Severe Stomach Cramps, Chills, Sweating

Question

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.

CalGal · Answer

Has anyone checked you for gallbladder issues? The tests that are typically used are an ultrasound and a HIDA scan with CCK injection. In addition, withing 24 hours of severe pain, you may want to ask to have your liver and pancreatic enzymes checked out.

crambone · Answer

could be esophageal spasms that come and go with the act of eating...if you gave anything like GERD,,or gasteritis,,,these spasms can be more common,and realy hurt!

coni69 · Answer

I have the same thing you are describing.  I had a ultrasound for the gallbladder, upper endoscopy, stomach emptying test, liver function test and they all came back negative/normal.  Mine started 10  months ago, they come every month with no relation to food or time. Like you I have never had trouble with heartburn or acid reflux, I went to the ER and was told I had GERDS, and was given ZANTAC, then NEXIUM and the attacks still happened. It seems to baffle the DR's when I say it comes once a month. It will last from 25 minutes, to off and one for 3 days and eventually I will throw up and it will ease up after I have thrown up. Usually only to return again in a few hours. Today I am on my 3rd day its 1:07 am and Im up because it is worse if I lay down, this attack started Thursday night at 730PM.
Please let me know if you find out what is wrong with us and I will do the same for you

Audarah · Answer

Gallbladder or pancreas problem. Find a good GI doctor. Search them on the internet before you see them. not all Gi doctors are good and not all specialize in gallbladder and pancreas problems