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Should I go to the ER?
I have been having stomach problems on and off (but mostly on) for the last week or so. Mainly just pain after I eat---nothing else. I was afraid that it was an ulcer and I've been taking Zantac.
Today I woke up and am in severe pain. I really should have called my doctor today but I couldn't even bear the thought of driving over to UCLA and waiting at the doctors office. The pain comes in waves and literally gets so bad that I cry out loud. My temp is at 100 degrees, so not bad. And then it will die down and go away.
I know I'm the medical professional, but I really don't know what this is! I thought maybe it's a virus of some sort, but I don't have any vomiting or any other symptom. The pain is in the center of my stomach (at the umbilicus and more lower)---so I don't think it is gallbladder (which is generally upper right) or appendicitus. But I'm kind of freaking out.
I really, really don't want to go to the ER and spend hundreds of dollars, but I'm kind of freaked about what is going on! Any thoughts?
Emily
7-10-04 
Re: Should I go to the ER?
What about an Urgent Care center nearby. Might be a better option, rather than hanging out in the ER. If you couldn't bear the thought of waiting in the doctor office this morning, the ER may not be much better.
Is DH around that he can go with you??
you should go just to be safe. It could be anything. Severe ab pain is not something to mess around with.
FYI,
when i had gallbladder disease. It first started off as stomach pains. My stomach was having huge digestive problems causing "gut" pains that felt like i needed to curl up in a ball and cry. The severe vomitting didn't happen until months later.
the stomach pain came from the organ not working properly and creating a huge back up of acid reflux.
At least at the ER they can rule out anything life threatening to give you piece of mind.
My gallbladder pain was definitely upper right quadrant but I've heard of people having pain all over which is why it's hard to pinpoint. If it's so severe you can't stand the pain you should go in.
If a patient called you and said they had this kind of pain what would you tell them to do??? Whatever you'd say is what you should do.