib cage ends. I have not lost my appetite but am afraid to eat too much. I don't have a regular doctor and I don't have insurance so I am hesitant to go to the ER. Is it a good idea to try the simethicone and wait and see?

LivingInHope · Answer

First, try pushing on the lower right side- if it hurts worse when you release your hand from pushing in (when your abdomen comes back up), get to an ER to make sure you don't have appendicitis.  

If not, you might try taking some simethicone over the counter medicine for the gas pain.  If this is only the first morning you are a little constipated, you might try an increase in fiber, like eating a few prunes or a bunch of cooked carrots to see if you can get things moving.  Or you might try some miralax to try to get things moving better.  I wouldn't do a fleet's enema unless you are sure you don't have appendicitis and it's been a few days since you've had a good bowel movement, as they can be pretty harsh on a body.

mammo · Answer

Give yourself a Fleet enema to get things moving.  Sitting for long periods of time can cause constipation and trapped gas.  If you get no relief go to your ER to ensure you aren't partially blocked.  Take care and good luck.