Chronic Abdominal Pain - Phoenix,AZ

I would try a different doctor AND go the direction of the first doctor. Eventually they'll find something that's upsetting her.

My friend grew up with IBS and still has it (we're 33 now). Her diet is limited by things that set her off - like marinara sauce. Weird, but it kills her.
So they may be onto something, unfortunately I think you have to let them just keep trying and keep getting other opinions.

Hi, sorry to hear about your daughters pain. This may sound a bit strange, but my daughter was suffering abd. pain @ 7yrs also. Her pain would be on and off. When it was on, she was in severe pain! Then she'd be fine. This went on for probably 8-9month. They told us she had gas, she was backed-up give a emena (sp?). They told us maybe it was in her head. One day her pain came back agian. I took her to the ER (again), but this time I wasn't leaving until I got answer. Which I did, it turned out she had a SEVERE OVARIAN CYST, it was so bad that it tangled her tubes and cut off bld. supply to her L-side. She had to have surgery that day, they had to remove the cyst and she losted her ovary as well.
I suggest maybe trying to get another ultrsound if possible. The ER Dr. also told that female problems can be geneic ( i hv problems also).
I know it seems weird --- but you never know.
Hope this helps, hope your daughter feels better.

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I have IBS and grew up with chronic stomach ailments. I ended up being severely allergic to dairy (trust me, there is some sort of dairy derivative in most things-so maybe look more into that). Also, my IBS is triggered by emotions. I would look more into anxiety and depression as well since those usually go along with IBS in kids. Finally, look into a homeopathic/naturopathic doctor. They do a lot more investigative work than your general doctor will. Good luck! I know how frustrating it is to do test after test and have no solutions!!

We have a friend who's son had tummy problems and they were seen by many different doctors/places and seemed to get different answers with each one. They finally went down to U of A Medical Center to see a specialist and found the right answer and treatment.
Best of luck, follow your "Mom" instincts and don't stop until you feel that you are getting your daughter the help she needs.

My nephew was diagonsed with Chron's but was not getting relief from ab pain. My sister went to see Dr. Emily LIndner in Chicago. She changed his diet to no grains or sugars. He was pain free within weeks. It was all about his diet and what his body could process. Previous to Dr. Lidner she went to U of Chicago, Mayo , and a Dr. in Texas and was not able to find relief. Google her and she if you can find a similar Dr. in your area.
Good Luck

We went through the same thing with my daughter when she was 7-9, she is now 11. I did all I could through our pediatrician and specialists, got very frustrated with the IBS answer too. A friend convinced me to see a naturopathic doctor and it changed everything!! We did a series of food/cleaning product/outside allergin testings and found some culprits that were triggering her stomach problems. We did some supplements, including adding probiotics to her diet, and changed some of her eating habits (like never letting her eat after 6 pm as most of her problems were at night) and she is feeling so much better now. We still have issues every once in a while, but for the most part...she is feeling great! We have found that she definately holds stress in her stomach and if she has a fight with a friend/loss of a pet/bad grade in school...she will always have a bad stomach ache. Wheat is also a big trigger, but wheat is EVERYWHERE so we do what we can to cut down on it. Good luck, I know how frustrating it is!

I'd try the Elimination Diet to pinpoint what's bothering her. Also, just a side note, that most people who are bothered by wheat don't test positive for Celiac disease - my hubby has a definite wheat intolerance, but the tests don't show anything.

If the stomach cramping is followed by diarrhea, then I'd actually give the IBS diagnosis some consideration. I know that mine is brought on by consuming too much of nearly any kind of fruit, fruit juice, and even soda. I also suffered through some pretty severe episodes during my pregnancy that I believe was caused by a mild overdose of vitamin A in my prenatals. I've also found that even fruit snacks (that contain vitamin C) can cause my IBS to flare up if I eat to many in one day.

So keeping a food journal is an absolute MUST, and try to keep things as varied as possible. Too much of a good thing can actually cause problems, so watch out.

God bless you and yours...

My daughter is only 22 months, but has similar abdominal issues, also mostly at night. We have been to a number of specialists, had several tests done, and tried dietary restrictions for my daughter and still don't have answers ourselves. I strongly concur with those who have mentioned seeing a naturopath, and suggest that you don't give up seeking answers.

However, we have found something that works wonders in the meantime. A friend suggested we try a particular blend of essential oils called Digest Zen. I put several drops on her tummy at bedtime. When she has it, she sleeps well. When she doesn't, she is sobbing in pain within three hours. Because of this and an experience with my epileptic husband, I am now a distributer for the company that provides the oils. Please let me know if you'd like more information. (____@____.com)

D.,
I had IBS as a teen and into college. It was very painful. Even after I was married I still was having trouble with it. I went to many doctors and was put on a medication that was suppose to stimulate my intestines to work more efficiently but it had to be taken 30 min prior to eating. This was difficult as I was a dental assistant and could never guarntee when I ate. I hated the meds and the Dr. so I went off the meds and realized 2 things. My IBS was triggered by stess or high emotions and food. If I didn't have enough fiber in my diet It would get worse. And I really had to work on controlling my stress and adding fun excercise to my routine. It has helped alot. I still will have occaisional episodes but only if I am not taking care of myself. You are the mom and you know your 7 year old best. She may have an allergy and it might be worth getting her food tested. Try and make sure that the whole family is eating fiber rich foods and excercising together ie walks, bike riding, etc, that way your daughter does not think that she is the only one who needs it and gets a complex about it. Go with your heart and good luck. :)

I feel so bad for your daughter and you. I really have no knowledge of IBS, but have you taken her to an allergist? Maybe she has a food allergy?

Best of luck!