For the last four days I have had waves of moderately painful abdominal cramping and gas (both belching and flatulence). It began Sunday afternoon after dinner and when it started I had a large, loose (not watery) bm, but the cramps were fairly severe and continued -- one maybe once a minute or so -- for the next six hours, accompanied by nausea and chills. At the time, I figured it was just an intestinal virus of some sort, although there was no actual vomiting or diarrhea (beyond that first big bm). The next day I felt a good bit better, no more chills or nausea, but still had waves of mild cramping, maybe once every hour or so. By dinner time I decided to try eating something to see how I tolerated it, so ate a bagel with no change in my symptoms, so figured I was on my way to recovery. However, yesterday and today the cramping has continued, with no other symptoms, typically arising shortly after eating. It's all mild-to-moderate, nowhere near as bad as that first night. There have been no changes in my bowel habits either before this started nor after, except for that first loose bm I had -- all that seems perfectly normal. It does seem to be gas-related, though, because passing gas or belching does make things feel better for a while.
I have not changed my diet, there have been no changes in my medication in years (Losartan HCT, Potassium, and OTC Vitamin D). I don't know whether this is just the aftermath of some virus (as I first suspected), or if I should start being concerned as I have never had anything like it where the cramping and gas hangs on for days after I'm otherwise feeling better. Don't know if it's worth going to see a doctor about just yet or not.
Thanks!