I have recently had chronic, severe stomach pains and gas. This has been happening constantly for a few weeks. These pains are so severe that they travelled up through my shoulder. I was afraid I may be having a heart attack (I m 54). I went to the hospital...had an EKG, and a CAT scan with dye. No abnormalities were found. I ve also gained almost 10 pounds in a short amount of time with no change in diet or exercise regime. I don t really have any other symptoms other than mild diarrhea followed by mild constipation. Blood pressure is fine and my activity level is good....although the constant abdominal pain is affecting my mood, my energey level, etc.