I am 24, male. Why do I have persistent abdominal pain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 24-year-old male. I am working as a software developer. Sometimes, I feel a sharp pain in my right lower part of my stomach. When I am trying to bend down, I am feeling some pain in the pelvic bone. After eating meals and dinner, I am getting excessive burping and a feeling of bloating and tightness in the right lower abdomen. I have also been having a constipation problem for more than a year.

I have consulted a gastroenterologist for a physical evaluation. He diagnosed me and prescribed some medicines. After some time, I had an endoscopy and he found I have H.pylori infection. He prescribed medicine for the same. After a month, bloating and burping are less, but the pain still persists. I have consulted one more gastroenterologist who evaluated me with some blood tests and an ultrasound of the whole abdomen and said nothing to worry about as everything is normal in my report (including pancreas and kidney).

Now again, from the last three to four days, I feel my urine flow is slow, and I have a burning sensation in my penis. I have excess burping, bloating, and pain in the right chest. As I have consulted many doctors and they reported that I have nothing, I am confused about my stomach pain now, and am very worried.

What could be the factor behind the pain?
What should I do now?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your history. As per your description, it seems to be a functional bowel disorder; it may be associated with what is called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bowel illnesses are difficult to prove medically, and mostly they are a matter of exclusion. Infections like H.pylori may be the reason for your burping, but it would not be the cause of right lower abdominal pain. After reading all this, do not worry that you have any major illness.

I guess your appetite is normal, and your weight too. Now I would suggest you do a few things.

First, confirm with your gastroenterologist whether your H.pylori has been eradicated from your stomach, as you have completed treatment. This can be done by endoscopy or breath test. I suggest this because there are chances that sometimes medication may not work, or you may get re-infection.
Second thing, I would suggest you do a colonoscopy after discussion with your gastroenterologist, as you have constipation and right lower abdominal pain.
You start with a high fiber diet, like green vegetables and fruits. Take a meal on time, avoid late-night meals, avoid tight clothing, and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol if any.
Check if your symptoms worsen with milk; in that case, avoid milk or milk products.
Avoid stress. Yoga and meditation may help you to reduce your symptoms. Take care and have a healthy life.