Persistent Abdominal Pain: What to Do and How to Document

It's important to address persistent abdominal pain seriously. If you or a loved one are experiencing discomfort, especially if it occurs frequently, it's crucial to make a proper diagnosis. Your health is paramount, and the best way to advocate for yourself or your child is by documenting the symptoms thoroughly.

Documenting Your Symptoms

The first step in managing abdominal pain is to document everything that's happening when the pain occurs. Write down the type of pain, its intensity, and the precise location. Detailed records can provide valuable information for healthcare professionals. For instance, my stomach pains were frequent and intense whenever I ate, indicating underlying issues such as gallstones, acid reflux, and excessive gas. Changing my dietary habits and eating more slowly significantly reduced the discomfort, but the only permanent solution was to have my gallbladder removed.

If your situation is less severe or doesn't resolve with lifestyle changes, it may be time to visit a doctor. They can provide a professional evaluation and diagnosis, which might require further tests such as bloodwork, imaging, or endoscopy.

Medical Documentation and Empowerment

Even if advice such as eating more slowly is not resolving your abdominal pain, it's essential to document your experiences. Gather any research that supports your case. For example, knowing the norms for height and weight for your age group can help in assessing any discrepancies related to overeating or malnutrition. Keep a detailed log of everything you and your family members eat, including the weight and portion size, and record the time and severity of pain.

Be mindful of how you present yourself, as eating habits can heavily influence the perception of your case. Having your last piece of a dozen donuts in your mouth is not a winning argument. Thus, maintaining a meal diary can be a powerful tool. Consider keeping a daily entry of your food intake and note when your stomach hurts to identify any potential triggers.

Our family experienced similar situations. My stomach pain was caused by gluten, and my son's was due to dairy products, specifically cows milk and goats milk. Avoiding these foods led to a significant reduction in pain. It's important to note that everyone is different, so finding a Functional Medicine doctor can be beneficial for personalized care.

Enjoy Your Food

Filling your stomach too quickly can cause discomfort. Enjoy your food; don't inhale it! Regular dietary habits should be a pleasure, not a rushed task. Take the time to savor your meals, chew thoroughly, and experience the flavors and textures. This not only helps in digesting food better but also contributes to overall quality of life.

In conclusion, if you're facing persistent abdominal pain, start by documenting your experiences and gathering medical evidence. Work with a healthcare professional to identify the root cause and develop a plan for improved health and wellness.