Q. I have intermittent, dull, chronic left abdominal pain below ribcage. Can Pradaxa intake cause this?

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing upper left abdominal pain just beneath lower ribcage and on the opposite side in the back. I have intermittent, dull, and deep chronic pain.

I am 43 years old, nonsmoker but consumes alcohol (not for the last four months). My blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. I am currently on Omeprazole 20 mg daily (one month).

I am diagnosed with pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. It is confirmed by chest CT. I was prescribed Pradaxa for three months (stopped taking medication on Mark 26). I have a history of acid reflux, sleeps on a 6-inch wedge pillow to manage the symptoms.

Tests I underwent are:

Abdominal CT with contrast: unremarkable, mild diverticulosis, not considered relevant to pain.

Chest CT with contrast: unremarkable, PE and pneumonia cleared.

Blood tests all normal, no sign of pancreas or kidney trouble.

My primary care physician suggests pain is associated with PE. My pulmonologist says it is very unlikely to be associated with PE and recommends to confer with a gastroenterologist. Could this be an ulcer or some other issue within the stomach or GI tract? Perhaps caused by the Pradaxa medication? Would the abdominal CT have uncovered peptic cancer or other serious GI issues? What further testing would you recommend? Should I wait to see if things get better or act soon? If it is safe to wait, how long should I give it?