What causes left-sided abdominal pain just below the ribs and other gastric issues?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had left-side abdominal pain just below my ribs two to four times per week. I usually have diarrhea or am severely constipated all the time with major abdominal pain. I get very nauseous during these episodes and have bad chills. I had an open splenectomy two years ago, and these episodes have gotten ten times worse since the surgery.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

We understand that you have been feeling very sick and traumatized due to your recurrent pain episodes of diarrhea, constipation, and chills. From what you have shared, I understand that you underwent a splenectomy two years ago. Could you please tell us the reason for undergoing splenectomy, as that is of paramount importance in understanding your situation? Also, after splenectomy, as you already may know that infections are quite common. I am sure you must have undergone vaccination before or after the splenectomy. Please check your vaccination status as soon as possible. Also, are you currently being prescribed any prophylactic antibiotics by your doctor? Have you checked with your treating doctor or surgeon for the same?

The probable causes of your condition may be inadequate prophylaxis against infection, weakened immunity due to splenectomy, or pancreatitis. Please check your vaccine titers (pneumococcal), WBC (white blood cell) count, kidney function tests, blood culture, and CT (computed tomography) abdomen (if needed). In addition, I suggest you the following.

1. Prophylactic antibiotics.

2. Vaccination against capsulated organisms after checking the previous vaccination status.

3. Therapeutic antibiotics based on the report of blood culture.

4. Avoid contact with any source of infection.

5. Make sure vaccination is up to date.

6. Repeated hand washing.

7. Consuming healthy and adequately cooked food.

Please update us with the questions mentioned above, and we will get back to you. Please describe your bowel complaints in the following context: frequency, any episode of blood in stools, painful defecation, and altered bowel habits. Please update us with answers to help you better.

Thank you.