Stomach Pain - Need Answer / Direction

I'm a 35 year old Male, don't smoke, drink, etc.  It started about 10 months ago where I would get a sharp pain in my upper left stomach (just beneath the rib cage) after eating.  I wouldn't get the pain if I ate  just a little bit of food like a bowl of cereal, half sandwich, regular portion size, etc.  I'd get the pain if I ate enough food to when I started feeling full (the more I ate and my stomach expanded the worse the pain got).  I went to the doctor, he ordered an upper GI series.  It came back abnormal but with non specific results.  He said there was a disruption of flow but wasn't clear on the cause due to where in the stomach it was located, but it could have possibly been a cyst, tumor, etc.  They then sent me for an upper Endoscopy.  The doctor performed this test and it came back normal, just a little inflammation which was biopsied and it came back fine.  They also sent me for an ultrasound which came back normal except for an benign cyst (My GP called it an Angiomyolympoma).. said it was nothing to worry about.  I continued having this pain after eating large meals so I went back.  He then ordered a CT scan of my abdomen.  This came back normal as well.  I don't know what else to do, but I do know this pain is not normal and I'm certain something is causing it.  Also, the pain sometimes goes around to my side / lower back (only when I eat to where I'm full).  I forgot to mention I've also had numerous blood tests as well to test liver / pancreas function, etc that came back normal.  I don't know where to go next.. should I see someone else / specialist to help diagnose the problem? Could the cyst (benign tumor) in  my kidney be causing the pain?  Spleen problem perhaps, etc?  Thank You.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a comprehensive workup, including the CT scan and upper endoscopy, both of which could not pinpoint a specific condition.

Many of the major GI disorders would have been found already.  You can consider more specialized tests, including a 24-hr pH study or esophageal dysmotility studies.

Looking outside the GI system, for instance, looking at the lungs or a musculoskeletal cause, can also be considered.

You can also get another GI opinion, preferably at a major academic medical center.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/KevinMD
Facebook.com/KevinMDblog

[bubbles410]

I have exactly the same symptoms on and off for two years but recently increasing to every six weeks.  The only difference is mine seems to be worse at night and not always after eating.  Have they figured out what is wrong with you?

[steve33319]

I have had a dull pain in the middle of  the upper stomach. It comes and goes for the past three weeks. But last week it was constant. I went to the doctor who ordered a sonogram and then cat scan. Both results were negative. He says they  could have missed an ulcer but wait another week and if it still hurts the next step is to go to a gastrologist.