stomach stone symptoms - #20325
I am really worried about some weird stuff going on with my stomach lately. For the past few weeks, I've had this crazy pain in my gut, like a heavy feeling, and I can’t shake it off. I was just on vacation eating lots of rich food and now I don’t know if that is what triggered it. I noticed that I get these sharp pains sometimes which almost feel like someone is poking me from inside!, and it often comes with bloating. I did some research and started thinking could it be stomach stones? I mean, I’ve heard about stomach stones but what are the actual stomach stone symptoms? Is the pain I'm feeling a common symptom? I didn’t want to rush to the doc without knowing more, but I also don’t want to ignore it if it's something serious. My appetite has been kind of off too, like, I can barely eat half my meal anymore without feeling sick. Can anyone share what the stomach stone symptoms are like for them? And should I be doing anything specific while I wait for an appointment? like, diet changes or something? Any advice would really help.
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Doctors' responses
Stomach stones, or gastroliths, aren’t terribly common, but they can definitely cause some uncomfortable symptoms when they do occur. Most people with stomach stones might experience abdominal pain, bloating, and a feeling of fullness after not eating much—symptoms that align with what you’re describing. There can sometimes be nausea or vomiting and, in rarer cases, there might be blood in vomit or stools if the stones cause any irritation or damage. Keep in mind, though, that stomach stones aren’t the only thing that can cause these symptoms. Conditions like gastritis, peptic ulcers, or gallstones could also be at play. Since you mentioned your recent dietary changes, it’s possible that unusually rich or plentiful foods could have triggered or worsened symptoms, especially if these are preexisting conditions.
What you can do in the meantime is pay attention to your diet. Eating smaller, more frequent meals might help with the discomfort and bloating you’re feeling. Try to avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods, as these can exacerbate symptoms. Staying hydrated is important, but make sure to sip water throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts at once, which can add to the feeling of fullness. If you’re experiencing severe pain, persistent vomiting, or see blood in your vomit or stool, it’s time to seek immediate medical attention — these could be signs of something more serious and shouldn’t be ignored.
Given your symptoms and concerns, scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider is a good next step. At this appointment, they can perform necessary tests, like imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan) or endoscopic procedures, to get a better look at what’s happening inside and determine the right treatment path for you. Meanwhile, applying light, gentle warmth to your abdomen can sometimes alleviate pain, and over-the-counter anti-gas medications might relieve bloating. Be cautious with self-medicating, though, especially with painkillers, as some can irritate the stomach further. Prioritizing a calm, stress-free environment might also add a layer of relief as you wait for your appointment.
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