Long Episodes of Stomach Inflamation(inflammation)/Pain

[Kenny11]

Hi, I'm trying to understand what is causing and prolonging fairly severe 'episodes' of stomach pain. Periodically in my life I've had long-term episodes of stomach pain that are INITIATED by a fairly specific intense anxious event. The worst one I had was 6 years ago and lasted over 6 months. This current episode (the first real one since) is going on over 2 months now.

The symptoms are a moderate to severe pain in the general stomach area that feels like a combination of nausea, tightness, bloating, some gas, and just general pain. It is always worst in the morning after I wake up, then usually gets more bearable as the night wears on. Occasionally, especially early on, it is preceded or accompanied by a flushing feeling, or racing, of my heart - especially in the morning. I have no issues with bowel movements. I have some slight symptoms of GERD, though not typical burning in upper chest area.

During my 2002 episode I did finally go to a Gastroenterologist, but it was toward the end of the episode and I was already starting to get better. He did the scope, labs, ultrasound, etc. Basically I found out what I DO NOT have, but not much about what I do. I do not have an ulcer, bacterial infection, cancer, or any other major disease that these tests would usually find. The only thing I was really told was that my stomach was very enflamed (or irritated). It is probably closest to symptoms of Gastritis. I was given 2 weeks of Aciphex and something else, and not told much else. I did eventually get over that, but I'm not sure if the meds helped or were just coincidental.

During my current episode, I have not sought traditional medical help yet. I have also not taken any medications. I have been trying mostly natural things so far, but am seeking a doctor (naturopathic or traditional) to help. When I have an episode, I change my diet quite a bit. I stop with all fatty, fried, processed, spicy, etc. foods and eat mostly bland things, smaller portions, only drink water, etc. Fortunately, I already don't use most of the 'big bad things' - alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, pepper, aspirin, etc. I also take enzymes, probiotics, various vitamins, various herbs, etc.

I'm seeking two main things:
- First, has anyone experienced similar episodes to this with a similar cause?
- Second, any good resources for either finding a doctor who will actually help me figure out what this is (I lean toward naturopathic, but am open to a balance w/ traditional)? I live in the L.A. area.

THANKS!