Very mild pain on left side of abdomen

by Geoffrey Lawrence
(Australia)

I have been having a slight uncomfortable feeling (I wouldn't term it as pain though) on the left hand portion of my stomach (between the belly and the rib section). It has been there for the past few months now (3 - 3.5 months)

The symptoms are that my bowel habits are completely irregular and random. The frequency is also not at all predictable. On top of that, I have also been belching and breaking wind very frequently. I also do not feel hungry that often (and at the right times).

To be very honest, I consume very little water everyday (sometimes just a glass or two). I drink a lot of juice and considerable amount of pepsi as well. I skip a lot of meals as I have a lot to do at work and breakfast is also very irregular. I also smoke 3-4 cigarettes per day.

I went to a doctor last month and he prescribed me with psyllium husk to be taken twice a day with juice and consume a lot of water. I have been taking it but there seems to be no change. My diet still remains the same with less water and less food as well. I am pretty much sure that this is the problem. Please help me here and also do let me know as to what I need to do to get rid of the problem.

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Dear Mr Lawrence,

Many thanks for using our online service.
I am curious about the symptoms you described. It well sound like your doctor is thinking along the line of constipation. I agree with him. My only concern is that if this has gone on for more than 3 months, with reduced appetite, and the other symptoms described, I think we need to do more to unearth or dispel any other potentially serious cause. I guess you are more concerned about something else. Have you discussed your main worry with your doctor?

If you are afraid of the big "C" word or cancer, I am not surprised, though I have NO reason to indicate that that is what it is. Are you more than 50 years of age? Has there been any unintended weight loss? Is there any history of bowel problems in the family?

What about seeing your doctor and consider having at least some routine blood test plus colonoscopy if possible. This will to a large extent eliminate any lingering uncertainty.

You have identified the fact that your diet could be more healthy in terms of regularity and perhaps content. Any plans on working on this area soon? That might also help resolve this problem, if it is due to straight forward constipation.

Please keep us informed as I am eager to know the outcome of your investigations. Do not hesitate to contact us please, should there be any other specific question or issue you want us to help with.

Many thanks again for visiting us here at abdopain.com.

Dr O Edema