Abdominal pain between periods

Hi
I have been suffering from pain and a dull ache in my right side of abdomen just under the ribs and lower down in my right lower abdomen.  It really hurts to touch my upper right side and ribs and a little around my back.  It sometimes feels bruised.  It hurts when I walk/cough/sneeze and sit down.  I always get it around the same time each month a few days after my period finishes and it stops just before my period starts.  It has been happening for about 5 months now and I am getting really worried.  I go to my doctors every month when it hurts.  I have had an internal exam to check my ovaries and that was fine.  I have had an US on my kidneys and bladder and that was all fine.  I have been given tablets for IBS but that didnt ease the pain.  My urine is tested and that is all fine!!  I feel nauseous a lot but dont have any pain urinating or passing a bowel movement.  I asked my doc if it was ovulation pains but she said it wouldnt last that long so has ruled that out.
When I gave brith to my youngest son they left placenta inside and I had to have surgery.  I then breastfed my little one for for 15 months....he is now 17 months.  As i breastfed him for so long I didnt have periods until he was 12 months.  This seems to be when it all started!!  
I drink about 2 litres of water a day and eat healthy.  Im 33 female and my bmi is 22.  
has anyone else experienced this?  Im so worried there is something serious wrong with me that the doctors are missing.  I also get very upset that my children are so young and I would hate to leave them!! Sorry but that is how I feel.  Any help would be greatfully received

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
There is one thing that comes to mind, and you don't mention having had it checked, and that is your gallbladder.  It may just be coincidence that it happens during your periods. If you were my patient, I would do an ultrasound of the gallbladder next time you have an episode of pain.

If that turns out NOT to be the case, I would begin to wonder about endometriosis.  The next test I would do if that were my concern is a laparoscopy.  Typically endometriosis would not cause the type of pain that you mention or in the area that you mention, but endometriosis is very variable.  Infection and adhesions are another possibility and that could be determined by laparoscopy.

Keep checking with your doctors unless the pain goes away.  If the pain resolves spontaneously, then it typically means that nothing serious is wrong.  Pain that persists or worsens needs evaluation.

Good luck!
Dr B

[rberry]

Im having the same problem but the only difference is that I also have pain when I have a bowel movement. They diagnose me with cyst and that I probably have endotriosis. Keep me post