Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Abdominal Pain, Bloating, Discomfort And Flatulence?
Question: I am a 27 year old male. I have had GI issues for maybe 4 years. It began as upper abdominal pain, my doctor struggled to give a diagnosis. Eventually diagnosed with H.pylori infection, given a course of antibiotics. After taking the antibiotics, i began have lower abdominal bloating and discomfort, gassiness (belching and flatulence) and my bowel movements changed (softer, yellower, often float). Also notice a sour taste in my mouth when I wake up. I have been struggling with this ever since. I Have seen multiple doctors, most are quick to diagnose me with GERD and have tried controlling for GERD with PPIs etc.
About 2 months ago, I began having a new symptom. It feels like there is a golf ball under my left rib. Not palpable with my hand, just when I lean towards my left side, I can feel that something is being compressed, but dont feel the same sensation when I lean towards my right. I also notice lower left abdominal discomfort/fullness, when I push on it, it feels like I want to have a bowel movement. I saw my doctor and he ordered an abdominal Xray. My doctor said they found some calcification on the left side (upper and lower) but said that was not an atypical finding and its probably unrelated. For the last two weeks, I have been taking Omeprazole, also began taking a Men's multivitamin, Fish oil, boron and Coenzyme Q, and trying to keep a clean diet. No real improvement in symptoms. My doctor said the last thing he wants me to try is a probiotic for about a week, and if I dont see any improvements, he will refer me to GI. Today I noticed that my stools had many dark spots (dime sized or less). I think I have noticed some dark spots in my stools before, but not frequently or consistently, and as big or pronounced as I noticed today. I have also been mildly constipated for the last week or so.
Also (probably unrelated) but for the last week or so I have noticed a strange sensation on the left side of my face. Its not really painful but it feels like my skin is tight, or as if something is lightly pressing against the side of my face. When I touch it, I have a very mild stinging or prickly sensation. I think this may be more related to stress, but thought I would mention it nonetheless. I have had issues with anxiety and panic attacks in the past, and I do believe I'm probably a hypochondriac.
Obviously, these digestive symptoms tend to worry me a lot, and the newest symptom of feeling like there is a golf ball under my left rib and the black spots in my stool today have me especially worried. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
About 2 months ago, I began having a new symptom. It feels like there is a golf ball under my left rib. Not palpable with my hand, just when I lean towards my left side, I can feel that something is being compressed, but dont feel the same sensation when I lean towards my right. I also notice lower left abdominal discomfort/fullness, when I push on it, it feels like I want to have a bowel movement. I saw my doctor and he ordered an abdominal Xray. My doctor said they found some calcification on the left side (upper and lower) but said that was not an atypical finding and its probably unrelated. For the last two weeks, I have been taking Omeprazole, also began taking a Men's multivitamin, Fish oil, boron and Coenzyme Q, and trying to keep a clean diet. No real improvement in symptoms. My doctor said the last thing he wants me to try is a probiotic for about a week, and if I dont see any improvements, he will refer me to GI. Today I noticed that my stools had many dark spots (dime sized or less). I think I have noticed some dark spots in my stools before, but not frequently or consistently, and as big or pronounced as I noticed today. I have also been mildly constipated for the last week or so.
Also (probably unrelated) but for the last week or so I have noticed a strange sensation on the left side of my face. Its not really painful but it feels like my skin is tight, or as if something is lightly pressing against the side of my face. When I touch it, I have a very mild stinging or prickly sensation. I think this may be more related to stress, but thought I would mention it nonetheless. I have had issues with anxiety and panic attacks in the past, and I do believe I'm probably a hypochondriac.
Obviously, these digestive symptoms tend to worry me a lot, and the newest symptom of feeling like there is a golf ball under my left rib and the black spots in my stool today have me especially worried. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Manage your stress levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in
The GI symptoms are surely suggestive of GERD and/or collitis
For the golf ball like swelling get an ultrasound of the abdomen done
Get a stool examination done and it will help rule out any pathology
As mentioned the left sided face symptoms can be due to anxiety but need to observe
Till you get an ultrasound done follow the tips mentioned below :
1] Avoid spicy, fermented meals
2] Do not have heavy meals
3] Avoid smoking and alcohol
4] Wear loose clothes
5] Do not stoop
6] Do not lift heavy weights
7] Raise the head end of your bed
8] If Obese lose weight
9] If under stress - Manage stress levels by meditation and exercise
Also add a probiotic twice a day before meals for at least two weeks and continue with PPI
Hope this helps
Do write back once the reports are with you
Manage your stress levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in
The GI symptoms are surely suggestive of GERD and/or collitis
For the golf ball like swelling get an ultrasound of the abdomen done
Get a stool examination done and it will help rule out any pathology
As mentioned the left sided face symptoms can be due to anxiety but need to observe
Till you get an ultrasound done follow the tips mentioned below :
1] Avoid spicy, fermented meals
2] Do not have heavy meals
3] Avoid smoking and alcohol
4] Wear loose clothes
5] Do not stoop
6] Do not lift heavy weights
7] Raise the head end of your bed
8] If Obese lose weight
9] If under stress - Manage stress levels by meditation and exercise
Also add a probiotic twice a day before meals for at least two weeks and continue with PPI
Hope this helps
Do write back once the reports are with you
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
