Stomach pains - Gastroentiritis? Appendicitis?

[Pinewood33]

6 days ago I got a fever and felt like I had the flu or a bad cold.

The following day it got worse and I also had mild stomach aches. I saw my GP who said to rest as it was probably a viral inflection.

Since then the abdominal pain has got worse, but the flu symptoms have gone away. I had diarrhoea on one day but my bowel movements seem to be back to normal now, although it does feel hard to pass gas and I do need to strain to pass a bowel movement.

The abdominal pains peaked about 3 days ago - the pain woke me in the night. Since then (i.e. in the last 2 days) I have cheered up as the pains have got much less worse. My fever has gone and I felt much better.

Today, however, the abdominal pains are back to their original strength and I've still got a bit of a headache/flu feeling.

The abdominal pains are all over my stomach area (not concentrated to the right). The pain comes and goes - it is sometimes quite bad, but AFTER eating it seems to be pretty much gone. The pain is NOT intensified by pressing the stomach area.

The pain is hard to describe. It feels like cramp/bloated/trapped gas feeling. My stomach often makes rumbly/bubbly noises.

My MAJOR concern is appendicitis - as I know how important it is to get the appendix taken out before it bursts. Given that my pains are not concentrated in the right and not that intense, does it seem unlikely to ne appendicitis? Could appendix symptoms drag on this long (it's coming up for a week). The pain has got no worse and if anything seems to be improving. Also, would appendicitis symptoms usually go after eating a meal?

I'm extremely anxious and worried right now. Appreciate any advice!

[Katy0331]

A related discussion, Same symtoms was started.

[Pinewood33]

Dr. Poorna Chandra,

Thank you for your reply. It's been a couple of weeks now. I am feeling better, however, still have the lower abdominal pain. It comes and goes. It is worst in the afternoon/evening and is usually accompanied with rumbling/stomach noise. My stools are also dry. I drink 8-10 glasses of water a day so am definitely no dehydrated.

I've been researching online and think it could be IBS. Does this sound possible based on the continuing pain? Or could the pain from the previous virus I had STILL be present after all this time? Or could it be a food allergy?

Thanks.

[Poorna Chandra, SMD, DM]

Dear Pinewood33,

Thanks for writing in.

The pains and symptoms that you have detailed here are suggestive an enteritis or inflammation of the small intestine with some dysmotility (abnormal movements of the intestines). This is most commonly infectious in origin but can occur due to other causes as well.

Pain in appendicitis is usually sharp and starts in the periumbilical area (area around the umbilicus) and later shifts to the right lower zone. It is usually associated with vomiting and some fever. A dull aching pain with severe tenderness in the right lower zone may persist for few days. Hence, given your description, the likelihood of appendicitis is low.

However, an ultrasound abdomen and stool routine examination for 3 days (which means that you need to give the sample on 3 days) will clarify matters.

I would suggest that you speak with your treating physician about this. Please put aside all your apprehensions. You will be fine in a few days.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

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Best Regards,
Dr. Poorna Chandra