Stomach problems

I'm a 30 y.o. female in good health. About 4 years ago I started having gnawing type pains in the upper left part of my abdomen. I was treated for gastritis, put on prevacid for a while, which helped. Whenever i had a "flare up" I would take some prevacid for a while and it would go away. It continued on like that for several years. The last 6 months I've had an increase in the types and severity of symptoms. I find that many times it's triggered by abdominal exercises. i will start having fairly intense abdominal pain in the days afterward, along with the gnawing feeling in my upper left and sometimes even diarrhea. It feels like there is a sore spot in my stomach. This will all last for about a week or so. I can't say it's triggered by any foods or anything else. Sometimes it just happens without exercise as well. I have an appt with a GI soon but I am really starting to get concerned. I know abdominal pain can mean many things but I am concerned that I've been ignoring a problem that should have been checked into prior to now. I don't have any vomiting or visibile blood in the stool but the pain has gotten so much worse. Sometimes it radiates into my back. It doesn't respond to antacids. sometimes food makes it better, sometimes worse.  My Primary Dr suggested GERD but from everything I read, my symptoms dont' really fit with that. I don't know if I should try to move my appt sooner with the GI and get this looked at in the event that it's something serious like cancer, or if I am safe waiting until my appt in Sept. What are your thoughts?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several possibilities for the discomfort.

This can include various upper GI diseases, like an ulcer, inflammation or GERD.  You can also consider liver or gallbladder diseases.

I would consider an upper GI series or upper endoscopy to evaluate the digestive tract.  This can rule out serious causes like stomach cancer.  

An ultrasound can also be done to image the liver and gallbladder.  

I would also consider blood tests for the bacteria H Pylori.  This is a bacteria that is associated with inflammation and ulcers.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
kevinmd_