self diagnosis of ailmentsUndiagnosed Stomach Ailment?

I have a stomach ailment. Unfortunately, my family does not have the option of seeing a doctor. I am wondering if there is an over-the-counter pill/medicine that I can get to ease the condition that I find myself in. I would also like to know if anyone could offer a lead on what this condition could be. I am clueless!

My stomach severely cramps and aches after I drink water or thin liquids (like sodas, kool aid), especially in the mornings (but my gastrointestinal system is painfully affected by it at ANY time of the day). The cramps and aches are always accompanied by quick bowel movements and excessive flatulence. I generally do not drink milk, as I have mild lactose intolerance. The stomach cramps and sensitivity to water and other thin liquids gets much, much more severe when I mensterate. I have had this problem for years. I am 16 years old, average weight, and eat a balanced diet. I do not get as much exercise as I should, but I do walk for 30 to 45 minutes at least once a week, if not more (thank once a week).

I visited my doctor abouself diagnosis of ailmentst a year and a half ago about my stomach condition. She had me lay down on the table, pressed my stomach down, told me I had/have mild IBS, and left. However, from what I understand about IBS, it doesn't seem to match up. That's not to say that I absolutely, no-way-in-hell have IBS (my cousin have IBS, too); I just don't understand how water can trigger IBS. I'm thinking that whatever ailment I have is something separate from IBS.

I understand that I really should see a doctor, and that self-diagnosis is very dangerous. However, I simply do not have the option of seeing my doctor. I am only looking for a few leads on what this could be...and how I can drink water without the cramping, pains, frequent and sudden bowl movements, and excessive flatulence!

Any suggestions or comments would be MUCH appreciated!

Thank you!
Its possible you have IBS. I've been suffering from it for years.

While water doesn't bother me, soda does. Any beverage with caffeine in it can be a major trigger for someone with IBS. I have terrible cramps right befself diagnosis of ailmentsore an "attack" or a bowel movement occurs. Flatulence is also a huge problem of mine. As for lactose intolerance, any milk will send me to the bathroom for hours.

While you may eat a balanced diet, that's not necessarily the answer to IBS. There's plenty of healthy food that can irritate IBS. For example, I can't eat most berries or melons without feeling extremely ill.

You do have some of the major signs of IBS. While its possible you have some other ailment, you won't be able to tell unless you see a specialist who can do testing.

I'm unsure of why plain water would aggravate you, but try to pay attention to when your attacks occur. You may be able to figure out if certain foods are irritating you, and you can remove them from your diet. Unfortunately I take prescription meds for my IBS, so I'm unsure of any over the counter options. You can always go into a pharmacy and see what the pharmacist recommends, if anything.

Best of luck to you.