Possible Apendicitis or kidney infection, sharp side and lower back pain

Dear Ask The Doctor: I woke up very early with sharp pains all across my lower abdomen and right side, going into my back a little. it has faded into my right side and back now, and gone to a stingy, but dull ache. Pepto has not helped, and I tried to pass a bowl movement a few times, the first being extremely painful due to having to apply pressure to my abdomen. The pain has subsided some since then, but bowl movements did not help either. Should I go to the hospital, or is the risk not serious enough?

Dear Katharine: It is difficult to say whether you have appendicitis based on history alone. If your symptoms are better, I would advice that you observe your symptoms. Over the counter pain killers should help. If the pain worsens, appendicitis and other conditions such as ovarian torsion (the ovary twisting upon itself), ectopic pregnancy, inflammation of the intra abdominal lymph nodes and/or reproductive organs, and also intestinal inflammation needs to be ruled out.