stomach pain

[Eunice56]

My daughter is 12 years old and has a lot of pain an cramping in her stomach.  This tends to happen late in the evening.  This doesn't happen every night but maybe 3 times a week.  She has already started her period, but is not having it right now.  Her last period ended about a week and half ago. Could this be heartburn?  Sometimes it hurts so bad she wants to throw up but can't.

[Jaybay]

What part of the abdomen is your daughter having pain?  Upper, lower, upper right or left, lower right or left, or all over the place?  Does she have nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea?  Does anything at all help like over-the-counter antacids?  Does she take any medications regularly - even over-the-counter or herbals?  Are her periods regular, and light or heavy?  Have you noticed any connection with physical activity on the days she has these attacks?

There are any number of things that could be causing the problem, and answers to those kinds of questions will help her doctor figure it out.  This kind of recurring pain really does need to be investigated by a doctor.  The symptoms are worrisome particularly in a young girl.  Start with the family doc and see what he thinks.  He should at least be able to recommend which specialist to proceed to from that point, and it could be a gasteroenterologist, gynecologist or even an orthopedist.  Meanwhile, you might try keeping a written journal of dialy symptoms along with anything else that happened that day.  Along with pain and nausea levels, include diet, medications, activity and anything else that might possibly provide a clue.  That kind of documentary evidence can sometimes be a big help to the doctor in reaching a diagnosis.

[Sarajmt]

Hi Eunice:  I am so sorry your child is hurting.  I have a 14 yr old and we've been through the medical mill with her!  We also encountered this problem.  After a GI series showed nothing, it was decided that it was stress.  She was 13 at the time.  So we now give her an OTC acid reducer   Problem fixed.  If it's ok with your doctor, you might try giving her an acid reducer before dinner.  This may not be your answer.  You may want to consult a GI doctor.

I really feel for you and your daughter.  We've been there and it is so miserable for her and stressful for you.  I hope you find the answer you're looking for.  Please keep us updated on how you're doing.

Sara

[runitskat]

Is she eating anything besides dinner on those days she has pain? If I don't eat anything all day and then eat dinner, my stomach makes me pay for it. I get horrible cramps and my stomach makes the worst sounds. Is she sensitive to acidic foods? I can't drink any sort of fruit juice or eat ketchup or most acidic fruits. I will get a horrible burning in my stomach that feels like there is acid burning a whole right through it. It never goes up to my throat though.

[jamlws]

Sorry your daughter has been in so much pain. I know with my heartburn it just burns from my stomach up to my throat. Could she have a ulcer? I know when I had one my stomach hurt and it felt like cramping. have you taking her to a family dr? I would start there. And maybe when she is having these pains to have her eat some tums or something that is for heartburn just to see if that helps because those meds also help with ulcer pain. And my ulcer hurt worse when I haven't ate anything but there are different ulcers that hurts more when you eat. I am not a dr but just wanted to give you some advice.
Jamie