Discomfort/Pain in left side - Bowel Disorders Message Board

reijo · 07-31-2004, 07:56 PM

After reading the treads on this site I really feel foolish asking about this. However, I am a worrywort and it seems the more I worry about something the worse it becomes.

About a week ago I started having some mild pain in my left side. Strange thing is that it is hard to determine exactly where the pain is. Sometimes it even seems to be around the left ovary (I'm 55 so don't know if that makes a difference) other times it seems to be higher and further to the left. Keep in mind this isn't extremely painful just THERE.

When I wake in the morning I don't notice it and think that perhaps it's gone then later in the day I feel it.

I also noticed about a month ago that I felt bloated that more in the stomach area. I have put on some weight so I thought that it was due to that.

I did feel that while I wasn't constipated that I wasn't going as regular as I normally do.

My husband and I are leaving in less than 3 weeks on a cruise. I think that i'm just wanting to know if there is someone else out there that might have had something similiar. I plan on having it checked out after I get back if it's still a problem.

Kissa · 08-04-2004, 06:30 AM

Excess gas can cause pain in your left side which would also explain the bloated feeling you get as I had it explained to me by my doctor when I had the similar problem. It has to do with how food travels through your intestines to be processed and it seems to build up more on the left than the right side as air will build up there.
I find that laying on the left side when it is hurting like that will relieve some of the pain.

reijo · 08-04-2004, 07:31 AM

Thanks kissa, will try as you suggested. It's some better now. Appreciate your response.

Harry · 08-04-2004, 09:01 AM

Gas can be a problem that really causes discomfort. The unusual thing there are alot of foods that cause gas that most people don't even think of like some veggies and fruits -- it may be a good idea to take some Beano on that cruise. As you know on a cruise it is a eating experience--- you will have alot of access to various foods that you normally don't eat. So, it's best to be prepared!!!

Here is a good site about Controlling Gas that you should read:

http://www.aboutibs.org/Publications/gas.html

I wish you well---Harry

Kissa · 08-04-2004, 09:32 AM

I agree with Harry, you should indeed take something with you on your trip. Nothing like being miserable the entire time. I'd also pack something for diahrhea and possibly constipation. Best to have your bases covered because you don't know what will happen. Often times when eating new foods, especially exotic rich foods, you can end up with a few issues.

Foods that are high in fiber cause quite an amount of gas particuarly as you mentioned various fruits and veggies. It's kinda funny how fiber works, you need to bulk up on it to be regular however on the other hand it causes quite a bit of gas.