Ab pain, other weird symptom

[Cory830]

I am once again having abdominal pain. About five months ago, I had lower right side pain that lasted a couple days, and after several tests (including CT), the doctor said all I had were swollen lymph nodes and after a series of antibiotics, I was fine (no appendicitis). Well, the pain is sort of back and it has been for a couple of days. The pain is not constant nor severe. It really is kind of a pressure-type pain for a couple of seconds and then dissipates. It is mostly just to the right of my naval and straight down (pretty much in the pubic region, and doesn't seem to be directly over my appendix). I also have pain on my right side, about even with my naval - just six-eight inches to the right. Also I have some other pains in my abdomen and I have had some problems with IBS.

I don't really have any problems with nausea, constipation, etc. nor do I have really any problems when I walk (except for the fact that I sprained my right knee four days ago and have a limp) or move about nor do I really have any rebound tenderness, though I do think because I have tested myself so far over the past two days that I have probably created more sensitivity.



On to the other symptoms, I have been having weird twitches all over my body, but most frequently right above my left ear, in my left side, in my legs, in my right neck, in my left eye and a couple of other places. I drink caffeine a bit (I am in law school and I need it) but it usually is only a cup of coffee and maybe a Vault a day. I don't drink too heavily, though when I do, these twitches seem to get worse. These twitches happen virtually all day off and on, and while they are not debilitating, they are annoying.

I am 22, overweight and probably a little stressed.

Any ideas for anything going on?

[Cory830]

Hey, I just went to another doc just to get a second opinion, and after another examination, the doctor basically said that it wasn't appendicitis. She did a full exam and I really didn't have any pain where I should have, and she said the pain I was feeling most likely was stemming from either my knee injury (either when I was run into or because I have walked with a limp for several days). Also because it's now been more than three days and I still haven't experienced worse pain nor have I gotten any other symptoms other than the pain, I probably don't have appendicitis.

The second doctor said that if anything gets any worse or if I get worried about anything see her again tomorrow.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Thanks for keeping me updated.

There are a number of investigations for diagnosing appendicitis.These include white blood cell count,ultrasound,bariem enema,CT scan and laproscopy.One thing that I will like to say is that sometimes diagnosis of appendicitis is tough because of the position of the appendix and other conditions which may mimic appendicitis like Meckel’s diverticulitis,inflammatory bowel disease and kidney diseases.

Moreover,other conditions which I have mentioned like irritable bowel syndrome,inflammatory bowel disease(Crohn’s disease) and kidney diseases also have to be excluded.

I sincerely advise you to consult a gastroenterologist and discuss these possibilities with him.I hope that helps. Please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Warm regards.

[Cory830]

Actually I am male.

Anyway, I went to the doctor today, and after normal blood and urine tests, all the doctor could say was that it may be appendicitis or sore muscles. I really don't think it is appendicitis. She said if it gets worst to go to the E.R.

I was wondering, since the pain is not constant and there doesn't seem to be a consistent thing that causes the pain (again the pain is mostly in the groin and right on the side) how much of that is a chance at appendicitis? I've had two CT Scans in the past year and would really prefer not getting another one if at all possible (after all, the last two showed nothing, and I'm sick of spending that much money and subjecting myself to that much radiation without something serious being found). Are there any other tests the docs could use to determine if it is appendicitis or something else?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Going by your symptoms four possibilities are coming to my mind.Firstly,it can be pelvic inflammatory disease which can be caused by an infection of the pelvic organs.
As you are a female, so this possibility is high. It can also be due to fibroid uterus or  ovarian cysts.Ultrasound abdomen and cervical swabs are needed to rule them out.

Secondly, possibility of irritable bowel syndrome(which you are already having) is also there. Diagnosis is made on basis of clinical evaluation.

Thirdly, Crohn’s disease can be the cause of this pain. Crohn's disease most commonly affects the last part of the small intestine, usually located in the right lower abdomen. Diagnosed by barium enemas and colonoscopy.Last possibility is of kidney disease which has to be ruled out by kidney function tests.

Muscle twitchings are found in acid-base imbalance in the body,low sodium,calcium and vit D deficiency, muscle fasciculation syndrome,motor neuron disease like ALS,chronic fatigue syndrome,hypoparathyroidism,spinal muscular atrophy and spinocerebellar ataxia.

I sincerely advise you to consult a physician and get yourself evaluated for these possibilities.Treatment will depend on confirmation of diagnosis.

Hope this information helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries

[Cory830]

I will be going to the campus health center tomorrow (hopefully I can find the time).