Pain in lower left side

[cowgill]

For the past few days, i have had a tingling sensation, but its more like a pain on the left side of my abdomin below the rib cage or slightly higher. bothers me sometimes, and its only being going on for about 5 days now, but at te same time of this, i have had blood in my stool. Its bright red streaks and on the outside of the stool and on the toilet paper, i went to my doctor and he gave me the rubber glove, i fet no pain when he asked while his finger was in there, and he found no blood in my stool when he stuck me with his finger. what is going on, should i be worried?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The pain that is described is a little high for colon pain.  Possible causes can include GERD, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, ulcers, or pancreatic pain.  Tests to evaluate this would include an upper endoscopy/upper GI series as well as pancreatic enzymes (i.e. amylase and lipase).

Blood in the stool is never normal - and can be caused by hemorrhoids, polyps, or colon cancer.  A flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy should be discussed to evaluate this.  

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.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[surgeon]

there's lots more info needed: among them, your age, sex, other medical conditions, etc. What explanation was given for the streaks of blood? The most common explanation is either hemorroids or fissure, neither of which would cause abdominal pain. Depending on your age, if there's no specific explanation for the blood, a scope exam -- either sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy -- might be a good idea. The best source is your own doctor, who knows all the details of your situation. If the pain continues, you should let him know about it.

[cowgill]

Ok, there was no explanation given for the problem cuase he said he didnt find anythign wrong, i am a 22 year old male, only other medical condition is exterinal compartment sysdrome. i was in good shape but recently i have gotten out of shape. not obese, i also did some mega heavy lifting a week before this start, helping my parents move for 2 weeks. thats all the info i can give.

[JaSam]

Had a similar problem for last few months but it is improving now. I went through complete battery of gastro tests to rule out bad things and thank God all results were negative.

It might be that it