STRANGE ABDOMINAL PAIN - Bowel Disorders Message Board

producerchick · 10-06-2003, 03:05 PM

Please help! For the past 10 months, I've been experiencing lower abdominal pain. Always on the left side, same spot. Seems to get worse around ovulation and periods. Now, along with this pain, I have pressure in my rectum- also on the left side- and feel like I need to pee all the time. Sound familiar to anyone? My gyno said it could be IBS, but I've read about that, and my symptoms don't match. Any ideas?

Basilides · 10-06-2003, 06:47 PM

Yes, many of my symptoms do not match IBS and yet this is what the Doctors believe I have...along with the possibility of complications of Diverticulitis. I am intrigued by your description of the pain being in your lower left side...that's also where mine starts.

Have you had a colonoscopy?

producerchick · 10-07-2003, 09:11 AM

No colonoscopy. I thought it was more of a reproductive organ thing, since it gets worse around certain times of the month. I don't know what to do now. My doctor- this is the 3rd gyno I've been to in less than a year- doesn't seem worried but I know this is not normal.

auntjudyg · 10-07-2003, 05:54 PM

Lower left side pain is one of the classic symptoms of diverticulosis/itis (though it can be other things, too). Did you usually tend to get constipated during your monthly? That might account for it being worse then. I agree it might be time to look at digestive matters, with your primary care or a GI physician.

Good luck! And don't put it off too long!

Basilides · 10-07-2003, 06:26 PM

Hello again producerchick.

Auntjudyg is right...this could be classic Diverticulitis. I have a couple of recommendations for you...

First of all, you will want to rule out anything more serious. Insist on every test in the book, starting with a colonoscopy (it is a breeze). If your gyn or family prac won't accommodate this, find someone who will. A good gastroenterologist referred by a Doctor you trust might be in order. You will want your lower left side thoroughly mapped because the source of your problems may be in your colon - or maybe not.

If your gyn does not take your increased pain and discomfort seriously enough to investigate the problem thoroughly, find a new gyn. If you have to, keep changing until you get a solid explanation.