2 weeks of severe abd cramps etc.!!!!

For the last two weeks I have been having severe abd cramps and spasms in the afternoon. My pain is in the center of my abdomen.I have also had diarrhea about 5 times per day-liquid brown and one time very dark black.  I am 50 year old male and I have no history of medical problems. When I have this pain I have had to lie down a few times because it is so painful.  For relief, I have tried Pepto Bismol and lomotil. I have been on over the counter acidophyllis and yogurt.  I took tylenol once for the pain-it didn't help. I am not nauseous and I'm able to eat regularly. I have not been vomitting.  I went to my Dr.'s office and I saw a PA who advised me to wait it out. She ordered no tests.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There can be many possibilities.  This can include inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, some sort of upper GI bleed (i.e. ulcer, gastritis), or lower GI bleed.  

The presence of dark stools suggests an upper GI bleed.  An upper endoscopy or upper GI series can be done to evaluate for ulcers or inflammation.

Chronic diarrhea can be evaluated with a colonoscopy.  Being at the age of 50 warrants a colonoscopy regardless of the symptoms.

If the endoscopies are negative, you can consider an abdominal CT scan to look for colitis or diverticulitis, which can also lead to abdominal pain.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a GI evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[Biskie2]

Do you drink coffee in the morning? How much?

[wassupwassabi]

Does the stool turn black after you take Pepto Bismol?  Pepto can turn your stool black.  I'm not sure about the stomach cramps, but you might try eating some bananas to relieve the diarrhea.