Stomach cramps: any hints?

[Luiza]

For the past 4 days I've been beset by stomach cramps. I've never had them before and I don't know what could be causing it. Does anybody have any knowledge in this matter? Should I go see a doctor? I keep hoping they will go away by themselves.

I don't have any other symptoms, so I doubt it's a stomach flu. The biggest problem is that the spasms wake me up at night. If they happen during the day, it's usually when my stomach is empty; I feel better after I eat. TOM is not approaching yet, and I'm not pregnant. I suspected one of my medicines (Singulair for asthma) but the pains continued after I interrupted it (it was a fairly long shot anyway). I'm not particularily stressed (at least I wasn't when the pains started -- after 4 nights of interrupted sleep I'm feeling a bit fuzzy around the edges :rolleyes: ); however, this year has been very stressful in general.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

[AnnaSue]

Have you changed anything in your diet recently by any chance? I'm asking because I have seen patients come into the pharmacy where I work who developed severe stomach (actually intestinal) cramping after eating products containing Olestra (like in the WOW chips), or Sorbitol. I just talked to someone who had severe cramps after eating a low-fat ice cream with Sorbitol in it.

Just an idea. Probably not a bad idea to see your doctor if it doesn't go away.

Hope you feel better.

[Grace]

Are you having actual stomach cramps (up high, under your rib cage), or more like intestinal cramps (down lower)?

You could possibly have a slight case of food poisoning. I actually had this a few weeks ago myself. (My cramping was definitely intestinal, though).

You might have too much acid production in your stomach, you could try some Pepcid or the like to see if that helps.

Maybe Dr. Ralph will ring in on this one!

Hope you're feeling better SOON! :)

[Luiza]

AnnaSue, Grace, thanks a lot for your input. I gather I'm not having an usual kind of problem.

Hmm. I didn't eat anything different that day (no Olestra or Sorbitol), and nobody that ate the food I prepared had any kind of problems (now that would have been embarrassing). And the cramps are actually stomach cramps, which is what makes it so strange. Last evening I had these stomach pains that felt like a low grade heartburn (except slightly lower than in the case of a heartburn, in the area of the stomach). I took a Pepcid and it didn't seem to have much effect. Milk might have helped a bit, or the pains got better by themselves at that point. My stomach still feels tender today (and doesn't like cold liquids). On the other hand, I didn't get woken up tonight. Hurray! I'll take all I can get.

This is all so bizzare. I'm almost decided it's some kind of weird post-stress reaction, as I don't have any other symptoms. I guess I'll wait a few more days to see how it develops.

[Grace]

Ok. Now you've described what sounds like an ulcer to me. My Mom had one recently. They fix those now with a fairly long course of antibiotics. I would say definitely go see your doctor about it.

[Luiza]

Uh oh. Now that doesn't sound good. Thanks a lot Grace, I'll check it out.

[Tiger]

I've actually been having the same problem lately too. I also just hoping it goes away. I can be fine all day and wake up in the middle of the night in PAIN!
Pepcid Complete helps me some. I think the trick is take it twice a day befroe the pain starts.

[pattyp.]

if the pains are spasm-like and make you feel as if you are having a heart attack, it may be esophageal.

[Grace]

Ulcers don't just go away. They are caused by a strain of bacteria (something they just found out recently), and are cured by antibiotics. They are lesions in your stomach lining, and the acid production irritates the lesions (imagine putting acid on an open wound. Ouch.) I would get it checked out before they get worse.

[ChristineLiu]

I don't know if this is too late, but sometimes food allergies will cause prolonged stomach cramps/aches without any other noticeable symptoms.

Seeing a doctor is always good.

[Luiza]

So I went to a doctor today who thinks it's ulcer. He gave me an antacid to take every day for at least a month to lower the acidity of the stomach and help it heal. I have to do some lab tests to discover if a bacteria is the cause, in which case I have to take antibiotics as well.

So thanks a lot Grace. On my own, I would have suffered a lot longer before seeing a doctor. I hope your mother is better now. It's really no fun (to state the obvious) :(

Tiger, maybe you want to see a doctor also? The least they can do is prescribe a stronger antacid.

Thanks as well to the other the people that offered suggestions. When you have no idea what to do, every little bit helps.

[Tiger]

I actually was on an antibodic (strep throat) which made the pain so much worst. The Dr. said it was one that was mild on the stomach. Not mine!
This happened to me after I had my son for about a year. So there must be some connection to giving birth.
My dr. suggests I don't get sick since my stomach can't handle even a mild antibotic.

[Grace]

Oh Luiza. I'm so glad you found out what it is so you can get it taken care of, but I'm sorry you have an ulcer. You're right, they are definitely no fun. My Mom is much better (thank you for asking!), but she now has some residual problems from a long course of antibiotics (I won't go into all the details; it's nothing serious, mostly bothersome).

I too, have some stomach problems right now. I was at the doctor two weeks ago - I have severe acid reflux. The kind like pattyp. described. I had horrible, horrible chest pains, not stomach pains, but I knew it wasn't a heart attack because I didn't feel "wierd" in any other way. But now I'm on a one month course of Nexium, and so far (2 weeks into it), I am feeling much, much better.

So here's to hoping all of our stomach problems are cleared up soon!! :D I can't have anything interfering with my favorite activity....(EATING!!!) :D :D :D

[Luiza]

Hello Nexium sister! Here's to our health! :D

That's the medicine I've been prescribed as well, except that it looks like I have to take it for 2 months. I'm glad to hear it worked well for you, and I hope you will not have to put up with acid reflux ever again.

As for eating, I'm supposed not to avoid anything acid, spicy or fried. Now, fried I can easily skip, but the other two... I'm still contemplating the notion. Experimental evidence says that tomatoes are definitely out.

Tiger, that was some helpful suggestion from your doctor... :rolleyes: