I have had problems with stomach and left side abdominal pain for the past two yrs with pain since age sixteen [I am now in my 50s]. So, again, I went through the conoloscopy and scope of my stomach with very little diagnoses given. I assume this problem of mine was inherited from my father who incurred the loss of half of his stomach and upper intestines in his forties which was many yrs ago BUT relieved him of his bloating, constipation, and chronic abdominal pain. I was extremely hopeful that I would be advised of such since I again have had this problem since age sixteen. BUT, no....that did not happen. My primary care nurse practicioner just prescribed me Amitiza. I read
kitkat3's message on this site and I had to respond. I was prescribed 24 mcgs a.m. and p.m.; however, taking the p.m. pill right before bedtime did not work for me as I was up and down in the bathroom most of the night. For the past couple of days I have taken that p.m. pill around four o'clock in the afternoon, eat a light dinner, and can go to bed painless and relieved to not be up and down as noted above. I assume that I am having the side effect of nausea; however, I am about
forty pounds overweight so I feel this is not bad for me as it makes me think about
what I want to put into my stomach. I have lactose intolerant since birth so over the yrs I have compensated in the way in eat in many many ways; including eating only fish and rarely a white meat BUT NO CHICKEN. I am quite satisfied with this medication as I suffered on a
daily basis from diarrhea, bloating, left side abdominal pain and/or constipation. I could never quite get the balance of water intake [this is all I drink including no
cafiene] and fiber; on the days that I thought I probably had not drank enough I suffered with severe pain and nausea until I passed the hard buildup of stool [ugh]. Soooooooo, I am not alone in this matter. 
Peace, Joy, and much laughter to you and yours! sheri