Dealing with stomach issue. Not sure if something minor or something more serious.

[SanboTiger]

The pain is mild and feels very much like a stomach ache. There's also some gurgling and cramp like pains too. Mostly, when it's not hurting, it feels like that gassy/gurgling/hunger feeling. (note: not trying to say i'm hungry, just trying my best to describe the feeling. I'm sure you guys know what i'm getting at.)

I still have my appetite, can still pass gas, and use the restroom. The mild stomach ache like pain doesn't keep me from doing what I normally do in my day.

I notice the pain mainly when I bend forward or suck in my stomach and i can feel pain when i do that. not sure what that means.

Other than that, I feel fine and I'm inclined to believe it's a minor issue but I want opinions from others. I do not have health insurance at the moment and seeing a doctor will be difficult. Only will see someone if absolutely necessary. Hoping this can and will be remedied at home.

I have tried pain medication, Pepto Bismol, etc. Not sure what I can really do. I am hopeful it resolves but I've never dealt with this before so I am not sure if I'll need to see the doctor or not.

 

[Benvolio]

Are you familiar with the pain called "heartburn"? It is caused by a failure of sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent acid coming back (refluxing) into the esophagus. Have you tried any of the medicines which reduce the acid, such a Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid or generic Omeprazole? One of them may eliminate the pain. BUT, I absolutely think you should see a doctor, because there are some very serious problems which it could be. Even heartburn (reflux) can lead to a very serious problem.

 

[KaraBulut]

The symptoms that you describe can be something specific like a bowel infection like giardia or something more general like a food intolerance (lactose intolerance, wheat allergy, etc). It's something that a physician would have to run tests to pin down.

The problem with digestive disorders is that a lot of the diagnoses that are associated with GI symptoms are what we call "diagnoses of exclusion". What that means is that we've tested for specific disorders like Crohn's disease, GI infections, etc and we haven't come up with a specific disorder. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are examples of diagnoses of exclusion and by the time these diagnoses are made, you may have spent hundreds or thousands of dollars in tests.

Which brings us to your insurance issue. You're in the US and you have 4 days left to get health insurance or you will pay a financial penalty when you file your taxes. Most young people are able to obtain affordable insurance and with the governmental subsidies, you may end up paying less than $100 per month for a Bronze Plan.

Why is this important? The dirty little secret in healthcare in the US is that the uninsured pay 3 to 4 times as much for healthcare. A test that would cost you $500 if you don't have insurance would be billed at $100 if you had insurance. Even if you have a high deductible plan, you would still only be responsible for the $100 solely because you have insurance.

Probably the first thing you should do is find out about getting insurance. The place to start is https://www.healthcare.gov. Again, the deadline is 15-Feb-2015, so you have 4 days to do this before the penalties kick in.

 

[SanboTiger]

Well, I actually do have insurance. I was misinformed in saying I didn't. So there's that.

I took some Milk of Magnesia last night and this morning, I woke up having not been able to pass any stool nor feeling anything than being a bit hungry. (Which is normal to feel, right? After taking a laxative?) I ate something and I'm waiting to see what happens.

I'm not entirely sold my symptoms are gone just yet. I still don't feel quite right, though I feel different this morning in a good way.

 

[KaraBulut]

You may have a mild GI seasonal bug but just to point out something: you've taken two medications that have different effects. Pepto-Bismol is used for upset stomach and diarrhea. Milk of Magnesia is used for constipation.

If it doesn't get better in a couple of days, you may want to see your healthcare provider. One thing that you might want to consider that is a quick solution: in your state, several of the pharmacy chains like CVS have a daytime clinic open that is staffed by a nurse practitioner. It does not require an appointment and usually the cost is very reasonable, especially if you have insurance. Most minor illness like flu/cold can be treated affordably at these clinics.

 

[SanboTiger]

I did eat something from the State Fair that was brought home to me by my parents. This was on Sunday Night. Late Monday Afternoon is when my stomach started to feel weird and I had some pain when bending over or sucking in my stomach.

I'm just very confused by my stomach. It feels like my stomach is churning but I have that hunger kinda feeling but it hurts too. I just ate lunch so maybe the hunger type of feeling is something my stomach is doing with what's going on? I don't feel like my appetite has increased, that'd be really weird considering my stomach and cramp like pain.

I've tried the pharmacy in my area that has a clinic. They don't accept the insurance I am on. My health care provider is Florida Medical Clinic, which is a walk in clinic. But my parents say I likely won't have to go because the problem isn't likely to be anything that won't pass in a few days.

 

[SanboTiger]

I guess what bothers me most is the unsettled/empty in knots feeling that makes it feel like i'm hungry but i'm not.

I am thinking about taking more Milk of Magnesia later tonight. I didn't shake the bottle nor did I take fluids after taking the last dose so perhaps I should try again and I'll maybe get better results.