I've been getting extreme symptoms of gastroenteritis about once a month, going on for about five months now. it's excruciatingly painful and usually lasts about 3 days. any clue to what this might be? seeing a general surgeon later this week.thanks!

Many causes: Symptoms of gastroenteritis(vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain)can occur from viral infections (not usually recurrent),inflammation (inflammatory bowel disease),stress,irritable bowel syndrome,among others.Important to review dietary history,exact symptoms,treatments tried,timing of symptoms.Glad you're seeing a physician to evaluate.You may also want to consider seeing a gastroenterologist.