Stomach pain and nausea

[Rutabaga1980]

My daughter has been suffering with nausea and stomach pain for four months.  Our family doctor and two gastroenterologists have been unable to diagnose the problem.  The pain is located directly below her ribs in the center.  She has not lower abdomen problems or unusual bowel movements. (regular, normal)  She has had blood work done twice, H.pylori, celiac, ect. all came back normal.  She had an endoscopy of her stomach, with a biopsy, all normal.  She has had an ultra sound of her gall bladder, and a HIDA scan.  Both normal.  She is not a drug, or alcohol user, is not sexually active and is not under any unusual stress.  She is normal weight.  She has never had any unusual illnesses or surgery.  She has lost about 15 pounds in the last four months, but she is 5'8', so it is not a concern yet.  She has bouts of dizziness associated with the nausea at times. Two days ago she complained of a burning feeling to each side of her stomach. Doctors have her on Prylocec(?),anti-nausea, and meds to stop the stomach from spasming. She gets moderate relief, sometimes.  The doctors have put her on a bland diet, and have taken a 'wait and see' attitude.  Any help would be appreciated.  She is missing her senior year of high school, and I'm afraid her college plans are in serious jeopardy. Thank you.

[nva]

I have had the same symptoms for 9 weeks. Yesterday I tried a friend's suggestion - DGL licorice. You chew two tablets 20 minutes before you eat. It was the first time I had relief of the pain and nausea.

[patient915]

She probably doesn't have an allergy, but she might have an intolerance (two separate processes).  Yes, people can suddenly develop a intolerance to wheat or milk.  Does her problem get worse when she eats?  I can't tell you about Candida because that's alternative medicine which I don't know about.

[Rutabaga1980]

I have never had any experience with allergies before.  Can people suddenly develop intollerance to wheat or milk?  This problem started suddenly last July.  

Her doctors only told her to stick to a bland diet because her symptoms are only in her upper abdomen with no bowel problems.  If she has Candida (in small intestine?), wouldn't there be symptoms other than those I have listed?

Thank you

[tropicalsoul]

Try eliminating all wheat, oats and barley from her diet for 2 weeks.  If that does not work try eliminating all sugar/starches and see what happens.  While she may not have Celiacs Disease she certainly could be gluten intollerant and could also have something called Candida.  

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  Have you tried eliminating any foods from her diet like lactose?  Has she had a gastric emptying scan?  Does it get worse when she eats?