What Causes Dull Pain In Lower Right Abdomen?

Posted on Sat, 11 Apr 2015

Question: I have been having dull pain in lower right abdomen for 2 weeks. I've been to doctor and I'm scheduled for an ultrasound on 3/23/15. I'm bloated, gasy, and burping. It's not horrible pain and it started out feeling like trapped gas but it doesn't go away. I have no fever and I'm having bm's some diarrhea. I feel the pain mostly if I lean against something with my belly, like the counter. I can press on the area and it's tender but not excruciating. I feel some slight burning in my back. I'm concerned that it's appendicitis.

Answered by Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It could be small bowel inflammation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,
Do not worry. The fact that the Doctor has checked you up and that the pain is not very severe and no fever, etc all go against the diagnosis of Appendicitis. It could be bowel inflammation or Gastritis. The Ultrasound would be better able to delineate what it is. If it does not show anything specifically then a CT Scan might be required if the pain does not subside by then.
Does it happen again and again? Does the position of the pain change from time to time and is it always present or has some relation to the meals?
Without examining you it is very difficult to say what it is but trusting that your Doctor would have examined you and ruled out any acute events I feel it could be bowel inflammation. Wait for the Ultrasound and let us know. Do feel free to ask any more queries regarding this.
Take care, Dr Rishi,
New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Rishi (15 minutes later)

It's not bending over pain sometimes a burning sensation. I really only feel the pain if I lean against something or press in the area. It's about 4-5 inches from my navel down and to the right. My stomach feels a bit more firm that it did the day I was examined. Would I have a fever and other symptoms if it was appendicitis? Should I go to the ER just to be safe?

Answered by Dr. Rishi (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Firmness is not a good sign. Please get yourself checked up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, If it has been two weeks of the pain and if it were Appendicitis, you would most likely have fever, vomiting, diarrhea and no appetite. All or some of these symptoms are likely. The fact that your stomach feels firm is not good and is a sign that you should get examined by a Surgeon to again rule out acute problems of the abdomen.
Among your complaints, the firmness is ominous and therefore I suggest you get yourself checked up.
It would definitely be better to get examined.
All the best.
Do let me know for any help required.
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Rishi (1 hour later)

I laid down and examined my belly again. I was standing when I felt it and thought it felt differently so I laid down and pressed around and it feels soft and pliable. My main concern had been whether it was appendicitis. I have had very little to eat tonight (small salad) and I am very bloated and my stomach is gurgling a lot. Gas in upper intestines.
I recently had a urological CT and that ruled out any problems there. I've had a hysterectomy with ovaries removed so I'm not concerned about that. It seems to be digestive. Again, my main concern was if I had appendicitis. I am scheduled for ultrasound on 3/23/15, so I will definitely follow-up with my doctor.
You feel pretty certain that it's not appendicitis?

Answered by Dr. Rishi (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is not acute Appendicits could be chronic if at all.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, With your latest input it does not seem to be Acute Appendicitis. It could be chronic appendicitis if at all which can be managed the way it is being managed. I did not suspect a Gynecological cause leading to the ovary as the symptoms were not fitting.
Anyway, your treatment seems on the right lines. Just get your Ultrasound done and then let us know.
Take care,
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad