Question
Hi Margot, I've been having an odd sort of stomach pain recently and I really just wanted a thought on the matter.  it starter last thursday (may 22nd) when I woke up and it lasted for no more than 5 minutes.  The next day it happend while I was at work and was very intense.  I did not get the pain at all saturday sunday or monday (all days off with no real physical activity) then I've got the same pain tuesday but I noticed it wasn't as bad and wednesday while at work but it was really more of an annoyance.  I guess long story short is I seem to only get the pain either when I wake up or during physical activity and it seems to be improving.  I've been taking advil and warm showers and that seems to sooth the ache quickly.  I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the matter.  I've asked others and they seem to think it's a muscle problem but I'd like a doctors opinion or thought before I go get it checked.  Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Curt and thanks for writing,

Can you please describe the pain to me in more detail ...

-where exactly is it (for example, if you were to draw an X over the spot where the pain is would it be ? inches below the center of my ribcage?or ? inches to the left and 2 inches below my belly button??etc)

-describe the pain ie: 揹ull? 搒tabbing? 揵urning? etc ?br>
-is the pain in one spot or does it radiate elsewhere?

-when does the pain occur ?ie: when you lie down at night, after you are physically active, an hour after you eat a heavy meal, etc ?

-please tell me as much as you can about your pain so I ca try to make an educated guess and provide some helpful and appropriate advice to you.

Thanks,
Margot