Brief Answer:
Additional information needed

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your health care concerns.

I see that you have been experiencing severe left sided abdominal pain associated with gas.

I need additional information so I can give you a better answer to your problem.
How long have you had this pain?
Describe the pain. Is it sharp, dull aching, cramping or burning
Does the pain come and go?
Does the pain stay in one spot or does it move?
What makes the pain better or worse?
How long does the pain last?
Does eating, belching and having a bowel movement change the pain?
What medication in addition to probiotics have you tried for the pain?
Do you drink alcohol or take anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin or ibuprofen?
Are you bothered by reflux constipation or diarrhea?

If you answer these questions I can better help you find an answer to your problem

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Brief Answer:
Probable irritable bowel syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning to HCM with the answers to my questions. Your answers help me better define the cause of your discomfort.

From your description you have a dull aching type pain lasting a few minutes that comes and go in the left upper quadrant of your abdomen that is not affected by eating or bowel movement. You do mention that you do drink alcohol and after drinking you will get diarrhea. You also report no reflux or constipation issues.

From this I gather that the pain maybe associated with irritable bowel syndrome or a colon that is sensitive and hyper-reactive. The pain is always in the left side and upper side which narrows the choice of organs that are in this are to only the colon. The Colon goes from the right lower straight up and then across the upper abdomen and make a sharp turn down in the left upper area down to the rectum. At that sharp turn of the colon there can be frequent spasms. These spasms are dull achy and last a few minutes. They common and go at irregular intervals and are not affected by eating or bowel movements.

Stress in life may also be a factor in causing IBS. I have my patients participate in a stress reduction program. This would consist of relaxation exercises. regular light exercise, meditation and or yoga. These will reduce enough stress to reduce pain.

Also caffeine and alcohol contribute to the problem. Reducing both alcohol and caffeine will help. A diet high in fiber will make the stools soft and easy to pain allowing the colon to work less and hence less spasms.

For medications there are some prescriptions that help reduce pain and GI spasms including Bentyl and Librium or librax

In Summary
1. I think you have IBS or irritable bowel syndrome
2. Reduce stress in your life
3. Participate in meditation, relaxation and light exercise
4. High fiber diet
5. Reduce caffeine and alcohol
6. Prescription medication Bentyl, Librium or librax

I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns or questions

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Brief Answer:
These are prescription medications

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for returning to HCM with your health care questions

The Medications I listed are prescription medications. You will need to see your medical provider to get a prescription of Bentyl, Librium or librax. The bentyl is strictly a anti-spasmotic the other medications Librium and Librax are anti-spasmotic and anti-anxiety medication. The Librium and Librax is a controlled medication and has limited use and most doctors don't use these medications anymore but yours may consider it if the circumstances warrant it.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM again with you health care questions or concerns.

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