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I have a pre-teen who has been experiencing severe (near crying) stomach cramping for the past 3-4 weeks.  These cramps began following 2 weeks of inner ear/flu like symptoms and are very periodic.  They occur consistently at about 50-55 minute intervals throughout the day and last for 3 to 5 minutes.  The pain is located from the belly button up to the rib cage and is located on both the right and left side.  They do not occur at night.  If he gets to sleep he will be free of cramps till 50-55 minutes after he wakes up.

We can not link it to any particular food, digestive issues, etc.  He has been checked from top to bottom with tests including: Upper GI, Lower GI, extensive Ultrasound, digestive CT, 3 blood tests, 3 stool tests (no blood), 2 urine tests.  All very normal (slightly elevated liver enzymes, slightly low white blood count, slightly enlarged spleen)  Negative for Ulcer, Samonella, Ecoli, Cancer, Gluton Allergy, Krones, etc.  

Pediatrician has certainly been helpful and run many tests but we are at the end of our rope as he has no more ideas.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Thank you to all that have answered.  They have ruled out GI issues and we are now looking for other causes.  I have heard of repository and heart issues that can causes abdominal pains.  Does anyone know of these issues or where I can do more research for "out of the box" abdominal issues?

[helen47]

Hi,
There is a man name Michael Payne who does energy medicine. Often, he is able to pick up what the body is being hit by or the source of the problem. The number for him is 1 888 523-7801. They may be able to give you some answers. He is located in Virginia but is able to work over the phone. They will explain.
Good Luck. I hope this helps.

[Chels15]

Hi.I am a 15 year old female and I have been having very severe painful adominal pains on the right side reesulting to shooting leg pains as well.My mother and I have gone to the memorial clinic and all they did was charge her $100 basically for a pee test.Well,it turns out it was clean so no tract infection,but we still don't know what I have.I have been taking cramp medicine and it lasts for about 6 hours,but the pain is only relieved for 3.I need to know what do I have and what do I do,before it's too late.

-Chelsea C.

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It has now been 2 months and he is still having cramps.  The doctors believe it is muscular versus intestinal.  He has done the "elimination diet" for foods and had no allergies.  Although he sleeps at night, if he takes a nap during the day he will wake up when a cramp is due.  It doesn’t matter whether he has been asleep for 20, 30, or more minutes.  The body seems to be waking him up in preparation for another cramp.  

Has anyone heard of abdominal seizures?  Would and EEG show positive with this?  

We are desperate for answers at this point and need somewhere to go or something to try.  Does anyone have any ideas?  

[mifegr]

Eggs are not considered dairy.  He can have eggs.  But NO milk (Unless of course it's soy milk.  Kids like "Silk" brand because it's a little sweet.  And you can also buy some unsweetened Silk soymilk to bake with and cook with.  I use it all the time in place of regualr milk),NO cheese of any kind,NO yogurt,NO butter, etc.  This is very important, and I would make this change in his diet today.  If your super market does not have a health food section where you can purchase the things I've recommended, find a Whole Foods Market.  

[mifegr]

I feel so bad for him.  I am a nutritionist.  I'm sure you have already tried the things I'm about to suggest.  But here goes anyway....Take him completely off of all dairy products.  Buy soymilk instead of cow's milk.  Encrease his fiber intake.  Switch from white bread to whole grain bread, white rice to brown rice, buy cold cereals that are very high in fiber and low in sugar (Kashi brand is known for making these.  Go Lean is good).  These dietary changes are healthier not only for him but also for you and the rest of your family.  And the best way to help him stick to them is to eat this way also. (For example, don't give him soy milk and let him see everyone else drinking cow's milk.  Don't buy junky, sugary cereals AT ALL)  Make sure he does not eat 1 single thing within 2 hours of going to bed.  Water is fine.  But no food for 2 entire hours.  Put him on a probiotic in case the problem is an imbalance of the bacteria in his gut.  Primal Defense by Garden of Life is the best brand on the market (trust me on this) and is dairy-free.  You can buy it cheeper on line than in the health food stores.  They may make a Primal Defense just for kids his age.  If they don't just get the regualr one.  Don't get the powder or tablets, get the capsules.  These are easy changes and they are also healthy changes.  So even if they don't work, they will still benefit him.  But it's possible that they will help.  After making these changes, wait about 6 weeks and keep a dairy of how he responds to them.  Then, go to see a holistic M.D.  I tell people that they should always see a tradtional M.D. and a holistic M.D.  Each can help you in different ways.  Still, the holistic M.D. if going to be interested in seeing how these particular changes affected him.  Good Luck!  

[CassCore]

Have you tried having him keep a diary of what he eats? Ask him to rate his pain level 1-10 after eating or whenever his pain occurs and write it down. Ask him to write down a general summary of what he has done that day, or anything that has upset him. Have him do this for a week or so. This could help detect stressors to see if anything is anxiety or stress related or it could help to notice any other trends.

Also, if he had flu like symptoms before and a slightly enlarged spleen I'm assuming they checked for mononucleosis with the blood tests...but if not that might be something they look should at. However, mono typically has a fever with it. Just an idea. I'm sorry for your frustration. It is so hard not knowing the cause of illness. I'm sure you and your son feel just helpless. You will be in my prayers.

Cassandra

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any other ideas? things to try?

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Thanks for the ideas.  We have not had any antibiotics up till this point.  We have done the Acidophilus and digestive issues are normal.  We have not tried the stew, turkey, etc. yet but will give it a shot.  We have gone to a naturopathic clinic as well and have gotten some items.  
We appreciate your feedback.  

[ggreg]

Well, after people take antibiotics, which I'm ASSUMING he did because of the earache, those drugs kill both "good" and bad bacteria, and this can cause a little constipation, which can in turn give a person gas, both of which are painful.  First, give him some alka seltzer before he heads out to school and/or as soon as he gets home, it dispells gas and returns the body pH to normal.  Second, put Acidophilus milk and blueberries on his cereal every morning for a couple weeks, and get some Activia yogurt at the grocery store and have him eat that daily for a couple weeks.  They restore that "good" bacteria to the guts, and help correct the constipation.  They also boost white cell count.  Have him drink extra water on top of everything else.

Also to help up his white cell count, pot roast stew and dark meat turkey help, and also put crushed garlic in dark green salads daily for a week or so.  To boost his immune system, see will he drink some Echinacea decaff tea, just a cup for about three days, most larger grocery stores carry it in the tea section.  Last, take away the sugar dish and sugar-coated cereal for a week or so.  Let him rest as much as he wants during all this, give him puzzles and stuff he can do while laying down.