DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m a 34-year-old female and have suffered with a pinching, cramping pain in my upper left abdomen for years. It started when I was a child, at about 9 years of age, and worsened over the years to the point where it would occur about three to five times weekly, each lasting between two and six hours. The pain could be quite debilitating. There was also a component of bloating and gas to the problem as well.
Over the years I visited many doctors and had many tests done but the doctors all shrugged their shoulders and blamed it on stress (although I never noticed any correlation). Reducing my caffeine intake, avoiding dairy, and trying exclusion diets – none of this seemed to help. I was able to find some relief by doing a modified yoga pose. I would lie on my stomach and prop my torso up on my elbows. Obviously it wasn’t a viable option for many of my daily situations, however.
Then my work schedule got hectic this past year and I found myself in a situation where I only had access to snack during the day for two days in a row. I allowed myself to snack all day, not letting myself get hungry and no eating very much at any given time. Surprisingly I didn’t have any pain during those two days, despite a recent worsening of the problem prior to then. On a whim, I decided to continue the eating pattern and have been relatively pain free for the last three months. I am now only having the problem about once a month or so. The key to this working seems to rely on keeping my meals small. Is there a reason that changing my eating patterns would resolve this problem that the doctor couldn’t pinpoint? Is there possibly a diagnosis that I could find from this or is it just another example of how we are all unique and medicine isn’t an exact science?
DEAR READER: Unfortunately, I cannot offer you a diagnosis and you don’t offer other health information. Are you overweight? Do you have constipation or diarrhea? What is your normal daily diet like? Do you have any other medical problems or diagnoses? Is there a family history of similar or other gastric problems?
Without knowing the answers, it is nearly impossible to point you in the right direction; however, there was one thing that stood out in your letter. You claim that the pain was often associated with bloating and gas and these were relieved by eating smaller meals. This puts me in mind of a condition known as gastroparesis. I’m not saying this is your problem, but it may a possibility. I wrote about this very condition early in the week and you can find my answer here: www.AskDrGottMD.com/*******.
In summation, gastroparesis is a disorder that affects the muscles of the digestive tract. Normal or large meals and fibrous and fatty foods worsen the condition whereas small meals and soft foods improve symptoms. Essentially the muscles that move the foods from the stomach to the intestines and out are weak and cannot push the food adequately for proper nutrient extraction and expulsion. Constipation is common. By consuming smaller meals, there is less matter to move and the muscles have an easier time of it.
I suggest you make an appointment with your physician or a gastroenterologist to discuss your symptoms and your findings. Testing to determine how well your digestive tract is working may be ordered, as well as a general physical exam and blood work. Be sure to mention any and all symptoms, even if they seem unrelated.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Hiatal Hernia, Acid Reflux and Indigestion” by sending a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
