Dear AO111--
If had a patient with similar symptoms I would want to know:
1) How old is the patient?
2) Any family history for colon disorders-- ie colitis
3)Any blood inn the stool
4)Any abnormal labs including complete blood count, Sed rate/CRP (markers of inflammation), liver tests
Chronic pain needs to be explained--always.
I have had several patients with localized colitis (crohns disease, ulcerative colitis); chronic appendicitis, right sided diverticulitis, and even cancers (lymphoma and colon cancer--but usually over the age of 40) with similar symptoms.
If you are worried, I recommend requesting a consultation with a gastroenterologist who will give you a second opinion and if concerned order the appropriate tests (CT scan and or colonoscopy).
These symptoms could also be easily explained as IBS/chronic constipation as well so I do not want to overly worry you. I personally like to listen to my patients--when they worry, I worry. Its their body and life.
Consider also gluten intolerance as a possible factor, especially if you have any family members with autoimmune diseases (e.g., thyroid disease - http://www.researchgate.net/publication/41148032_Prevalence_and_relative_risk_of_other_autoimmune_diseases_in_subjects_with_autoimmune_thyroid_disease/file/9fcfd50c9f522cec88.pdf )
Thank you for your reply. I wasn't aware that IBS could cause this much trouble but I will be getting a second opinion with a gastroenterologist mainly because Irritable Bowel Diseases run in my family. My mother, grandmother, and great grandmother all have/had them.