What is causing my abdominal pain and burning?

[melinda30]

I spent 5 days in the hospital in January because of a ruptured right ovarian cyst. They thought appendicitis and found the cyst after a colonoscopy. This month my period was 3 weeks late. I recently finished it. I had my tubes tied in November. I have a history of 2 ectopic pregnancies. Never had other female problems like cysts. For the past 3 weeks I've had left lower abdominal pain and burning in the rest of my abdomen. I have no bowel problems. It's constant and sometimes the burning will intensify like a wave of warmth over my abdomen. I'm pretty sure I have a left ovarian cyst. Yesterday pain has moved into my right lower abdomen. It's not severe, but very uncomfortable. I have off and on fevers and nausea. Negative pregnancy tests. There's a distinct sharp pain in appendix area with burning everywhere else. I have shooting left shoulder pain also. On top of my shoulder. I have little appetite. Been dizzy and tired a lot. No rebound pain like appendicitis. But it does hurt to press on. Should I go to ER? I don't have insurance. My OBGYN wants to be paid up front for an ultra sound and I can't afford it. What could it be and what should I do? I'm 30 yrs old with a 2 1/2 yr old and a 5 month old. Miserable and tired of hurting. Also, my periods bleed more but don't hurt any worse.

[melinda30]

Thanks Bridget.  I live in a small town in the north GA mountains. We don't have a women's clinic. Any clinic we have, you have to pay at time of visit if you don't have insurance. I'm going to ER tomorrow because the right lower abdominal pain is getting worse. It now hurts in my lower back. No other UTI symptoms. I'm actually taking an antibiotic for an ear infection. I've been more dizzy today and my left shoulder is hurting more along with sharp shooting pains in my right lower abdomen. Also rest of abdomen is burning really bad. I'm an EMT and I know those are symptoms of something leaking into the abdomen. Thanks for your advice.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

HI and thanks for using the forum.

What a shame that your OB/GYN won't work out a payment plan with you so that you can get the testing that you need.  Have you tried looking for a womens health clinic in your area?  If the pain is bad, then you should go to the ER. They may or may not do an ultrasound depending on what the ER doctor finds when examining you.  The problem with using the ER is that it is expensive and they will want you to follow up with an OB/GYN. So, a local clinic, if the pain is not too bad, might be your best option.  Abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours really should be evaluated by a doctor, so I think you should get checked out.  What you have described could be caused by many things, including ovarian cysts, endometriosis, appendicitis, or a gallbladder issue.  It really needs to be checked out.   Good luck.

Bridget