On-Going abdominal pain mostly at night

[kbeck]

I am a female - age 62.  I have been having abdominal pain at night for approximately 5 years.  What it first started, I was awakened one night with this wierd pain in my upper abdomen.  I have been to the dr so many times it is ridiculous and no one can find what is wrong with me.  I have had a colonoscopy and the other one (down through the throat).  The only thing he could tell me was that while he was actually performing the colonoscopy, my colon was spasming.  He gave me a prescription for colon spasms but it gave me no relief at all.  What is miserable is I know I'm going to be awakened about 2:30 a.m. with this pain. My other symptoms are that after I eat I feel very full and the full feeling stays with me just about all day.  I can only eat 2 meals a day.  I do not have any heartburn to speak of - except if I eat sweets. It does seem that sweets bother me more than anything.  
I feel like there is something blocking food from digesting in my colon.  I have noticed that I cannot wear jeans that are tight around my waist.  I used to do this with no problem.  I have just been trying natural remedies.  I thought it might be lack of fiber and that has helped with the full feeling somewhat - but not completely.  MOstly, I want the pain to stop at night.  It isn't a sharp pain - it is a dull pain and sometimes nausea accompanies it.  When I get on my feet - the pain goes away.  If I have a severe attack at night - I sometimes am sick to my stomach for a day or two.  I also have had my gall bladder checked many times and they say it is okay.  Also after the one test (through the throat) they said I did not have ulcers.  Sometimes the pain can travel to my lower abdomen but mostly in the upper.
Can you please put me on the right track to finding out what is wrong with me?

[DucorpsToo]

Have you also spoken with a gynecologist as well?

[yoshi]

It sounds like acid reflux,during the day you are standing and moving about,but at night,you are lying down and the acid start moving up,initially it does not  make its way up the esophagus,so it could move as far as the upper stomach and give you this dull pain .(Some folks mistake it as heart problem and go see a heart doctor!)
If you eat and feel full,it could be either too much acid or too little acid,one way to tell is to find out when ?if it is right after you eat or while you are still eating,it is not enough acid to do the job,if it is 2 hours after you eat,then it is too much acid.
Drinking pineapple juice and cranberry juice and less effective - orange juice raise your acid level in your stomach.So if you suspect your situation is not enough acid,drink any of these juices and if you feel better,then you have a case of not enough acid to digest the food.
By the way,eating a RED DELICIOUS apple every day will improve your condition,cheaper than any prescription drug out there.
Same goes with chewing gum,it promotes saliva from your gland,saliva contains bicarbonate which neutralise acid in your stomach,try it,it costs pennies to try.

[yoshi]

You should also look up food to avoid such as spicy,greasy food,tomato sauce,dairy product,chocolate,soda,caffeine.
also stop eating 2-3 hours before you go to bed.

[Shebah]

I think you need to ask for a pill camera or a small bowel follow thru. Just to make sure that your small bowel isnt causing the problem.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Various types of upper GI disorders can lead to the upper abdominal pain.  It sounds like you had an upper and lower endoscopy already.  I would further investigate with imaging studies - which can include an ultrasound to evaluate the liver and gallbladder, or a CT scan.  

More specialized testing can include a gastric emptying scan to look for gastroparesis, or an esophageal motility study to look for motility disorders.  

If the tests continue to be negative, treatment for irritable bowel syndrome can be optimized.  Anti-spasmodic agents, or antibiotics like Rifaximin can be considered.

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_