Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?

ravenray · November 2011

I know I know you aren't all Doctors but I could use some advice.

I have been having pain in my lower abdomen to up my sides for two days. It started yesterday after I had coffee on an empty stomach. It went away for a while but every time I got up to move it hurt me. As long as I am lying down no pain. Today it is still hurting. Normally I would just ignore it (as I am sure the pain will go away) but I am also worried that maybe (for some unknown reason) my gallbladder wants to burst. When it happened yesterday it felt like someone was trying to squeeze something that was too large through my intestines. It hurt.

Worth it to go to the doctor? Or do you think it will go wait. I wouldn't be able to go until next week anyways.

Ollie08 · November 2011

In this case, I would probably go to the Dr, but that's just me.

[Deleted User] · November 2011

is it in the front of your abdomen, or more towards the back?

alanna91 · November 2011

Coffee is really acidic so drinking it on an empty stomach would definitely upset you.

However, I'd say go to the doctor. If you can't make it until next week anyway and you end up feeling better, you can either cancel it or go and get a checkup instead.

I hope you feel better though, that sounds like the pits

ravenray · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:6710d966-c432-4429-91b0-75b25de4917e">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]is it in the front of your abdomen, or more towards the back?
Posted by CocoBellaF[/QUOTE]
In the front mostly. But sometimes it slides around to my side, but high up.

bethsmiles · November 2011

Are you having back pain? Gallbladder attacks register as back pain for the majority of people (I know it did for me!). For abdomen pain I would definitely go to the doctor. It could be any number of things, and its better to be safe than sorry.

[Deleted User] · November 2011

From my gallbladder experience last year...it seems like your pain is concentrated in the wrong area. Most of my pain was in my back, stomach and behind my Right shoulder blade. For me, my attacks lasted about 4 hours and I was not comfortable in any position.

I personally would get this checked. If you do have gallbladder or appendix issues, it could be a REALLY big problem if either of them burst or get infected. Abdominal pain is usually not something to ignore. I'd go ahead and make the appointment. When you call to schedule, let the receptionist know your symptoms and they should be able to tell if you need to be seen earlier.

Hope it's nothing big and that you get feeling better soon raven!

[Deleted User] · November 2011

hmmm, you can *probably* rule out kidney stones then. mine have always been in my back/abdomen area.

if you can get in, you probably should go to the doctor... for sure if you're still having pain in the next day or two.

peekaboo2011 · November 2011

I say definitely make the appointment - you can always cancel!

bethsmiles · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:58703c0d-88a7-49eb-a551-84de5097f496">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]From my gallbladder experience last year...it seems like your pain is concentrated in the wrong area. Most of my pain was in my back, stomach and behind my Right shoulder blade. For me, my attacks lasted about 4 hours and I was not comfortable in any position. I personally would get this checked. If you do have gallbladder or appendix issues, it could be a REALLY big problem if either of them burst or get infected. Abdominal pain is usually not something to ignore. I'd go ahead and make the appointment. When you call to schedule, let the receptionist know your symptoms and they should be able to tell if you need to be seen earlier. Hope it's nothing big and that you get feeling better soon raven!
Posted by allusive007[/QUOTE]

This is how my gallbaldder attacks were too. Abdomen pain can be a lot of scary things though so I really would go see a doctor sooner rather than later and I'm not one to run to the doctor for everything little thing.

ravenray · November 2011

Well that makes me feel better. It’s not up in my back. I don't know why but I had this irrational fear about it being that. I think I will go ahead and make the doctor’s appointment. Thanks girls! And thanks for making me feel a little better.

polkadot111 · November 2011

I would go to the doctor. Appendicitis usually starts with your sides hurting in the front from what I've heard. If it starts to travel down to one side and REALLY hurts or if you start to throw up, I'd go right away.

bsidebella · November 2011

For me, my gallbladder pain was in my back and my chest, and I couldn't breathe. My symptoms were continuously mistaken for heartburn. I wasn't comfortable in any position, either. My only "relief" was sitting straight up, and sometimes that didn't even help.

If you're concerned, make a doctor's appointment. Like a PP mentioned, you can always cancel, and really - is your health worth it? Let me tell you, for months and months I avoided going to the doctor for my "heartburn" and my mother would refuse to listen to me when I told her something wasn't right and this is too severe to be heartburn. I put it off for so long, my gallbladder ended up getting infected and it was so bad, they nearly had to remove part of my liver because it was spreading. If I had gone to the doctor sooner rather than later, I probably could have avoided surgery altogether.

SKP82 · November 2011

I don't mess around with stuff like that. I would go to the doctor. NOW.

Do you still have your appendix?

bethsmiles · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:1f1617e6-8153-43c5-aa80-43042dcc44d5">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]For me, my gallbladder pain was in my back and my chest, and I couldn't breathe. My symptoms were continuously mistaken for heartburn. I wasn't comfortable in any position, either. My only "relief" was sitting straight up, and sometimes that didn't even help. If you're concerned, make a doctor's appointment. Like a PP mentioned, you can always cancel, and really - is your health worth it? Let me tell you, for months and months I avoided going to the doctor for my "heartburn" and my mother would refuse to listen to me when I told her something wasn't right and this is too severe to be heartburn. I put it off for so long, my gallbladder ended up getting infected and it was so bad, they nearly had to remove part of my liver because it was spreading. If I had gone to the doctor sooner rather than later, I probably could have avoided surgery altogether.
Posted by bsidebella[/QUOTE]

I avoided going to the doctor for my gallbladder problems too. If I had gone in sooner I probably wouldn't have had to had it removed.

Also, it's better if you go when you are actually having the pain. It's easier for them to determine what's going on.

[Deleted User] · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:1f1617e6-8153-43c5-aa80-43042dcc44d5">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]For me, my gallbladder pain was in my back and my chest, and I couldn't breathe. My symptoms were continuously mistaken for heartburn. I wasn't comfortable in any position, either. My only "relief" was sitting straight up, and sometimes that didn't even help. If you're concerned, make a doctor's appointment. Like a PP mentioned, you can always cancel, and really - is your health worth it? Let me tell you, for months and months I avoided going to the doctor for my "heartburn" and my mother would refuse to listen to me when I told her something wasn't right and this is too severe to be heartburn. I put it off for so long, my gallbladder ended up getting infected and it was so bad, they nearly had to remove part of my liver because it was spreading. If I had gone to the doctor sooner rather than later, I probably could have avoided surgery altogether.
Posted by bsidebella[/QUOTE]

This happened to me for months even though I knew that wasn't what was going on! Sorry you had to do through the same thing. It was frustrating as heck!!

bsidebella · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:59edf0fc-baac-4566-b110-60a2fd6395af">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor? : This happened to me for months even though I knew that wasn't what was going on! Sorry you had to do through the same thing. It was frustrating as heck!!
Posted by allusive007[/QUOTE]

Frustrating especially when no one will listen to you when you try to tell them it's not just heartburn **coughmomcoughcough**

ravenray · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:ef3af77e-a562-4af7-bca0-2b73fd01e1a1">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't mess around with stuff like that. I would go to the doctor. NOW. Do you still have your appendix?
Posted by SKP82[/QUOTE]
Yes. Should I be worried?

ravenray · November 2011

I am so sorry for all of you who had all those issues Health things suck! *hugs*

Another not really related but has been bothering me question:

Must you go to a gyno for birth control. And is it a requirement to have the doc/gyno look between your legs? I am slightly terrified.

alanna91 · November 2011

Raven, I got my BC prescription without a gynecology appointment. It was just my normal PCP who decided (against my will), that I should go on a prescription. It was pretty easy! I'm glad I ended up starting too.

polkadot111 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:5a9098b6-81ae-457c-9b4a-57f9573ec464">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]I am so sorry for all of you who had all those issues :/ Health things suck! *hugs* Another not really related but has been bothering me question: Must you go to a gyno for birth control. And is it a requirement to have the doc/gyno look between your legs? I am slightly terrified.
Posted by ravenray[/QUOTE]

I think it is. I would go there for it. And a pap smear is NOT bad. Seriously it's not. You get used to it really quickly. It's quick and over before you know it. It would be important to go get one anyone by this point.

ravenray · November 2011

I am just so private. Thankful up to this point I haven't had to deal with it but not that I am getting married... well I need go on BC. But I am totally afraid of going to a gyno.

I know I am big chicken.

SKP82 · November 2011

Raven, if you're sexually active (I think I remember that you're not) or over the age of 21, you should have regular check ups with a gynecologist. I think *most* doctors require you to have an exam before prescribing birth control pills (at least mine did and I wasn't sexually active yet). It's really not as bad as you think (it lasts a couple seconds). Yes, it is uncomfortable, but is very important to your health.

When I had appendicitis, my pain started around my belly button and my abdomen was really sore (like I had done too many crunches), then the pain spread throughout my abdomen and I couldn't stop vomiting. I had to go to the emergency room and have it removed.

If you are truly in pain, I would go to the doctor as soon as possible, because you never know what it could be. Also, your PCP office visit will be less costly than an ER visit!

I hope you feel better soon.

polkadot111 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:e38c9a20-b9d0-4354-8577-1f4f5c611874">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]I am just so private. Thankful up to this point I haven't had to deal with it but not that I am getting married... well I need go on BC. But I am totally afraid of going to a gyno. :( I know I am big chicken.
Posted by ravenray[/QUOTE]

I'm a big chicken too. The first time I was so scared and embarassed. But with these health issues I've had, I'd had a bunch of pelvic exams. So I'm used to it now. Really, just remind yourself that they see a bunch of people EVERY day.

SKP82 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:e38c9a20-b9d0-4354-8577-1f4f5c611874">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]I am just so private. Thankful up to this point I haven't had to deal with it but not that I am getting married... well I need go on BC. But I am totally afraid of going to a gyno. :( I know I am big chicken.
Posted by ravenray[/QUOTE]

Some PCPs and nurse practitioners do pelvic exams (if you're more comfortable with your PCP than you would be with a new doctor). I, personally, would not want to see my PCP for a pelvic exam as I prefer to have someone who specializes in that type of medicine when it comes to my lady parts.

If you want to go on BC, be an adult and go to the gyno. You might be uncomfortable with it, but millions of women do it all the time. You will be fine. I promise. :)

I usually feel more comfortable knowing what's going to happen before going blind into a situation, so if you want to know what to expect before you go, just come here and we will tell you what will happen.

ravenray · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:c004defe-70e7-4c27-a240-f1f436e0ab55">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor? : Some PCPs and nurse practitioners do pelvic exams (if you're more comfortable with your PCP than you would be with a new doctor). I, personally, would not want to see my PCP for a pelvic exam as I prefer to have someone who specializes in that type of medicine when it comes to my lady parts. If you want to go on BC, be an adult and go to the gyno. You might be uncomfortable with it, but millions of women do it all the time. You will be fine. I promise. :) I usually feel more comfortable knowing what's going to happen before going blind into a situation, so if you want to know what to expect before you go, just come here and we will tell you what will happen.
Posted by SKP82[/QUOTE]
*sigh* I know I need to be an adult.I am just so chicken sh!t. I will be sure to ask you guys before I go. Maybe I should add his on my list of people to call tomorrow to make appointments for.

SKP82 · November 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_worth-doctor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:15f4fd0b-da22-4362-a7ed-82935d1d3a8dPost:7d7a4626-6e52-4027-a97a-c9e65c18b30c">Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Is it worth it to go to the Doctor? : *sigh* I know I need to be an adult.I am just so chicken sh!t. I will be sure to ask you guys before I go. Maybe I should add his on my list of people to call tomorrow to make appointments for.
Posted by ravenray[/QUOTE]

Definitely come and we will tell you everything to expect. Check your insurance website and find a specialist in your area. I know for regular exams, it takes me about a month to get an appointment, so you will have plenty of time to prepare. :)

ravenray · November 2011

Ok so I called. I have an appointment for Wednesday because the only other thing they could see me is Friday of next week and I didn't want to wait that long unless it is serious.
Now if they tell me I need to sleep more and eat better I am going to punch someone.....

JBC123 · November 2011

Please please PLEASE GO TO THE DOCTOR!!!!!

On September 6th, I had major emergency surgery to remove my ruptured appendix. I had been walking around for several days AFTER it had ruptured. By all accounts, I should not be sitting here typing this message, but the good Lord protected me by having my body somehow wall off the infection.

To this day my surgeon looks at me, shakes his head and says "I really don't understand your threshhold of pain?!

I keep telling him, I thought had gas....

I thought I had food poisoning. I went to the walk in clinic five days earlier, but they said it was not food poisoning, thought it was just a gastrointentinal virus and told me to re-hydrate myself. They did not take a blood test which would have told them I had a raging infection - of course, the fact that I presented to those idiots running a fever didn't seem to matter to them.....

DO NOT IGNORE ABDOMINAL SYMPTOMS - DOESN'T MATTER WHERE IT HURTS, GET IT CHECKED OUT AND IF IT DOESN'T GET BETTER, GO DIRECTLY TO THE ER - DO NOT PASS GO, DO NOT COLLECT $200!

I hope you feel better!!!

Ollie08 · November 2011

I agree with JBC. I had my apprndix removed February 09 and I swore I had gas. Really bad gas. I had so much pain I was in tears and vomitting. It had just gotten worse during the day. I was afraid to go to the dr because I didn't want to be embarrassed if it was gas, but I finally went to the ER. Turns out it was my appendix. They did emergency surgery and my appendix hadnt ruptured but it was oozing. Had they waited until later that day to do the surgery it would have ruptured. Better to be safe than sorry.

SopChick · November 2011

I agree with all the PPs, that it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to abdominal stuff - so good that you were able to get an appointment for this week! Seriously though, if you start to feel worse, don't hesitate to get checked out sooner.

As for the GYN stuff, it's better for them to have a baseline before you're sexually active so that they can compare future labs. Yes, it's awkward at first, but just remember that it's their job, they're professionals, and they see lots of bodies every day, so it's no different to them than looking at a foot, for example.

Good luck, take care of yourself!

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