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Suggest Treatment For Lower Abdominal Cramps In An Elderly Person
Question: I am having cramps in my lower abdomen *they come and go". Also, pain (cramping) which seems to be alleviated by going to the bathroom. Sometimes, the cramps are so bad that I vomit while using the bathroom. (a few times in the past two weeks). I am 55 years old and my periods have been irregular since January. I am wondering if this is typical of menopause, thyroid or something else. Two weeks ago, I ate some sour cream that was bad..... I vomited and had cramps. This all started after the sour cream.... I appreciate your insight.
Brief Answer:
Fix an appointment with Gynecologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I appreciate your concerns.
Do you have urgency to pass stools? Is there mucus in stools? Do you have bloating?
Do you have yearly check up with your doctor? Are you regular with your pap smears? Have you had any recent ultrasound of pelvis?
Have you had weight loss?
It is rare to have periods even at the age of 55. This is a bit of concern.
Although your complaints started with eating sour cream, it does not seem to be the cause.
From your notes it appears to be:
1. Beginning of irritable bowel syndrome-It affects the large intestine. Cause is not known. But the pain can be triggered by stress, diet and infection. The cramps are typically relieved after passing stools.
2. Cancer of the ovary or uterus- This is rare. But it is extremely important to exclude this possibility
3. Endometriosis-This is a condition where uterine lining is found outside the uterus. The cramps are very severe near the time of periods. It also causes pain during intercourse. etc This is extremely unlikely in your case.
It is important that you see Gynecologist first. If need be you will also be referred to surgeon. You will be asked to do ultrasound of abdomen and Pelvis. Your doctor may also ask for MRI.
I hope this is helpful.
If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama
Fix an appointment with Gynecologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I appreciate your concerns.
Do you have urgency to pass stools? Is there mucus in stools? Do you have bloating?
Do you have yearly check up with your doctor? Are you regular with your pap smears? Have you had any recent ultrasound of pelvis?
Have you had weight loss?
It is rare to have periods even at the age of 55. This is a bit of concern.
Although your complaints started with eating sour cream, it does not seem to be the cause.
From your notes it appears to be:
1. Beginning of irritable bowel syndrome-It affects the large intestine. Cause is not known. But the pain can be triggered by stress, diet and infection. The cramps are typically relieved after passing stools.
2. Cancer of the ovary or uterus- This is rare. But it is extremely important to exclude this possibility
3. Endometriosis-This is a condition where uterine lining is found outside the uterus. The cramps are very severe near the time of periods. It also causes pain during intercourse. etc This is extremely unlikely in your case.
It is important that you see Gynecologist first. If need be you will also be referred to surgeon. You will be asked to do ultrasound of abdomen and Pelvis. Your doctor may also ask for MRI.
I hope this is helpful.
If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer.
Best wishes,
Dr Rama
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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