I'm 22 years old...

In the past week I noticed a phenomenal increase in hunger-like huge.
I've been hungry to the point of stomach pains, gnawing, burning, etc.
(I've really never felt this way in the past)
But it never seemed like actual "hunger" if that makes any sense. It's like I felt the need to eat to make my stomach stop.

Also when I am eating, it's painful. The whole situation is bad. It hurts not to eat, then it hurts to eat. There is always that burning/sharp pain going on.

I know I should see a doctor and that this isn't a medical issue forum but I do not have health insurance.
Mostly I'm wondering if this could be an ulcer, because that's what it sounds like to me.

Any thoughts would be appreciated :-)

It could be anything but I'd stress going to see a doctor- are there any free clinics in your area or a doctor who'd be willing to see you and accept a payment plan? People can die from ulcers so I wouldn't take this pain lightly. I believe treatment is antibiotics and antacids. My husband had one years ago and had to see a doctor. Within days the pain went away.

Good luck.

I agree with BEERAB ... find a free clinic or doctor who charges less; and have it checked out; it's too important to let go ...

To me, it sounds like it could be acid reflux or an ulcer. I've had both. Best to get it checked out and I beleive both are treated with an acid reducer.

i've also had acid reflux and an ulcer. With the ulcer i had very strong pains that i ended up in the hospital. The hunger like pains I had from the acid reflux. I still get those and i know the need to "eat" to calm it down. I usually go for the breads to settle my stomach because i feel like it sucks up the acid (its probably just in my head though). Its horrible..but i take an acid reducer... Ever since i started dieting i take one everyday and its helped a lot. I would definitely recommend just sucking it up and paying for a doctors visit. Ulcers are very serious if it is that..u want to get it treated..because if left untreated they could be deadly.

Kaala- I'm so sorry your feeling bad. I also have had many stomach problems...GERD- acid reflux, ulcers, gastritis, hiatal hernia, crohns disease, gall bladder disease. I know I'm the poster child for digestion woes. "Usually" if you have an ulcer your poop will be black- like coffee grounds. This is if it is bleeding. As the blood travels through your intestines by the time it comes out the blood has turned black. In any case you definitely need to see a doctor. Don't wait until you have an emergency situation on your hands.
You may have a case of gastritis. If that is the case it is easily treated with pills.
Until you can get to the doctor get you some malox liquid. Keep it in the fridge- it goes down better when cold. I use the mint flavor- it is the only one that I can stomach. It will coat your stomach lining and calm down the acid. This is not a fix... just a band-aid until you can get some real medical attention.
Feel better darlin!

I agree about the doctor. Over the counter treatments with acid reducers and antacids may be helpful, but self-diagnosis may hinder appropriate treatment. As stated above, antibiotics may be needed if there is an ulcer, and my daughter has GERD and requires prescription meds to keep it in check, OTC treatments don't help her at all.