AboutMiranda Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis) as well as the medications, surgeries and tests associated with it. I am not a doctor so please don't ask questions that aren't related to this specific area or close to it because it is not my area of expertise.
Experience I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for over five years and have dealt with the disease since I was twelve years old. I have been through every medication, numerous exams as well as surgery. I have also worked at a camp for chronically ill children the past three summers and two of our sessions are Crohn's and Colitis so I am very familiar with both conditions.
Organizations Crohn's Colitis Foundation of America, IBD Campus Connection
Education/Credentials I will be finishing up my Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Biology this spring and I am currently applying to nursing schools to become a nurse practitioner.
Expert: Miranda Date: 3/11/2008 Subject: stomach cramps
Question Hi,
I am a 39yr. old female. For the last couple of weeks I have been having upper stomach cramps, at belly button and higher, after eating. It feels like a toothache that won't go away for a few hours. I also have been having more indigestion. I have noticed more pain especially after eating something spicy. I sometimes feel like throwing up. My bowels seem to be normal. What can be causing all this?
Thank, Sandra
Answer Well what you are describing can be attributed to something called GERD which is Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease or maybe even heartburn. I was just about to type out some information about GERD, but I decided that it would be more beneficial and provide you with more information if I gave you a link containing information about GERD. So here it is: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/
You may notice that the symptoms you are describing (indigestion, pain in upper abdomen) are common with GERD. I encourage you to make an appointment with your physician so that they can do proper blood work and tests if needed in order to properly diagnose and treat your symptoms. Until you can get in to see your doc I would try and avoid spicy foods, and try to note which foods bother your stomach, and basically avoid those and see if the pain subsides.
