Could this be anything else besides appendicitis?

Question

Last year I went to the hospital with pain in my lower right abdomen and had all the symptoms of appendicitis(fever, sesitivity to touch, a touch of nausea ect.) . They never found anything wrong with my appendix on the scans and the pain went away after a few days so I never thought anything else about it. On Saturday, the exact same pain returned. I've had pain in my lower right abdomen that are sharp and really painful coming in waves. I know you guys aren't doctors and I plan on going to the clinic as soon as I can, but has anyone else experienced this or know of any conditions that may seem like appendicitis?

No periods for me, I'm on depo.

The pain has been in the same spot for days, you think it's gas?

I don't think it's a cyst, I'm not bleeding.

Gallstones don't sound right either, no nausea. Just lots of pain.

Answer 1

As an EMT, I have come across this complaint a couple of times. We would rush someone into the ER thinking their appendix was about to explode,andyet the Dr's found nothing wrong with it. Medicine today still can't give a reasonable explanation of what the appendix does or why we have it. A few of us have the belief that it is a warning system that something is wrong intestinally, but then there's no proof of that either. I would reccommend that aswell as seeing your GP, you should try and get a consultation with GI/GU specialist, they might be able to find something more. In the meantime, make sure you get to a Dr. as soon as posible just in case it is your appendix this time. Here's hoping it's not and you feel better.

Answer 2

A person can have what is called a 'smoldering appendix'. It is a form of appendicitis but it isn't acute, therefore at onset the appendix may not have looked inflammed on the scan. It can take a while for it to actually show inflammation on the scan if it is indeed a 'smoldering' appendix. It should most definitely be checked again. Also, lower right quadrant pain, once appendicitis is ruled out could be a sign of severeal things, ovulation, ovarian cysts, eptopic pregnancy, gas, constipation.. and more that I am probably not remembering. You're best bet is to see the physician to be sure it isn't anything serious. Good luck & feel better!

Answer 3

If it has only been a few hours, it could just be a small inflammation of the intestinal wall..but here is info on appendicitis Appendicitis can cause a variety of symptoms that may change over time: • Early on, the most common symptom is an aching pain around your navel that often shifts later to your lower right abdomen. • As the inflammation spreads to nearby tissues, the pain may become sharper and more severe. • Eventually, the pain tends to settle in your lower right abdomen — near your appendix at what's known as McBurney point. This point is about halfway between your navel and the top of your right pelvic bone. But the location of your pain may vary, depending on your age and the position of your appendix. Young children or pregnant women, especially, may have appendicitis pain in different places. What makes pain worse If you apply gentle pressure to the area that hurts, it will feel tender. As you release the pressure, especially if you do it suddenly, appendicitis pain often will feel worse (rebound tenderness). It will also tend to get worse if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements. This is particularly true if the inflamed appendix is touching the peritoneum — the silk-like membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and enfolds the intestines. The pain may lessen somewhat if you lie on your side and pull your knees up toward your chest. Symptoms other than pain In addition to pain, you may have one or more of the following appendicitis symptoms: • Nausea and sometimes vomiting • Loss of appetite • A low-grade fever that starts after other symptoms appear • Constipation • An inability to pass gas • Diarrhea • Abdominal swelling I f you have these symptoms, seek the advice of a doctor. Diagnosis of appendicitis can be difficult, but if you have it, you need the appendix removed. One thing to correct, you will not automatically die if you appendix bursts, but it is serious as it can cause sepsis (massive infection) and that untreated can eventually be fatal. A warning, DO NOT use any kind of laxative or enema, if it is your appendix, those things can cause a burst.

Answer 4

You could have appendicitis for real this time, or you could have gallstones, or a kidney problem or a liver malfunction. Or you could be having a problem in your reproductive organs. The only way to know is to go see a doctor, right away.

Answer 5

you could have an ovarian cyst. and it could have burst. I have had a couple of these. they are normal and they are way painful. I thought it was my appendix the first time. Go to the clinic just to make sure but i bet its more of a cyst.

Answer 6

Gall bladder disease, kidney stones, diverticultis and gastroenteritis are worth considering.

p.s. It sounds simple, but one good way to rule out gas as a cause of the pain is to see if a gas-x type product provides you any relief.

Answer 7

It could be gall stones. Does your symptoms increase after salty or high fat meals? Sometimes, antacids could help the pain. When I had gall stones, I tried to reduce the fat and salt in my diet, took antacids, and I actually usually felt better after vomiting. None of these are cures however, if it is gall stones your gallbladder will probably need to be removed.

Answer 8

There are many things that could cause that kind of pain. You could simply be ovulating. Are you midway through your cycle? Could be gas even. It can be painful.

Answer 9

You could have an ovarian cyst. If it's appendicitis, you'll probably have nausea and vomiting. Please see a doctor - don't take chances.