Upper left abdominal pain after eating

Hi, I have been having acute pain in my upper left abdomen, in my stomach or just below it, after eating.  It is sharp and intense.  I have had stomach ulcers for years and take acid reducers.  This is worse than an ulcer and only happens after eating.  I also notice my abdomen gets bloated and if I take Gas-X I pass gas and it seems to help the pain.  The pain is much worse if I stand or even sit, but if I lay down on my side it almost completely relieves it.  These episodes started about once a month and now are every week.  They last about 6 hrs.  I'm on my way to Mexico for 2 weeks and then plan on seeing a gastroenterologist when I get back.  I'm worried about pancreatitis.  Is this something that can wait?   I'd appreciate any comments or advice.   Thanks.  Shelly

[Banned1]

Hi Shelly:

Have you tried a low-fat (less than 35 g/day), high fibre diet?  Many times, diet changes really improve pancreatitis symptoms.  I'm not a doctor but I would definitely try dietary changes first.  I am adding some resources for you.  I sincerely hope you feel better and have a wonderful time in Mexico!

All the best,

Sam

Pancreatitis Resources
http://www.***********.com/resource/health_a-z_detail.asp?AZ=9
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20070515/1513.html
http://www.top5plus5.com/Childhood%20pancreatitis.html
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20071201/1693ph.html
http://www.pancreasfoundation.org/research/diagnose.shtml
http://www.joplink.net/prev/200401/07.html
http://diet.ygoy.com/diet-for-pancreatitis-2/
http://www.medicinenet.com/pancreatitis/page4.htm
http://www.surg.umn.edu/diabinst/treatmentspancreatitis/pancreatectomy.html
http://www.northshore.org/clinicalservices/gastroenterology/conditions/default.aspx?id=3969&source=overture&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gi&utm_term=pancreatitis
http://www.pitt.edu/~anat/Abdomen/Pancreas/Pancreas.htm
http://gut.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/41/2/263
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/pancreatitis-000122.htm
http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=855
http://health.yahoo.com/digestive-overview/pancreatitis/mayoclinic--DCE55FA1-A252-4CAE-82F298767822DB69.html
http://www.cme-ce-summaries.com/gastroenterology/ge2211.html
http://pancsod-library.blogspot.com/
http://www.righthealth.com/topic/Pancreatitis_Diet_Plan/overview/fadam?fdid=001144&section=Summary
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/pancreatitis/DS00371.html