1 Did it start low and seem to travel higher? The bottom line is that you need to go to a doctor and have the tests done. And the tests they have to do aren't very pleasant. Think upper and lower GI. I have a pretty similar thing that has lasted three years. Mine seems to be lupus(with all the 'extras'-raynauds, sjogren's, and fibromyalgia)--just the old immune sytem attacking cells at random. The lacrimal glands and the salivary glands were the first to go. Then the ears. But enough about me. Of course you have to eliminate the usual suspects--bacterial, viral , and fungal infections. Good luck with that! Most doctors don't like to spend the time doing the diagnostics until the medicines fail to treat the problem. See if drinking green tea helps. Buy the leaves and eat them as well. Maalox Total Stomach Relief helps--but don't use it more than a few days at a time. And keep "regular" if you know what I mean. It gets far worse it you don't. The bottom line is to got on top of it now. Little problems get a whole lot worse! Middle age shouldn't bring these sorts of problems. See if you can still use your health benefits. I wish you said something earlier. There may be a transition period for keeping coverage. I'd pick up that coverage if it's offered until I got the problem resolved.

2 By regular, do you mean I'm supposed to take a dump the same time each day? I'm more of a "when the spirit strikes" sort of person when it comes to my bowels. I don't like to oppress them, you know. Okay. Doctor soon. I'll call him tomorrow.

3 I think more in terms of how long it's been in there, not specific times on the clock. Since things aren't working normally, it's real easy for minor problems to turn into major ones like compactions and worse. Note to doctor treating LMA***** Don't even think about fluffing her off--half listening to her story and sending her off with of few samples of antacids or a prescription for Zelnorm, without determing her EXACT condition and its cause! You are not dealing with one of your normal patients that pass through your doors--like us. Did you consider her dizzy spells? Is it an attack on her inner ear caused by an infection or her own immune system? Find out. WE ARE WATCHING YOU! Get to the bottom of it NOW! Don't expect time and nature to do the job for you.

4 Black widow bite.