Upper Left Abdominal Pressure/Pain

[nannyjmk]

I am a 20 year old female.  I eat regular foods, I cook at home, not alot of grease or fat, I didn't even own salt till about a week ago :)

I've had upper abdominal pressure alot lately.  Its been kindof  a common thing off and on for a while now, but its been awfully persistant lately.  It starts off as pressure, then builds to pain, extremely sensitive to touch, I cant lay on my left side when its going on... the other night in bed, my boyfriend was little spoon and i was big spoon, and i couldn't even lean against him it hurt so bad.  If I'm doing dishes leaning up again the seat is unbearable, even sitting correctly gets uncomfortable.  I wouldn't say that i'm constipated... I've never been regular, its not unnormal for me to go two-three days without a bowel movement, coffee helps of course, when i do have a bowel movement though, i never feel like i'm done... kind of hard to explain that one.  i went to my doctor about a month back, he sent me for some blood work and an ultrasound for my stomach and my uterus, i came back a month later- i had lost 5 pounds, i'd love to say that i had worked for it by doing something, but i'm ashamed to say i didn't... by test results came back fine, nothing looked abnormal.  i went to the gyno and he did an inner vaginal ultrasound and he said the same thing, everything looks fine.  I've been extremely tired lately, and haven't been doing quite enough to wear myself out, i usually get up somewhere between 8 and 10, and come 7 o'clock, if i dont put on some coffee- nothings getting done and i'm passing out.  i've been looking things up on line, my back is sore, but i'm not sure if thats in direct relation to whats going on... when i get the pains, it hurts most in the upper left, but all down the left, and in my uterus area is tender and uncomfortable.  there are some pain free moments, but i wouldn't go as far to say days.

I feel silly thinking this is a big deal, by doctor is hoping to chalk it up to gas, but i know the difference from when i have gas and when this happens.  i plan on keeping a journal for the next 3 weeks, (i have a 3 week trial of Align) and I plan to record when it happens, what i've been eating, how long after i've ate, severity, bowel movements with comments, other symptoms and the like... but i'm kind of just looking for some answers as to what could possibly be going on.  my doctor says i'm healthy and to come back in a year, but i dont want this to persist...

words of advice?

[Tuckamore]

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum of MedHelp Nannyjmk. I am glad you found us. We are not physicians but offer support, suggestions and information.I also would recommend the Gastroenterology Community. Go to the top of this page and just click on Forms and you can find that Community. It sounds as if you PCP has done a few good basic tests.

I do not know if you have diverticulosis, which you have to have before diverticulitis becomes a factor. Most patients with diverticulosis have few or no symptoms. The diverticulosis condition in these individuals is found incidentally during tests for other intestinal problems. Twenty percent of patients with diverticulosis will develop symptoms related to diverticulosis. The most common symptoms of diverticular disease include:
abdominal cramping, constipation, and diarrhea. Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon.

If you continue to have these symptoms I would recommend a CAT scan as well as a colonoscopy. You may have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), you may have any number of medical issues which obviously cannot be diagnosed here.  

You are taking a very good action by recording your intake, (output too) and symptoms on a daily basis. Upon completion of this record make a copy (one for your records) and take it to your PCP. Request additional testing. If your PCP is not willing to do this than I suggest you find a PCP that will. In the meantime if these symptoms become acute and are accompanied by severe pain you should not hesitate to visit your local ER. Others will post with their information and opinions also.

I will be thinking of you. Please keep us updated and let us know how you are doing. Take Care, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hello nannyjmk (Big Spoon :) and welcome to MH. I am not a Doctor but....

Your symptoms sound very close to a disease known as Diverticulitis. It's classical symptoms include left side and central abdominal pain, bloating, pressurend just the uncomfortable feeling of hurt in the region. There is a terrific web site on Diverticulitis which include your symptoms found at:  
NDDIC ( National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse )

I would go over the information provided and see if that doesn't explain some of the symptoms your having and then talk with your Doctor about the possibility.

My Grandmother suffers with Diverticulitis and the ultimate cure to her flare-ups are Antibiotics.

Take care and good luck in the future. If you have anymore questions, please don't hesitate to post your question.

Mollyrae