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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Pain in lower left quadrant
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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Pain in lower left quadrant
by Wally2, Dec 29, 2003 12:00AM
I am a 49 year - old male, and I have been having pain in the lower left quadrant of my abdomen for 7 months. It is worst in the late night/early morning. My colon seems almost swollen in the morning. It had subsided somewhat during the day, but now it seems to go on for the full 24 hours.
It starts and stays in the lower left, but often it also spreads and hurts all over the lower abdomen.
I have had a colonoscopy, a ct scan, and a lower bowel series, and they are all negative. One doctor said it could be IBS, and another said with no alternating diarrhea or constipation it can't be IBS. I don't have either of those symptoms. They seem to have ruled out diverticulitis, although I have a few diverticula, but my doctor says most people have a few of those. So no one can tell me what it is. It hurts a lot, and makes life difficult.
Is there anything I can do for this? One doctor wants to do a laparoscopy of the abdomen, but I'd rather not get cut open, if I don't have to. Can this be IBS, or should I get some more kinds of tests?
It starts and stays in the lower left, but often it also spreads and hurts all over the lower abdomen.
I have had a colonoscopy, a ct scan, and a lower bowel series, and they are all negative. One doctor said it could be IBS, and another said with no alternating diarrhea or constipation it can't be IBS. I don't have either of those symptoms. They seem to have ruled out diverticulitis, although I have a few diverticula, but my doctor says most people have a few of those. So no one can tell me what it is. It hurts a lot, and makes life difficult.
Is there anything I can do for this? One doctor wants to do a laparoscopy of the abdomen, but I'd rather not get cut open, if I don't have to. Can this be IBS, or should I get some more kinds of tests?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 04, 2004 12:00AM
, Jan 04, 2004 12:00AM
Typical causes of left lower quadrant pain would be diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, or a mass. However, wtih a negative colonoscopy and CT scan, it makes the more serious causes less likely.
IBS may be a possibility - this is normally considered after the other tests are negative (as in your case). You may want to consider discussing treatment for this, including discussion of antispasmodic agents.
Another possibility would be an inguinal hernia, which can have pain radiating to the left lower quadrant. A pelvic CT scan can evaluate this.
I agree that laparoscopy should be last resort, but if the pain continues without a clear cause, this may be considered.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
IBS may be a possibility - this is normally considered after the other tests are negative (as in your case). You may want to consider discussing treatment for this, including discussion of antispasmodic agents.
Another possibility would be an inguinal hernia, which can have pain radiating to the left lower quadrant. A pelvic CT scan can evaluate this.
I agree that laparoscopy should be last resort, but if the pain continues without a clear cause, this may be considered.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Happy holidays,
Kevin, M.D.
Have you monitored your body temperature at various times?
Ive looked up alot of info on this but Im coming up with nothing,I have an appt. with my doc but am still wondering if anyone has any ideas as to why I might be having this pain in this area.