Could this be stress?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 23, 2005

Ok so it is middle of finals time. and you know the typical stresses.
A couple hours ago my stomach started hurting around my belly button. now it hurts on the right side. So I have a final tomorrow and I don't have time to be sick. i know what this sounds like.
So could this be a stress thing? I truthfully don't have time. because I will be done exams in a week.
thanx SR

Still Riding...........Guess what, your body couldn't care less that you have finals coming up! :chuckle If the pain persists or gets worse, or if you develop a fever, nausea/vomiting etc., get yourself to the doctor STAT! Of course it could be a 'stress thing', as you put it, but I'm not an MD and neither are you---that's why THEY get paid the big bucks.

Please let us know how you're doing, and again, if things persist or get worse, get it checked out!

Nurse Ratched, RN · Apr 23, 2005

If it's your appendix, I *promise* the doctor will give you a really good note that your instructors will accept as an excuse ,

Seriously, if it gets worse, you know you need to see the doc. We do see a lot of IBS type stuff around finals, but appendicitis knows no season.

Still Riding · Apr 23, 2005

So it hasn't gotten worse since last night. and as long as I don't move it seems fine.

If I stand up straight it really hurts, and it is actully best if I have my feet on the chair and am hugging my knees.

I have a final this afternoon, I'm still hoping this is stress.

SR

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 23, 2005

Come on, SR............you know you've got to get yourself checked out, if you're sitting there crouched like a pig hugging a football, this is NOT something you want to mess around with. So GO, willya?? :nono:

redwinggirlie · Apr 23, 2005

Stress can trigger your menstrual cycle. If it's your time, lay off the caffiene, drink some calming tea (my fave is Sleepytime tea), and know you will do well on the finals.

If it's not your time, well, get checked out. When I did finals, I triggered my period to come at erratic times. This is why I mentioned it.

Be well.

warrior woman · Apr 23, 2005

Get thee to an ER on the double. Of course it may be stress, but why chance a ruptured appendix? Then you will be in the soup. Please get it looked at. Better penny wise than pound foolish. Take it from someone who knows.

nursepotter05, RN · Apr 23, 2005

You really need to get checked out!! We call the slumped over walk you are referring to, the Appy walk in the ED! I am pretty sure your instructors will understand if you can't take the final due to appendicitis.