2muchpain, I had terrible stomach pain, cramping, bloating early last year and it kept worsening. So much so that I had to hold something to get up from bed. I was wondering if I had something big going on.
During my trip to Maryland, I had lactose free milk at my brother's place and the symptoms started reducing. I did not notice all that, all i knew was - I am feeling better. Back to Seattle, again heavy pain starts....Eventually I thought through and found out myself that I have extreme lactose intolerance.
Now I am having lactaid, and all bloating, cramping, pain long gone. I know of some friends who suffered similar symptoms due to gluten allergy too.