Hi,
Chronic abdominal pain can be challenging to diagnose and treat, even with extensive medical evaluations. There are several possible causes for her symptoms, and it may require a combination of tests and medical evaluations to determine the underlying cause. One possibility is that your mother-in-law may be suffering from a
functional gastrointestinal disorder such as
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This condition is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain,
bloating, and changes in bowel habits. IBS is typically diagnosed through a process of elimination, where other possible causes of the symptoms are ruled out.
Another possibility is that she may have adhesions in her intestines, which can cause chronic abdominal pain. Adhesions are fibrous bands of tissue that can form between the organs and the surrounding tissues following surgery or infection. They can cause
chronic pain by pulling on the surrounding tissues, or by causing a blockage in the intestine.
It may be helpful for your mother-in-law to see a gastroenterologist, who can perform more specialized tests such as an
endoscopy or a
colonoscopy to evaluate the health of her digestive tract. In addition, a pain management specialist may be able to provide relief from her symptoms through medication or other therapies. It's important to continue advocating for your mother-in-law and working with her healthcare providers to find the underlying cause of her pain.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Diwashish Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist