Question: I have had minor abdominal pain in my very low left side for two days. It is mostly minor, but sometimes it is a sharp pain for a couple of minutes. I thought it might just be constipation because I have been very stressed and busy and have mainly been eating bagels with cream cheese, rice and cheese as quick meals. I could deal with the minor pain without pain relievers, but tonight I am developing a fever, which is currently 100.5. I am a 55-year-old female with a lot of energy so this coming out of the blue is odd to me. I read symptoms on the Internet and have myself freaked out that my colon might burst suddenly, which could be life threatening. Can I try eating better and drinking more fluids or do I need to rush to the hospital? My pulse is normally around 70, but right now it is 89. I had a 14-hour work day today and now I think I might also be getting some dull upper back pain. My blood pressure is 142 over 86 - normally 120 over 80 or less. I have all sorts of antibiotics on hand that I keep supplied in case of emergencies (from Canada) - maybe I can just take some kind of antibiotic and a fever reducer. I am not vomiting and I do not have blood in my stool. I also do not have diarrhea - rather a bit of constipation although I am passing small amount of stool. My stomach is not rigid. I would appreciate your advice.

My fever went away in the night and I have no more pain. My temperature is 98.6 exactly. The only thing I did last night was to eat a handful of prunes. Do you think it was just severe constipation since my fever is now gone and I have no more pain?