Abdominal Pain
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ABDOMINAL PAIN
-Abdominal pain has many possible causes.
-Some aren’t serious and get better on their own in a few days.
-Others need more testing and treatment.
-If your pain continues or gets worse, you need to be checked or rechecked and may need more tests to find out what is wrong.
-You may need surgery to correct the problem.
-We ENCOURAGE YOU TO COME IN the soonest possible for abdominal pain evaluation
-Our evaluation follows similar protocols as the EMERGENCY DEPT and in many cases we can get it done the same day
-DON’T IGNORE NEW SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS:
-fever
-nausea and
-vomiting
-urination problems
-pain that gets worse
-and dizziness.
-THESE MAY BE SIGNS OF A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM
-We recommended a follow-up any time you develop such symptoms.
-If you are not getting better, you may need more tests or treatment.
-Even after checking you carefully, problems can develop later.
-If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
-FOLLOW-UP CARE IS A KEY PART OF ANY TREATMENT PROVIDED AND IS A KEY PART OF YOUR TREATMENT AND SAFETY.
-Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your PRIMARY CARE if you are having problems.
-It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
-HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOURSELF AT HOME?
-Rest until you feel better.
-To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids, enough so that your urine is light yellow or clear like water.
-Choose water and other caffeine-free clear liquids until you feel better.
-If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, MAKE SURE YOU GET CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
-If your stomach is upset, eat mild foods, such as rice, dry toast or crackers, bananas, and applesauce.
-Try eating several small meals instead of two or three large ones.
-Wait until 48 hours after all symptoms have gone away before you have spicy foods, alcohol, and drinks that contain caffeine.
-Do not eat foods that are high in fat.
-Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).
-These can cause stomach upset. AGAIN, ASK PLENTY OF QUESTIONS if you take daily aspirin for another health problem.
GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OR CALL 911 if:
-You passed out (lost consciousness).
-You pass maroon or very bloody stools.
-You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
-You have new, severe belly pain.
-Your pain gets worse, especially if it becomes focused in one area of your belly.
-You have a new or higher fever.
-Your stools are black and look like tar, or they have streaks of blood.
-You have unexpected vaginal bleeding.
-You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
-Pain when you urinate.
-Urinating more often than usual.
-Blood in your urine.
-You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
-Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
-You are not getting better after 1 day (24 hours).