Lower abdominal pain on right hand side

[DumbleDorkReturns]

I'm a 34 year old woman.

Starting yesterday and happening ever since I've had lower right hand side abdominal pain. Level with (maybe just below my hip bone). Not excruciating but I'm aware of it and every now and then there will be a sharper pain and feel it more when I stand up, move, sneeze, lift something etc. Doesn't hurt when I push it, no nausea, no bloating but have some gas / wind. It started low down, never been near my belly or anything.

I originally thought it was ovulation pain as I'm mid cycle but now a bit more worried as it's been over 24 hours now though the pain isn't any worse than when it started, just more frequent stabby pains.

Suppose it could be adhesion pain from 2 c sections and a hernia repair with mesh around my belly.

Thinking 111 / urgent care centre is the way to go?

Lower right could be appendix..Best to get checked OP x

Gallstones?

@peakygal even if it's bearable? It kind of feels like I need a massive poo along with the stabby pains?

Sounds like it needs actually checking by someone - possible appendix. Mine was around there but quick developing.

Is being jarred worse?

Rebound pain is common but difficult for non medics to detect.

So sounds like urgent care job, and pack a bag (especially useful stuff like contact lens cases/glasses ).

Could it be a reproductive issue like PID?

Wind (mostly up but some downwards) was definitely a thing, plus zero appetite. I also felt like I needed to go, spent ages trying but no luck (TMI ...)

I've had similar but also a bloody awful burning pain, just been diagnosed with scar endometriosis which apparently is quite rare but v painful. One to look out for and I hope your pain buggers off soon. Possibly a good idea to note this down so you can see where you're up to in your cycle incase it shows a pattern x

My appendix pain started above the tummy button, very specific area, really hurt to press on it. Had it 3 times before it got removed though.

111 want me to go to a&e so they can rule out appendicitis.

Maybe in for a long wait. Packing an overnight bag with kindle & chargers too. Bloody hate hospitals

Good luck! Definitely best checked out. I had bloods (+ Covid swab because I spiked a temp) then ultrasound to rule out obvious gynae stuff before they did laparoscopic surgery.

Pants, glasses, (if you wear them) toiletries and comfortable clothes as well as chargers and devices!

@randomsabreuse

Bloods and urine show infection. Waiting on pelvic scan to rule out ovarian cyst / ectopic pregnancy though is unlikely due to infection markers. Not got space on ward yet.

Have been told if I need surgery it will be open surgery as I've had 2 csections and hernia repair by mesh at my belly button so too much scaring for laparoscopic removal.

Scared now

Good luck! In my experience the general surgery team were great - much better at staying on top of pain relief than in maternity and always available to help you to the toilet etc.

Get someone to stock up on peppermint tea for when you get home though. Possibly even get someone to send some in if you do need an op - it made a real difference.

One of my scope ports was basically in my belly button so I can see why laparoscopic would not be realistic!

I played no end of crap games on my phone while dosed on opiates and not quite sleeping - Covid test and bloods not being too bad and not getting worse meant they could wait for a negative before sending me around the hospital/to surgery meant it was a long 36h from admission to surgery - which wasn't ideal as I wasn't eating. Worst bit was the full bladder scan - as they were running late. Shades of 12 week scans there!

Covid precautions meant I had the anaesthetic induced in the theatre which was odd - the surgery bed is really narrow! The anaesthetic team were in really big mask suits too - but they were great about explaining everything.

Sound so like my appendix pain. I first thought I had bad wind, also felt like the waistband of my trousers was too tight. I was out in a restaurant when the pain started and my appetite vanished after a few bites. During the night I had quite bad pain coming in waves, so bad at times that I whimpered rather pathetically. Went to GP next morning who sent me straight to hospital to "rule out appendicitis". Turns out the appendix was gangrenous and on the verge of bursting. Was in hospital for 9 days and off work for a month.

I sent my DH to the late night supermarket for Gaviscon because I assumed it was wind.

He got back to find me rolling on the floor like a horse with colic... Had to go in via local OOH GP (probably because of a temperature) but got injectable pain relief while they sorted the referral before heading over to the hospital where I was whisked straight to the general surgery ward...

What an eventful 24 hours.

I now no longer have an appendix. It was very swollen and ready to burst which I found quite hard to believe as I wasn't doubled over in pain, just uncomfortable.

Due to previous abdominal surgery it was open surgery so in a bit of pain.

Hoping to go home tomorrow but am off work for a month as my job is fairly strenuous and then light duties till new year.

Dd thought she was constipated so took laxatives which partly lead to misdiagnosis and a rupture.

The level of pain doesn't always reflect the state of urgency. Mine was not massively swollen but was very sore (and quick onset - first twinge (more like a hint of wind) about 5pm - rolling on floor by 9pn). Maybe slower onset ones get messier!

Take care of yourself.

Peppermint tea is good.

Ask about preventing constipation if you're on opiates- which I assume you will be.

Be patient - I was too quick to get back to toddler and 5 year old wrangling - and had niggling pain at the old appendix site for about 10 weeks when I should have been "fit" in 3!

Wow! Well done for acting on it and following your instincts

Get well soon