Stomach pains... doctor not helping!! Help!

[casper_paintball]

I have been having recurring stomach pains for the past 6 months. I feel them for a few weeks, then it goes away, then comes back again. I haven't been under any stress lately. It isn't directed in any one location. It hurts in the upper stomach and under both side of ribs, then in the middle near the navel, then in the lower part of the abdomen. I had blood tests done which supposively came back normal. An ultrasound also showed things as normal. The symptoms are: nausea, belching, pain under both ribs, bloating, burning, gnawing, cramps, sour, tingling, achy, sore, lying down worsens symptoms, dizziness, light headedness.
So what could it be? Each time around it comes, the pain is worse. I hate having to be my own doctor, but at this point, my doctor is shrugging me off and saying I just looked the symptoms up online & then actually laughed at me. Jerk! I did notice that alcohol irritates it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[casper_paintball]

I do not have skin lesions. After some searching, I do have quite a lot of the symptoms of Candida & Digestive Enzyme Deficiency. Doesn't acidity cause burning, like heartburn? I've tried discussing this with my doctor, my last attempt was unsuccesful. He laughed at me. :(

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Well, yes, I maintain what I said. Of course I have not examined you so cannot comment for sure. Yes, candida infection is possible but it is rare for it to present only with stomach issues. Do you have skin lesions too? There is a good chance that you have severe acidity. Another possibility is tuberculosis of gut.
You should discuss these possibilities with your doctor. It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining. A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[casper_paintball]

Is it possible I have Candida? Would that cause these kind of symptoms... of course along with others? I'm also wonder if my digestive enzymes are low. I've had trouble digesting food for quite some time now. I especially have trouble eating late dinners. If I don't eat by a reasonable time, my stomach bloats insanely, I get horrible stomach pains & am unable to digest my food. No bowel movement & feeling full until the next morning. Does this still fall into the category of the prerious possible diagnosis'?
Thanks!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for the update!
A number of times a gastroenterologist is able to diagnose these conditions by clinical examination and detailed medical history. Blood tests to rule out anemia, stool test to look for white blood cells, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy etc are used to diagnose ulcerative colitis. Braium meal and follow through, endoscopy etc are done to rule out GERD, Crohn’s disease etc. Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed by elimination of other causes.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[casper_paintball]

Thanks for the reply!
What kind of tests should I ask for to check if I have any of these? Would any of these cause recurring stomach pains?
Thanks!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
You are possibly suffering from Celiac Disease/Ulcerative Colitis/Irritable Bowel Syndrome. All these result in tender abdomen, loose stool or loose stools alternating with constipation, abdominal distention, cramps etc. GERD or reflux disease too can cause similar symptoms. Another possibility is hiatal hernia.
I would strongly recommend you to see a gastroenterologist (a specialist who looks after the diseases of our digestive system). Maybe your physician can recommend someone.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!