Lower left quadrant pain

[Bexi333]

I'm 24 years old, have no children, and have one constant partner. I started having lower left quadrant pain about 5 years ago. At first it only came when I was up and about all day, at work waitressing etc. Since then it has grown to be more and more frequent. I'm at the point right now that I have been in near constant pain for about 4 weeks. It will usually subside in the morning, but around noon picks up again and progressively gets worse throughout the day, nights are the worst. It feels as though someone is inside me, stabbing to get out, in a very localized place in my left lower abdomen. It comes in waves of pain, gradually increasing in severity, hits a peak and then drops to very little pain, that cycle will happen in about 30 seconds and repeat itself over and over. Sometimes the pain is less severe and I can function, other times I'm curled up in bed in too much pain to speak. The waves of pain take my breath away they are so bad.  I had laproscopic surgery a year and a half ago, my endometriosis (which was only found on the right side) was cauterized and I was told my right ovary was in a fixed position after a ultra sound and told this shouldn't be causing any pain. There was no noticeable change after the laproscopy and my current gynocologist told me to stop complaining because nobody likes a complainer and I need to find ways to deal with the pain. I don't know what to do. It's so painful and I can't get answers from anyone. If it's solely endometriosis, I don't know how to cope with the pain. I'm trying to be referred to another gynocologist for another opinion but it's such a long wait to get in to see anyone. I can't continue to take days off work as a first year teacher with very few available days to take off, but the pain is severely effecting my career, my energy levels, my attitude, my relationships and my whole life in general. I'm pretty much looking for any suggestions, and someone to offer me some hope and support, as I really can't see a pain free future at this point, and that really scares/saddens me.

[Bexi333]

I have no constipation and am pretty regular, this is why I'm thinking it's not bowel related. I've been treated for IBS which didn't help at all, but I will mention diverticulitis next time I'm in to rule that out. Thanks.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I'm sorry to hear that you are in this much pain.  From what you have described, there can be other reasons aside from the possibility of endometriosis.  Another cause for pain in these area maybe diverticulitis which are outpouchings of the bowel wall in this area caused by chronic constipation and straining.  This can present with pain much like the pain from appendicitis from the right side.  The muscles in these areas can also cause pain if strained or fatigued.  I agree with you that the endometriosis angle should be assessed thoroughly so that this can be ruled out.  I suggest that you talk with your doctor about these other possibilities and be worked up for such if your doctor deemed it possible.  

Regards and I hope you can be rid of this pain soon.