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[quote=Anonymous]The problem with tummy problems is that they happen for so many reasons.  My 12 yo had very similar symptoms and I wasn't sure how serious the problems really were.  (I figured there was something going on, but didn't know how serious it was.)  This went on for weeks and ultimately months.  As the symptoms started seemingly getting worse, I took her to the doctor.  At one point, the doctor recommended a blood draw and I agreed and so did dd (reluctantly).  That's when I knew she wasn't faking.

A lot of times the tummy problems are very real, but they are due to anxiety, stress, etc. which makes them difficult to treat.  Once nothing turned up in the blood draw, I concluded it was anxiety/stress, but I didn't want dd to think I wasn't taking it seriously, so we ended up going to the doc a few times.

Ultimately, our pediatrician sent us to a gastroenterologist who prescribed a fairly extended dose of medicine.  No tangible diagnosis, but a prescription that treated the most common culprits.  And after that, the tummy problems completely went away.  This was a year ago and I've not heard a peep since.

I'm still not sure it wasn't a placebo effect, but the fact that the tummy problems have re-arisen despite some stressful situations makes me think it was really a thing that was effectively treated by the meds.

Who knows if your dc is in the same situation.  Other unexpected things that cause tummy problems are strep throat, food intolerances, etc.  My other dc had ongoing tummy problems when much younger and it turned out to be a UTI.  Lactose intolerance could also cause this and there is sometime some delay between drinking milk and the pain, which again makes it difficult to diagnose.  The best (only?) way to really check this is to eliminate milk products for a few weeks and assess.  But your doc will assess and make all of these recommendations.

In sum, if it were me, I'd go to the doc and if the doc suggests non invasive tests (stool samples, blood draws, etc) I'd take them up on it.  It will rule out (or not) some possible ailments, and will show your dc that you're taking it seriously.  [/quote]

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