Lower abdomon pain?

Lately I have been getting dull throbbing pain, increasing to sharp stabbing pain in my lower abdomon. I notice it more after I eat but this morning, I had had nothing to eat but probably a quart of water while getting ready for work. Then on my way to work, I felt like I had to use the rest room (#1) really bad, got pain so sharp in my lower right side that I actually pulled into a McDonald's to use the bathroom, then didn't even go like I thought I would, but the pain passed. I have noticed the last few days that it feels like I need to go bad but when I get into the bathroom, it's not that much. The pain fluctuates from side to side and I had my appendix removed when I was 17 and my gallbladder when I was 25 so it can't be either of those things. Has anyone else had this type of thing? I thought maybe it's gas but it doesn't really feel like any gas I've ever had before. More like labor pains! Thanks! Debbi 289/1806/160

Hey Deb, Sounds like it's either gas or you just need to take a good dump! Seriously though, try and take some gas-x or some stool softener and see if that helps. I get those pains when I haven't pooped enough for a couple of days. If you are concerned, you should call the doc. Lori

Hi Debbie, I agree with Lori. I get gas pains that literally bend me over and I can't move, and it can change from side to side. I don't get the bladder urgency though. If the gas-x or some mylanta doesn't fix it in a day or so, give the docs a call. Dawn

Hi Debbie- I wouldn't be so sure that it may be something simple. Here is why: back in early september I developed an ulcer - 13mos out- and I was in a lot of pain- bent over pain- for several hrs- and called my surgeon from the pharmacy.He stayed on the phn with me for an HOUR- ruling out possible problems- he thought it was an internal hernia- I thought it was something that did not agree with me- I had eaten salad with viniagrette dressing. POINT IS- I also thought it was my intestines wrapped around because of where it hurt- (not my pouch) it felt below my belly button - and he kept telling me- i Didn't exhibit those symptoms- pain in the lower abdomen going to the back or pain pulling down to my groin area. I was going to have a CATscan the next day if it didn't resolve itself ( It did- I took 2 nexium a day for a week - I had been on them 2 weeks at that point- and I took some mylanta and it releived the pain within 20mins) Another friend of mine- was having stomach pain same time as me- KNEW he had a problem- couldnt eat very much- but did NOTHIN about it- and one morning he woke up and collapsed on the kitchen floor Turns out- HIS intestine had wrapped around itself and needed emergency surgery in the ER. SO DO NOT WAIT to go to your surgeon if you know something is wrong- immediately. I don't want to scare you- but at the same time- procrastination is not the remedy either. If you are truly having bowel movement problems- taking a stool softener at night will help you- they have gel pills you can take- and they are inexpensive. good luck n hope u feel better Donna

Hi Debbi, I wholeheartedly agree with Donna'a post! I would get to the Dr. ASAP if your symptoms continue. My girlfriend, who has also had WLS, had severe gas-like pains in her lower abdomen two weeks ago while out to visit me. She wrote the pains off as gas for a couple of days. After two more days of excruciating pain, a package of Gas-X, and an expectorant, she took her butt to the ER in the city where she works. Turns out she had a partial obstruction in her intestine. Left untreated, this could lead to severe GI problems. I'm not trying to put a scare into you, but it's really best to have any pain lasting longer than reasonable checked out. Turns out my girlfriend spent 3 days in the hospital until they rehydrated her system, which helped to dissolve and pass the obstruction. I wish you the best of health. Jeff