Severe lower right abdominal pain

[srtan]

Yesterday morning, I began having periodic pain in my lower right side.  This lasted on and off throughout the day.  IT was a nagging sort of feeling, but it didn't cause me to stop anything I was doing.  Last night around 8PM the pain became extremely intense.  My husband wanted to take me to the ER, but I was just hoping it would pass.  I was wrong.  I could not find relief.  I tool a bath, I took advil, Gas Ex(just a precaution), etc.  Finally the pain got so bad that I was feelinf sick to my stomach.  It felt as thought something inside of my lower right side was about to explode.  Worried that it was my appendix, I finally relented and went to the hospital about 11PM.  On a scale from 1-10 my pain level was a 10.  It was by far the worst pain I had ever felt...far worse than severe contaction pain. Doctors gave me morphine to stop the pain...it did absolutely nothing.  I felt like I was on the verge of mental collapse because of the pain.  CT scan ruled out the appendix, however showed an enlarged ovary.  Transvaginal ultrasound showed that my right ovary was 2X's the size of my left.  MY GP read the report, sent me home and said it is an GYN issue.  During the ultrasound, the technician asked if I had a section.  When I told her I did not, she looked sort of puzzled at the screen.  She also mentioned that my right ovary looked large, but could not comment on any reason as to why.  I am home now on pain meds...pain is about a 4-5 now which seems lifetimes better than last night.
Any ideas what could cause this pain?  Also, I am going to get an appointment with my GYN for tomorrow...anything I should be sure to tell him?

[mary6768]

A related discussion, symptoms was started.

[akg]

Hi There,
that is a tough situation. How people without insurance receive their care is very region dependent. Most hospitals have a financial office and a social service department. I suggest that you talk with those peoeel to help you find a financial solution. AT MGH, we have a free care program for people who have financial challenges. I do not know how else to counsel you on that.

From a pain stand point, you should go back to the emergency room if your pain is a 10 out of 10.
best wishes

[creneeh]

I am having the exact pains.  I went to the ER the Dr. stated IBS and/or the fibroids have grown.  I have 10 plus fibroids and I can feel throbbings pains.  When I do not take the pain medicine, I have the severe pains on the right side.  I do not know what to do because I am self employed.  When I had medical insurance the doctors refused to do a hysterectomy because of my age, I am single and no kids.  Now, 2 operations later to try to prolong the hysterectomy, I am in the worse pain, tired all the time, irritable and I do not what to do.  Please advise.  What is the temporary solution?  Many of the health insurance companies will not touch me because of the preexisting condition with the fibroids and those that will pay charges a ridiculous amount and will make me wait a year.  What should I do?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there,
If you have pain that is 10 out of 10, that is usually a reason for admission to the hospital. It could still be your appendix. It could also be a twisting of your ovary which called 'torsion' which is a surgical emergency.
I am glad you are seeing a gyn tomorrow but if your pain is severe right now, you should go back to the hospital now. please let us know what happens
take care