Comment from: 35-44 Male (Patient)Published: August 04
My abdominal pain starts in the morning and increases throughout day. Milk of Magnesia and anti-acid/anti-gas OTC liquids take the edge off during periods of hunger when stomach pain worsens. It feels like a burning and inner-writhing of spasms at its worst and strange noises can be heard within. I'm thinking that less food throughout day may result in less trauma at night trying to relax. It feels under pressure then and especially sensitive.
Comment from: 25-34 Male (Patient)Published: August 04
I had a complete colon resection and had half of my stomach removed from a very large tumor, about the size of a softball or even bigger. I was 30 years old now I'm 33 and I am starting to feel those same old systems again, at the time the docs found it they gave me six months then said they thought they got it all and said maybe I would make it. I have a wife of 4 yrs due with our child any day, I can't or won't go through this hell again I lost 90lbs the fist time. I just wish I would have stayed at home and let nature take its place these last 2 and a half yrs have been hell I'm now broke I lost every thing I had worked for, for 15 yrs on the same job.
I had severe abdominal pain just around and below navel that would begin and get worse for a few days, then start to lessen gradually. It left me incapacitated for a week at a time. I had 13 attacks over the course of two years at the age of 58. I had many, many tests with no answer. Finally, my gastroenterologist told me I had irritable bowel and would have to live with it. My answer was that something was causing it, and I was not going to live with it. I had no other symptoms. I finally discovered, on my own that the cause was aspartame. I had been consuming one or two diet cocoa's a day most days, didn't have any other diet food or drink. Have not had aspartame (or any other artificial sweetener) in 8 years, and have been pain free all that time.
Published: July 28
I am 40years with a history of severe abdominal pains, as a result, I underwent three surgeries (closed colonoscopy) with no success. This has been going since 1996. Sometimes I feel as if I am constipated, bloated and my stomach will be distended, however, at the same time I will be having a running stomach. several medication have been prescribed which I feel they are not assisting at all because when the pains begins, just becomes worse which might last from one day to several days. Recently, I had another attack which was worse. According to my doctor after performing another colonoscopy, after many times, said the problem might be caused by the narrowing of the colon as a result of the three surgeries (scars which cannot heal). My concern is that before those surgeries, the pain was there, which presupposes that something is causing the pain. According to my doctor, he is very reluctant to perform the fourth surgery because it cannot guarantee less pain for me in future. Please, can anyone advise me what to do, any dietary plan to follow, etc, or is there any solution to manage my condition.
Comment from: shelly, 13-18 Male (Caregiver)Published: August 04
My 13 year old son has had abdominal pain (severe at times) for 2 months. All blood tests come back negative. Stomach x rays said moderate stool in colon. I was cleaned out. Still having problems. Dr.'s seem to have no clue. Also gets lightheaded, dizzy and blurred vision when standing up. Very, very concerning to everyone in my family, Doctors are not being proactive. Do not know where to turn for help.
Comment from: 55-64 Female (Caregiver)Published: August 01
I have been to the emergency room twice with this crampy, painful stomach. Both times I was given antibiotics. As soon as I used up the medications, the pain was back. I don't know how people put up with the pain. I can't go out for a meal as the pain starts as soon as I eat. I'm now only taking Maalox and Tylenol as needed.
Published: July 08
My wife has had abdominal pain for weeks. Pain continues about 2 to 4 inches below the navel and it never seems to let up. Her physician treated her for nerves, but I beg to differ and would like more advice. She has hypertension 140/90. Hypothyroid activity and is experiencing hot flashes symptoms of menopause. Electrolytes loss is frequent and she consumes Gatorade and other G.H.S.
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Suggested Reading on Abdominal Pain by Our Doctors
Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe and most bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and more.
One in every 20 people develop a kidney stone at some point in their life. A kidney stone is a hard mineral and crystalline material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones symptoms and signs are, blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen, flank (lower back), or groin. A number of different conditions can lead to kidney stones including: gout, hypercalciuria, people with inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, and hypoparathyroidism. Some medications also increase the risk of kidney stones.
Gastroenteritis (viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu) is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Even though it is often called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the influenza viruses. Viruses that can cause gastroenteritis (stomach flu) include: rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and a group of Noroviruses. Gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria. The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting and watery diarrhea, however, headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (stomach ache) may also be present.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis often causes
fever, loss of appetite, and right lower
quadrant abdominal pain. Delay in surgery can result in appendix rupture with potentially serious complications.
Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. There can be just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or any combination. The majority of gallstones do not cause symptoms.
Gas or "intestinal gas" means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching or farting (passing it through the rectum).
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid
contents of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The symptoms of uncomplicated GERD are heartburn,
regurgitation, and nausea. Effective treatment is available for most patients with GERD.
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Diverticulitis symptoms include: abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Treatment methods include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease,
primarily involving the small and large intestine, but which can
affect other parts of the digestive system as well. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss are
common symptoms.
Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year as a result. Patients with associated cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C infections, alcohol, and hemochromatosis are at the greatest risk of developing liver cancer. Many patients with liver cancer do not develop symptoms until the advanced stages of the tumor which usually makes prognosis poor. The combination of an imaging study (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) and an elevated blood level of alpha-fetoprotein will most effectively diagnose liver cancer, while a liver biopsy can make a definitive diagnosis. Medical treatments, including chemotherapy, chemoembolization, ablation, and proton beam therapy, are not very effective. Surgical removal of the tumor or a liver transplant may be most effective in certain cases.
A hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscular structure of the wall of the abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the abdominal wall. Symptoms of a hernia include pain or discomfort and a localized swelling somewhere on the surface of the abdomen or in the groin area.
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms.
There are many types of ovarian cancer, epithelial carcinoma is the most common. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. Some ovarian cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, however, they usually do not present until the disease has progressed. Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment.
Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases such as gallstones, high cholesterol or triglycerides, blood flow obstruction to the liver, and toxins (medications and chemicals). Symptoms of liver disease depends upon the cause; however, common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, upper right abdominal pain, and jaundice. Treatment depends upon the cause of the liver disease.
Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
Though the cause of stomach cancer is unknown, risk factors for stomach cancer include diet, H. pylori infection, smoking age, gastritis, stomach surgery, family history, and pernicious anemia. Symptoms include stomach discomfort, feeling full after a small meal, nausea and vomiting, and weight loss. Treatment depends upon staging and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy located outside the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tube. Symptoms include abdominal pain, amenorrhea, and vaginal bleeding. Treatment options include observation, medication, or surgery.
Though uterine cancer's cause is unknown, there are many factors that will put a woman at risk, including: over age 50, endometrial hyperplasia, using hormone replacement therapy, obesity, using tamoxifen, being Caucasian, having colorectal cancer. Symptoms of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) include abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination, painful intercourse, and pelvic pain. Treatment depends on staging and may include radiation therapy or hormone therapy.
Fibromyalgia, formerly
known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and
tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation. Fibromyalgia patients have an unusually low pain threshold. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include fatigue, abnormal sleep, mental/emotional disturbances, abdominal pain, migraine and tension headaches, and irritable bladder. Treatment of fibromyalgia involves patient education, medication, exercise, and stress reduction.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body's immune system. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, coughing, weakness, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain. Treatment depends on which type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma you have, the stage of the cancer, your age, how fast the cancer is growing, and whether you have other health problems.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, sac-like structures within an ovary. Causes of ovarian cysts are numerous. Symptoms of an ovarian cysts may be pain in the belly or pelvis. Treatment of an ovarian cysts depends on type of cyst.
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile spores are found frequently in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and nurseries for newborn infants. They can be found on bedpans, furniture, toilet seats, linens, telephones, stethoscopes, fingernails, rings, floors, infants' rooms, and diaper pails. They even can be carried by pets. Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using antibiotics. Treatment for C. difficile colitis hydration, replenishment of electrolyte deficiencies, discontinuing the antibiotic that caused the colitis, and using antibiotics to eradicate the C. difficile bacterium.
Dengue fever is contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms of dengue include headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, rash, and swollen glands. Since dengue is caused by a virus, there is no specific medicine to treat it. Treatment instead focuses on relieving the symptoms.
Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, occurring when digestive enzymes are activated and begin attacking the pancreas causing damage to the gland. There are two types of pancreatitis, acute and chronic. Most commonly caused by alcohol or gallstones, it can lead to bleeding in the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cysts. Enzymes and toxins may then enter the bloodstream and seriously injure organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidney.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is closely related to Crohn's disease, and together they are referred to as inflammatory bowel disease. Treatment depends upon the type of ulcerative colitis diagnosed.
Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, women with chlamydia have no symptoms. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for chlamydia.
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder and is a condition that goes well beyond out-of-control dieting. With anorexia, the drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. There are psychological and behavioral symptoms as well as physical symptoms of anorexia including: depression, social withdrawal, fatigue, food obsession, heart and gastrointestinal complications, kidney function, flaky skin, brittle nails, and tooth loss (this list is not exhaustive).
Colitis means inflammation of the colon. The colon, also
known as the large intestine or large bowel,
constitutes the last part of the digestive tract. The colon is a long, muscular
tube that receives undigested food from the small intestine. It removes water
from the undigested food, stores the undigested food, and then eliminates it from the body through
bowel movements. The rectum is the last part of the colon adjacent to the anus. The common symptoms of colitis include:
abdominal pain,
diarrhea, and
sometimes, rectal bleeding.
There are many different types of colitis
with different causes. Some examples of colitis include:
infectious colitis caused by bacteria (such as
shigella,
Campylobacter, E.
coli, and C.
difficile)
infectious colitis caused by a virus (such as
cytomegalovirus [CMV])
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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My abdominal pain starts in the morning and increases throughout day. Milk of Magnesia and anti-acid/anti-gas OTC liquids take the edge off during periods of hunger when stomach pain worsens. It feels like a burning and inner-writhing of spasms at its worst and strange noises can be heard within. I'm thinking that less food throughout day may result in less trauma at night trying to relax. It feels under pressure then and especially sensitive.
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