Help For Cramps

[TTNOGluten]

With the knowledge base of all who have been through this, I was hoping that there may be some suggestions or ideas, preescription meds or otherwise for cramps. I am most troubled by persistent upper abdominal cramping into my flanks and midback. Fortunately have never had any real D, on occasion some notable bloating. Have eliminated most if not all lactose. Current diet consists of Rice chex, with almond milk(gluten free/lactose free) for breakfast, boiled chicken in gluten free broth, 1/2 sweet potato and broccoli steamed for lunch, and usually pretty much the same for dinner. Occasionally a vlasic pickle for snack in between.

Pain is constant in upper abdomen, intensifies at times and certainly cramps right into my back. Willing to consider anything, thanks again in advance

Sorry to keep asking so many stupid questions

[rainer83]

Sounds to me like it's an issue with your gallbladder. Although I've only known a few people with gallbladder issues, they've had to cut down on things like peppers, garlic, cucumbers/pickles. Try cutting out the pickles, and check the ingredients on the broth. I've known 2 people who have actually gotten their gallbladder taken out because no matter what they were eating, their gallbladder would act up no matter what. I'd start by just cutting out pickles, and anything with garlic, cause almond milk and rice chex shouldn't be a factor, nor a sweet potato.

Best of luck!

[pricklypear1971]

Try eliminating one of the foods, above for 3 days straight. Add it back. Did the cramping stop with withdrawal, come back when you add back?

The other possibility is that you are eating a diet too high/low in some nutrient. That may cause spasms or cramping.

Are you drinking enough water? Are you eating enough to not be hungry? Are you able to exercise at all?

Keep a diary of meals, cramps. See if anything jumps out.

Have you considered massage or acupuncture? Some people here swear by it for muscle/nerve issues. It seems to be very effective for Celiac patients.

I had constant abdominal cramps about 10 years ago. Only thing that helped me was mind over body - learning to visualize the pain leaving my body through my arms and fingers. Better than antacids or the other drugs they kept giving me. The constant pain triggered a vicious acid cycle. Eventually, it calmed down. The acid would trigger gas, bloating and lots of pain.

[ndw3363]

I had a lot of stomach cramping and a severe pain that I thought was heartburn. Turns out I had low stomach acid instead of high (which I've read is common for us). Started taking HCl tablets with meals and it stopped the pain. Google low stomach acid symptoms and see if any of them fit what you are feeling. Just a thought.