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I Have, Over The Last Three Days, Experienced Intermittent Cramps
Question: I have, over the last three days, experienced intermittent cramps in my lower abdomen. I had a regular bowel movement today, and aside from slight tenderness across the area, there's no fever or diarrhea. I ate deep fried potatos Monday night, and I do not eat Fried foods. Haven't had anything deep fried in years. I have eaten cereal, and grilled fish, and cornbread, in the last two days. I had my XXXXXXX shake with oatbran and metamucil today. I had it Wednesday night after it had been sitting for a few minutes and it was very thick.
Brief Answer:
Doesn't sound like anything concerning
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. Symptoms of lower abdominal cramping for a few days would not be something I would be too concerned about. It may be that you have a mild viral gastroenteritis, or maybe it was something that you ate that has irritated your large bowel. Especially with normal bowel movements and no fever, this is something I would expect will pass within a week or two.
Reasons to be concerned would be if the cramping persists for more than a few weeks, or if you have constant pain in the right or left lower abdomen. Especially older patients can sometimes develop an infection in an out-pouching of the colon called diverticulitis which usually presents as fever and pain in the left lower abdomen. If you notice any blood in your stools, that would be another reason to be evaluated.
If you haven't had a colonoscopy in the past 10 years, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting one to screen for colon cancer, but you don't necessarily need one for the symptoms you have now unless they persist or develop any other symptoms like the ones I mentioned above.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about any of that and I would be glad to discuss it further with you.
Doesn't sound like anything concerning
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. Symptoms of lower abdominal cramping for a few days would not be something I would be too concerned about. It may be that you have a mild viral gastroenteritis, or maybe it was something that you ate that has irritated your large bowel. Especially with normal bowel movements and no fever, this is something I would expect will pass within a week or two.
Reasons to be concerned would be if the cramping persists for more than a few weeks, or if you have constant pain in the right or left lower abdomen. Especially older patients can sometimes develop an infection in an out-pouching of the colon called diverticulitis which usually presents as fever and pain in the left lower abdomen. If you notice any blood in your stools, that would be another reason to be evaluated.
If you haven't had a colonoscopy in the past 10 years, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting one to screen for colon cancer, but you don't necessarily need one for the symptoms you have now unless they persist or develop any other symptoms like the ones I mentioned above.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about any of that and I would be glad to discuss it further with you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Thank you. I wonder if the over-thick XXXXXXX with metamucil might be slogging its way through, and causing the cramps. This evening, the discomfort subsided, and then after a half hour or so, resumed. It's not unbearable, but uncomfortable, and noticeable. I took a couple of tablespoons of Mylanta antacid-anti-gas. Thank you for your careful response.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. It is possible that your digestive tract is having a harder time with the XXXXXXX shake, especially with the Metamucil. I think the Mylanta is reasonable to try and see if it helps. Drinking plenty of water can also help things to move along smoothly. I would expect this to pass in the next day or so, hopefully sooner.
Again, you're welcome, please let me know if I can help with anything in the future. Thank you for your question and take care.
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. It is possible that your digestive tract is having a harder time with the XXXXXXX shake, especially with the Metamucil. I think the Mylanta is reasonable to try and see if it helps. Drinking plenty of water can also help things to move along smoothly. I would expect this to pass in the next day or so, hopefully sooner.
Again, you're welcome, please let me know if I can help with anything in the future. Thank you for your question and take care.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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