Should we go to the ER?

July 26, 2011 10:35 PM

YANAD. Boyfriend has pea-ish sized hard mass right above belly button which doesn't protrude. Mild sharp pain, worse after eating. Touching it doesn't cause extra pain. He's also been extra gassy and a bit constipated. First noticed the lump/pain 4-5 days ago. Our health insurance is kicking in August 1st (and it's an HMO, so don't know how fast he'll be able to see someone). Is this something he should see a doctor about immediately? Should I be taking him to an ER? Lumpy masses are scary . . .
posted by imalaowai to Health & Fitness (12 answers total)

When you say "a bit constipated"... how constipated do you mean? Has he been able to have a bowel movement at all during these past 4-5 days? Has he taken any over-the-counter medicine for any symptoms?
posted by scody at 11:04 PM on July 26, 2011

Response by poster: He has had some bowel movements. They've been a struggle and hard to come by, and for a couple days it was just a couple hard turds. Ha. Anyway, today he finally took a decent one with little struggle. He still feels gassy and bloated, especially after eating. He has upped his fiber intake in the past day or so though, to help with the constipation. That can obviously cause extra gas.
posted by imalaowai at 11:10 PM on July 26, 2011

If it were me, I would go to an urgent care. They are much cheaper than ER. They could determine if he needs emergency care. I am not a doctor, but I have a feeling it can wait. I am real hesitant to say that. If he has a fever or other symptoms that would make a huge difference. I don't think the "pea-sized" mass is related to constipation. Note: I don't know what I am talking about ;)
posted by nogero at 11:26 PM on July 26, 2011

Best answer: At the very least, you should see a doctor about this tomorrow. Sharp abdominal pain is not something you should mess around with. If his condition worsens at all, or there are other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or fever, you should definitely go to the emergency room.
posted by grouse at 11:29 PM on July 26, 2011

If the abdominal pain doesn't subside or worsens, or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or fever, as grouse and nogero mentioned, head to the ER.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:52 PM on July 26, 2011

Response by poster: No nausea, vomiting or fever, though if any of those things happen we'll go straight to the ER. We're going to go to either a low-cost clinic or urgent care tomorrow. Thank you all for your help -- we're kinda worried so it's really nice to get some outside advice.
posted by imalaowai at 12:39 AM on July 27, 2011

Nth-ing doctor! Spending a bit of cash = not fun. Hernia/perforated bowel = REALLY not fun.
posted by superfish at 1:05 AM on July 27, 2011 [1 favorite]

Even a hernia can become lifethreatening, and obviously a perforated bowel would be. I hope "tomorrow" means "within 24 hours".
posted by IAmBroom at 7:13 AM on July 27, 2011

I'd probably want to be seen today if that were me. Is there no free clinic/indigent care kind of thing near you?
posted by sully75 at 10:33 AM on July 27, 2011

Yeah, you should see the doctor today.
posted by grouse at 10:37 AM on July 27, 2011

I am not a doctor, but it sounds like it could be a paraumbilical hernia.
posted by procrastination at 11:20 AM on July 27, 2011 [1 favorite]

Did you see a physician about this?
posted by grouse at 7:16 AM on July 29, 2011