Sudden intense stomach pains.

Yesterday afternoon after lunch I noticed my stomach had a dull ache. People get stomach aches sometimes so I decided to just ride it out. As the evening pressed on it was getting worse, but still bearable so I took some Rolaids and went to sleep. I woke up near the morning from stomach pain. I took some more Rolaids but they didn't help. Coincidentally, I had a doctors appointment today. By the time my appointment came around, I was having persistent mild pain and what I think is cramping causing the pain to momentarily increase to where I'm writhing. I told the doctor all I've told you. Of course, while I'm on his table I miraculously have very little pain and no cramping. He pokes and prods, not much of interest I guess. He said that it seems like acid reflux and prescribed Nexium to me and said that if it got worse to go to an ACC. I took a Nexium a little more than an hour ago, and despite the pharmacist saying it worked "soon" (though it seems to be hard to find definite information about that on the net) I'm back to my cramping agony. I've had mild heartburn before from eating/drinking too much, but this is not like that. Two weeks ago, I had similar pains that subsided after 6 hours, I'd say. It was gone when I woke up anyway. Does this sound like acid reflux? What do I do to relieve the pain I'm experiencing now?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Acid reflux does not cause cramping pain.
Gallbladder disease is a possibility. Ultrasound scan of the abdomen may be done for evaluation.