Does this problem sound bowel related? - Bowel Disorders Message Board

yock · 04-15-2004, 10:41 AM

Hi all. I'm at my wits end to the problem I'm having, and hoping someone can shed some light. Last August I started having pain near my groin area on the right side. I thought it might be a hernia because I had done alot of landscaping recently and was hauling heavy bricks. I never got a bump though. Then I thought it might be adhesions due to a hysterectomy 3 years ago. I had a pelvic ultrasound, MRI, and a laparoscopy all done - the lap just last week. All came out clean, and no problems. This pain ONLY bothers me when I lay on my sides (makes sleeping tough) and when I cross my legs at the thigh when I sit. If I get up and stretch, the pain goes away. I had a colonoscopy a couple years ago and it came out clean also. I wouldn't say my BMs are regular. Maybe every couple days, but then some days twice a day, depending on what I eat, so maybe that is regular. They are hard, though and tough to pass. I thought it might be IBS, but I have never had diarrhea, or any of the other symptoms associated with IBS. After reading this board, I thought this problem could be bowel related, but I'm not sure. If someone could give an opinion, I'd appreciate it. THanks.

janson · 04-16-2004, 03:36 AM

Hello Yock,
the hard work you mentioned could lead to discus hernia (protrusion of the part of intervertebral disc). If the disc then pressures on the spinal nerve root in lumbar region, the pain would tipically be somewhere in lower back in gluteal muscle in thigh, calf or toes on the affected side. Numbness, tingling and sometimes muscle spasms can occur. Patterns are very different. Pain in the groin or in the lower abdomen (if I understand you right) is maybe not so common but is possible. Pain is worse with bending, lifting heavier things, sitting or standing on one spot for some time and very often at night too. Pain wanes or ceases with walking or changing position. If you lye on your back and lift one streched leg you'll feel pain in that leg at some level if there is pressure on the nerve root. Repeat with the other leg. This was my first thought. Diagnosis is with MRI of lower back, X-ray is for checking the arthritis.