Left Abdominal Discomfort

[c_woodo33]

I have been experiencing left abdominal discomfort for over a month now. It can be felt from my belly button all the way over to the left side of my back. From the ribs down almost to my waistline, so basically my entire upper left quadrant. Lower back is very tender and muscles are tight. Ribs are very tender on both sides.

It feels like somethings swollen, or there that shouldn't be. I cannot feel anything upon palpation- neither can my medical doctor or chiropractor.

It can be painful at times, but mostly just uncomfortable. Sitting is uncomfortable, laying on my stomach is impossible. I have to lay on my right side most of the time to relieve the discomfort.

Bowel movements are regular. No diarrhea. Sometimes the BM's are small and round which I know can signal constipation, but I don't have difficulty passing them and sometimes go twice a day.

I have had an abdominal ultrasound and it came back clear.

I also have a strong abdominal pulse below my sternum.

Chiropractor wants to do an abdominal MRI or CT scan, Doctor wants to do a colonoscopy. Medical insurance is terrible so I am putting them both off.

Thanks so much for answers!

[c_woodo33]

Thank you very much for responding so thoroughly. I do believe I'll be going in for a CT or MRI soon.

Doctor did do a CBC and urine analysis and both came back clear.

I'll post back if I find answers!

[c_woodo33]

Thanks for your response! I definitely think anxiety could be worsening things. The doctor wanted to do a colonoscopy to check for diverticulitis and endoscopy for crohns. Periods are normal, and not pre or post menopausal (atleast I better not be at 21! ha).
It almost feels like my rib is poking into something when I am laying on my stomach or in certain positions.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
There are various causes for left lower abdominal pain. Pain and discomfort on the lower left side of abdomen just below and to the left of  navel can be due to several causes such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, infection in kidney, kidney stones, adhesions, polycystic ovary in females, IBS, constipation, and an abscess in rectus abdominis muscle or psoas muscle. Since you do not have a lump or a tender hot spot, in all probability it is not a muscle. It could also be a periumbilical hernia that has got trapped resulting in small bowel obstruction or mesenteric ischemia. There is a possibility that there is a stone in the urinary system. This also causes pain that can be felt in groin and hip area.
Pain in the upper left abdomen and chest area can be due to stomach issues (GERD or hiatal hernia), spleen issues, due to an abscess below the left diaphragm, a hematoma (localized collection of blood), an abscess, or a muscle pull (as it happened while playing). Ultrasound would have ruled out spleen problems and an abscess below the left diaphragm. A CT scan would be more diagnostic.
Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral. At least  CT should be done. Hope this helps. Take care!

[searching871]

I honestly dont' know. you sound really nervous about it though, you should deep breath if both tests came back negative. sometimes our anxiety can unfortunately take over and exaccerbate our symptoms at times.  Do you work out at all, is there a possibility you pulled a muscle? sounds silly yet that sort of stuff can give you great pain.  I'd probably just do warm baths for now, if your tolerating food and there are no issues there i wouldn't worry about diet.  I know without medical insurance it's hard. why would they want to do a colonoscopy? are your periods normal? are you possibly menopausal or pre menopausal?