Stomach Pain... Do I Need To Go To A Doctor?

[Brrrandy]

I was glutened over a month ago, and ever since I have had symptoms that seem to be sticking around. Normally I feel off for a few weeks, but it's been a while now and I'm starting to get worried. I have had stomach pain that varies in its intensity in a very specific spot on the low right of my abdomen, GI upset, feeling really exhausted. It is almost always there though... either a mild dull pain or a more severe sharp or dull pain. Many other small things but those are the main issues. When I massage the area that is hurting, I can feel almost like a lump or blockage that goes away after I massage it. I've read some things about the ileocecal valve, could I just be experiencing problems with that?

I don't have health insurance right now, so I don't want to waste a trip to the doctor to be told nothing. At the same time, the stomach pain is worrying me. Is this just normal for some of you after being glutened, something that will get better on it's own eventually? Is there something I could be doing to help myself recover faster? Or should I be trying to find a way to get to a doctor?

[shadowicewolf]

Oh dear, low right is an interesting area. It could be your appindix thats acting up, or it could be the gallbladder (though it sits up higher).

I would go in just for peace of mind if nothing else. If it was a glutening, i'd think it would have started to ebb away by now.

[Brrrandy]

Thanks for the input... if it was appendicitis wouldn't it be more sudden then gradual over the course of a month, with no fever?

  On 12/9/2012 at 6:18 PM, shadowicewolf said:

Oh dear, low right is an interesting area. It could be your appindix thats acting up, or it could be the gallbladder (though it sits up higher).

I would go in just for peace of mind if nothing else. If it was a glutening, i'd think it would have started to ebb away by now.

[L.J.]

Hi Brrrandy! I looked up appendicitus...Open Original Shared Link Here is a link that tells you symptoms--The appendix is not something to "discount"--medical attention is needed if you fit these symptoms!

As we know--we get worried when we have symptoms that are unusual--Have you had similar pain like this before? Do you have a low grade fever? Are you able to walk without pain? Keep us in the loop, OK?

[shadowicewolf]

Very possible for it to act up with no fever, just like its possible for it to be gradual.

[L.J.]

Shadowicewolf you are soooo right!

I wish, Brrrandy, you had someone to check you out! To rule out the "biggies" regarding your stomach pain!!!

[Brrrandy]

Thanks guys. I am going to explore my options for visiting a doctor and I'll keep you updated!

[ravenwoodglass]

Pain in that area could also be ovarian in nature. If you have a Planned Parenthood clinic in your area they have a sliding fee scale or possibly no fee. They might also be able to guide you to a clinic that could help if that is needed.

If the pain gets really severe go to the ER and contact the hospitals billing dept.afterward. Most can help folks without insurance either with a sliding fee scale or payment plan. If it should be your appendix you really don't want it to burst.

[mamaupupup]

Hang in there! I also vote for going to a doctor. I had (and have) similar pain which I brought up numerous times (before and after I was diagnosed Celiac). Doctors palpated and didn't come up with anything. This went on for seven years. This summer I got diagnosed Celiac and had a colonoscopy which removed a pre-cancerous polyp. My brother died this year unexpectedly at 41 of a heart attack. Only after this truly horrible set of events did my primary care physician take my abdominal pain seriously and ordered an ultrasound. Turns out I have gall stones. My pain is rarely so bad that I feel I need to see a doctor, so I'm not planning to remove my gall bladder at this point (and will try to keep it!).

I do think seeing a doctor would be good to rule out all the ob/gyn stuff and anything life-threatening and may give you more peace of mind!

Wishing you well!

[Lady Eowyn]

Hi Brrrrandy

I had lower right pain a few years ago (pre- gluten-free) - it would not go away. Put up with it for several days until I became worried it wasn't going.

The doctor sent me straight to hospital as suspected appendicitis (had to go straight there). Pain could be felt by pressing the area. Appendicitis can be very dangerous if left untreated.

They tested me for everything (ultrasound, x-rays) but found nothing - pain worse laying around in hospital being given toast to eat!!

After 3 days went home - I think it was a version of constipation ( ) I'm ashamed to say and 2 days of laxatives cured me!

I would suggest a doctor visit to rule out anything.