Question

[Sarah8527]

My son is fifteen years old and has celiac disease. He told me he struggles when answering the question what does it feel like when it's bothering him. It's cramps in his stomach. He wants to ask if it feels similar to what girls experience with their monthly cycle. That is what he thinks it would feel like and wanted the perspective of a female that endures both. 

[patty-maguire]

I guess it's similar but period cramps are really low.  Gluten cramps are higher up.

[knitty kitty]

@Sarah8527,

That's like comparing apples and oranges.  I discourage the use of that comparison.  It's two different organs that function in two different ways, hence different kinds of pain.  

Instead use some injury your son is more familiar with.  If your son ever got a Charlie horse, stubbed his toe, or sprained his ankle.  Or better yet, say the pain is like the worst stomach ache anyone's ever had.  Every one who has a stomach has probably had a stomach ache and can empathize with that statement.  

[Sarah8527]

I would agree, that was not my comparison it was his. He asked me to post this question

[knitty kitty]

Yes, I understand.  

Your son should use some pain he has experienced as a reference to describe his pain from stomach cramps. 

I'm concerned as to why he wants to use that particular comparison.  He may get laughed at or bullied.  

Perhaps this may help....

"How can I describe my pain to my health care provider?"

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pelvicpain/conditioninfo/describe

Edited April 30, 2023 by knitty kitty
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