Pain in left abdomen

[Penguinwaddler]

Hi all,

I wondered if anyone was able to share any similar experiences please.

About 1 week ago I experienced what I thought was ovulation pain and I felt incredibly nauseous. Since then, I've felt discomfort in abdomen, just below belly button slightly to the left and also occasionally a twinge slightly higher up. I have quite severe health anxiety so I've been hyper focusing on these sensations and also poked and prodded that area so much that it has left marks..!

The doctor felt my stomach and couldn't feel anything - it wasn't sore when they pressed down on my stomach as it feels more like twinges/discomfort throughout the day. Not linked to eating, bowel movements etc.

I have blood tests booked and waiting for internal ultrasound incase it may be ovarian cysts. But the pain feels higher up and not really in pelvis/groin area.

My anxiety has unfortunately got me in a choke hold and I'm scared of the blood test results and worrying about pretty much every single type of cancer so far..! I'm early 30s and was only recently thinking about how I haven't had a health anxiety flare recently.

Obviously know that only further tests and healthcare professionals can diagnose but would be grateful if anyone had any kind words please x

Full blood count and inflammatory blood test all came back as "satisfactory/normal" so that's positive. Now need to wait for the pelvic ultrasound.

I feel so aware of bodily sensations though so I can't accurately say what it feels like. Sometimes it feels like the left side is tighter somehow.

Well it's been a few more weeks, and my anxiety (and symptoms) felt like they reduced but unfortunately are back in full force tonight.

Main concern is it's linked to bowels rather than gynae. Had BM this morning which was uncomfortable due to not going yesterday (as I was out all day and I often don't go if I'm not at home). Tmi but I had to hold it in for half hour as couldn't get to a toilet, so it was a bit uncomfortable and messy. Then this evening I passed wind on the toilet and some mucus came out, which has sent me into an anxiety spin again.

I have what feels like period pains, lower in abdomen and noticeable in hip and lower back (only on one side). Still feel heaviness in certain spot on the same side.

I am tentatively hopeful that the mucus was due to BM being uncomfortable and holding it in, rather than linked to the pains. But who knows. TVS this week and I actually want it to show ovarian cysts but I think it may show nothing and then I'll need to stay on the horror merry go round for other tests..

Mucous with your poo is typical of IBS. I get IBS flares, it's always a gurgly feeling on the left with stomach and back pain in various places then a mixture of sloppy poo (sorry for TMI but it's not diarrhoea) and constipation.
I've also had a large ovarian cyst which was more of a dragging feeling.
You could ask for a colonoscopy if your anxiety can handle it, then you'll know if it's anything serious in your bowel.

@WandaFishy99 thank you v much for your reply. How strange that I'm sitting here and the left side of my stomach is gurgling.
Totally get the sloppy poo rather than diarrhea. I can't remember the last time I've had diarrhea but sloppy poo is more common for me.

It does feel like a draggy feeling too, like period pains. perhaps it's both - a cyst and IBS.

Good point about the colonoscopy (and if my anxiety can handle it!). I guess I will see what happens with the transvaginal scan and then see if colonoscopy is the next step.

The scan will show anything in your womb and ovaries (ovarian cysts are very common and mostly benign).
I get an IBS flare when I'm worried about something, with the symptoms like yours. There is a very strong association between the gut and the brain. Grit your teeth and go for the colonoscopy- they tell you immediately what they've found and are usually able to snip off any little polyps that could cause trouble in the future.
Keep telling yourself it won't be long before you know.

Could you be pregnant? I experienced pain similar to this and it turned out to be an ectopic pregnancy (despite my husband having a vasectomy!)

@WandaFishy99 I guess I am hopeful for it to be a benign cyst, and for the symptoms to be anxiety causing a flare up as you have said. Thank you for your advice x

@Youthiswastedontheyoung oh that must have been strange for you!

I agree that it's similar to pregnancy/ectopic pregnancy symptoms but the doctor did a pregnancy test when I first went, and it was negative, and I've also had a period since then..

Symptoms could also be diverticular disease - small pouches which can develop in the colon, especially the descending colon which runs down the left hand side inside your hip bone. Constipation really needs to be avoided with this condition, so try to make sure you go every day regularly. IBS and DD have very similar symptoms a can overlap, so it’s not always easy to differentiate.

Suffering myself ATM, so can sympathize!

Constipation. Take prebiotic.

I did think about diverticular disease but I figured that it would show up as inflammation on the blood test but perhaps it can show through a colonoscopy@NanTheWiser sorry to hear you are suffering :( hoping you feel better soon.

@cestlavielife I would have thought the same but I've been feeling like this for nearly a month now :( and have been going to the toilet as normal, except for today. Not a bad idea to take prebiotics in general though

You've clearly got a good doctor if they ordered tests after a week of symptoms. They've ruled out a whole pile of stuff. Have they taken a test of your faeces? The next step may be a colonoscopy and the process itself isn't scary as you can be sedated.

Remember this, you are anxious about your health. This could have a very strong impact on your gut so you could be in a vicious circle.

Also, posting about a health matter brings out every man and his dog giving you advice and they have a whole pile of baggage and biases. If you have health anxiety, the absolute worst thing you can do is engage with social media. Do you want to feel better? Posting here or on other forums is unlikely to help you do that so make your choice.

I had pain in exactly the same place and a colonoscopy revealed diverticular disease.

@ForPearlViper thanks for your reply, and you do make some very good points particularly with the health anxiety aspect! I agree with all you say - the logical side of me does that is!

I do have a very good doctor, they're very proactive which I appreciate. No faeces test as of yet.

@TellingBone interesting how a few people have mentioned this - I hope you are feeling well now that you know what's wrong and hopefully manage it.

A couple of updates. Transvaginal ultrasound was clear.

Still concerned about the left sided discomfort but doctor suggested FODMAP diet to reset gut and no need for poo test etc. Have booked an appointment to discuss medication for anxiety, and then to also discuss the discomfort further as I just don't feel right. But I agree with someone who commented and said mind and gut are linked as I am likely making symptoms far worse by focusing.