I am 38, 110 lbs- I exercise. and eat healthy. Never have a problem eating any kinds of foods, never have heartburn or acid reflux. About 6 months ago I began having random stomach attacks... about twice a month. unbearable pain about one inch below where my sternum ends- right in the middle. The pain is so bad it paralyzes me- I have to lay down - writhing in pain- it is accompanied by chills, sweating, nausea, bloating. It feels like someone is squeezing my stomach. It lasts for about 4 to 5 hours. I have an armory of Tums, Maalox, Mylanta, PeptoBismal. Nothing helps.... there is no rhyme or reason- no food connection. Could happen at any time.
This morning I woke feeling fine- did not have anything to eat or drink- within 30 seconds I went from feeling fine to having a stomach "attack". It was so bad, I wanted to call an ambulance but could not get up to use my phone. After it subsided a bit a few hours later, I took a Tylenol 3 and drove myself to the local Urgent Care as I could not drive to the hospital due to the pain. They took blood, did a urine test and gave me ex rays. The doctor said it was stress and prescribed Protonix . Protonix is for acid reflux- I have never had heartburn or acid reflux.
The pain subsided (I believe due to the Tylonel 3 which has codeine in it). I ate some chicken broth and crackers, took the Protonix and here a few hours later, I am feeling the pain coming back. I do not have any stress in my life at the moment, so I just don't think this is due to an acidic stomach from stress. I remember that I had these episodes twice when I was between 8 and 10- such bad pain that I remember those attacks all these years later. Any input or ideas as to what this might be? I would like to go see a specialist but not sure which type. Thanks in advance.