QuestionHi,
I'm male, early 40s, normal weight, overall decent health, non-smoker/drinker, not much exercise. I realize what I'm going to ask you is difficult to answer without an actual exam or tests. And I know you will say that I should see a doctor. I will, but I am unable to do so for at least a month or so and I'm beginning to get a little stressed out about my situation so I'm seeking general advice.
I am experiencing pain in my lower right abdomen. If the navel is the 12 position on a clock, the spine is at 6 and right hip at 3, this is around 2 o'clock and halfway between the top of the hip bone and bottom of the rib cage. I cannot tell how deep is the pain, whether it's in the abdominal wall or deeper (feels deeper). The pain is more like discomfort and intermittent (but more present than not) -- not sharp or stabbing but more dull, achy, sometimes burning and throbbing. Been very slightly but steadily increasing for a month or 2 now. After some online reading, I don't think it's the appendix (given the elapsed time). No obvious blood in stool but have not tested for occult. Some days I have skinny stool but on other days, normal diameter. No constipation or diarrhea. No weight loss. The online "symptom checker" does indicate one possibility is colon cancer which is really stressing me out. I can deal with the discoomfort for now but I worry about the delay (if cancer, time is critical). So between now and when I can see a doctor, I was wondering what you could say (without an actual exam). I know you may have to speak in terms of probability. Thanks
AnswerWell, good timing.... I just had my age related colonoscopy yesterday.... In general, it sounds like you have had good health, but I guarantee that your good health will not last forever. It is probably about time to.... like you said, see the doctor.
As far as appendix goes... the experts write books on diagnosing appendicitis.... it can present so many bizarre ways, that rarely is a person typical, ie, vague pain around belly button then gradually progressing to right lower quadrant. Gallstones are a possibility.
If the pain does not fade in a day or two or if you start throwing up, fever, etc, then the only choice is to get it checked. I am unable to give percentages on the possibility of each thing, but look at the pain as an indicator that something is wrong.... if it doesn't go away, it is trying to tell you something..............
