Appendicitis, Dysmenorrhea, IBS, or ???

[Noiryn]

I hate to bother strangers online with my issues, but I'm desperately trying to figure out the best course of action without spending a ton of money. I don't have insurance, and I'm back in school and doing clinical rotations after a layoff, so missing days isn't something I want to do any more of. Thing is this issue isn't getting any better.

So since this past Sunday (January 20th), I've had an ongoing pain in my right lower quadrant, hourly abdominal cramps (below navel) that have acute onset then stop accompanied with a urgent need to evacuate. It seems to get worse at night. This has been going on for four days now. I'm not in agonizing pain, but it's about a 6 out of 10. Evacuation has been slightly productive with largely gas, mucous, blood, and some very loose stool due to the frequency leading to no chance for solid build up. I've lost 2 or 3 lbs.

Add to this that I have hypothyroidism that hasn't been treated in over a decade, and 3 confirmed cysts on my right thyroid. I've had menstrual spotting inconsistently since August with an increase in flow Monday that has since dropped down to spotting, with only minor impact on the GI issues. My family does have a history of IBS and Crohn's. I am not lactose intolerant, but I have shown sensitivity to red onions in the past. This isn't like the reaction to those where I get agonizing, violent diarrhea and 10/10 pain.

I've had minor RLQ pain for years that I've always attributed to ovaries, but never had an issue like this. Last gyno appointment 10 years ago found no sign of ovarian cysts.

Over the past few weeks, I have had a loss of appetite before the pain in my side started.

[Red_Star]

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis which is likely what you have too since it is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in western countries not to mention your family history of autoimmune disease. If you haven't already, test thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). I have 5 autoimmune diseases. I thankfully do not have celiac disease. I like pizza lol.

Hypothyroid Mom has an article 300+ Hypothyroidism Symptoms…Yes REALLY. This is the list on digestion issues...

"Digestion:

Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Hard stools
Loss of appetite
Food allergy
Food sensitivity
Alcohol intolerance
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Lactose intolerance
Celiac Disease
Gluten sensitivity/intolerance
Colitis
Abdominal distention
Weight gain in abdominal area
Protruding abdomen in children
Diverticulosis
Excess gas
Flatulence
Nausea
Ulcers
Acid reflux
Excessive belching
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)"

[Noiryn]

It's amazing how much a dysfunctional thyroid messes everything else up. Although I'm learning towards the thought that this is IBS-D that's being irritated/triggered by my body trying to menstruate but the hormones being to messed up to get things going. :/

I can't eat anything without having diarrhea or gas immediately after. I had dinner at 6 - I've had to run to the bathroom 4 times in five hours... This is with Pepto and Imodium. @_@

[uomeasmile]

You may want to ask your doctor about trying some Bentyl for your IBS - D.

[SassyLassie]

Hello~Has your gyno done a Pelvic ultra sound? Some of your issues point to female issues involving the ovaries. The fact that you feel sick after you eat and are bleeding a wee bit has me concerned it could be something going in your ovaries. I would certainly ask for one and for a CA-125 test as well to rule out cancer.

I hope you feel better soon

[Noiryn]

I'll have to see if I can get in to see one. The one I went to before takes months to get in to see. Sadly they focus mainly on pregnancy rather than issues like this. But the biggest hurdle is getting the funds to do it.

The last time I had a pelvic ultrasound done was about 5 years ago. They didn't find any evidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome at that time (which was why I asked for the ultrasound). At that time, they only found a fluid filled cyst in my uterus. I went then for a similar issue.

From 12 to 21 I had normal, regular periods. After 21 I would go months without one to having ones that would last months. One even going on a year.

I should probably note that I've also never been pregnant. One thing that the doctor also checked for was diabetes. This far, my blood sugar has been good. My gyno mentioned concerns about insulin resistance maybe playing a roll in my erratic cycle, but it could also be the untreated hypothyroidism (which itself is a crazy story).

Right now, I've taken the Naproxen that was prescribed to me along with OTC Pepto tablets and Imodium.

After eating dinner within the space of about 3 hours, I had 4 instances of the prior issues. After taking the medicine, I've not had any yet, but I did have a cramping spell that I was able to breathe through.

[Worrywell94]

Hello, with the symptoms your describing I would assume the majority of your problems are bowel related. I’ve had a similar experience myself - went to gyne who told me she thinks it’s my bowel, prescribed me some meds and sent me on my way. Since emptying my bowel I feel somewhat relieved but still a little tender. You’d be surprised how close the reproductive organs are to the digestive system and how often pain in such areas can be misinterpreted as one or the other.

Blood is never a good sign, however if you are constipated and it’s only a small amount and bright red it’s usually nothing to worry about. But keep an eye on things. Obviously it’s better to be safe than sorry so a follow up with your PCP would be beneficial just to make them aware of your situation. Of course if you feel the pain is becoming unbearable you could always take yourself to the ER to have it checked out there.

Take care and keep us posted.

[Noiryn]

Good news - it's not appendicitis or an infection.

Bad news - still no idea what the hell is going on. Although after not eating since 10:00 PM the night before, I just ate and the symptoms started back up. :/

There was a CT done, but there was only an incidental finding of an unusually thick uterine lining which isn't surprising considering I've had ongoing horomone issues.