Huge Problem

Hello. I think this may be colitis, but I could be very wrong. For the past 4 years, every now and then I will get an insane pain in my middle stomach area. (everywhere from the waist to the intestinal area) It usually starts with a little bit of nausea and then increases slowly as the day progresses. It's never at the same time each day, and it's not my period, actually it never happens when I have my period. (Also, my period is very irregular.) The pain is sort of like a contraction, where it comes and goes every few minutes. At first, I would get this *problem* and all I had to do was fall asleep and once I would wake up, the pain would be gone. Then, it started making me feel like I needed to throw up. Then, I was able to cure it with tylenol. I actually have it at this moment, and I took a tylenol and i still feel the pain. Also, I tried taking pepto bismal, and that did nothing. I am able to eat pretty much anything I want, fruit and milk does not make me sick, so I am pretty sure it's not the flu. But, usually half way through, I have no appetite at all. It makes me feel like I need to use the bathroom, but once I am on the toilet, barely anything comes out. It happens approx. once every 2 months... but not necessarily.

I spoke to my doctor and she blames it on stress. I would really appreciate another opinion. I have never met anyone who has had this same thing.

Please help.

Thanks. Elena :)

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
The possibilities include 1. irritable bowel syndrome ( if bowel movements results in relief) and 2. Abdominal migraine( This is especially true if you have family history of migraine and you need to consult a neurologist).