muscle tightening below rib cage

I have had symtoms of muscle tightening below my rib cage (both sides).  It started after my twins were born and after I had my gullbladder removed.  The musles directly under my rib cage will literally tighten into a hard knot.  The pain is intense and I have to laydown and message the knot until it goes away.  It will usually happen 3 times in a row.  The tightening usually lasts about 15 min.  It happens very randdom.  SOmetimes a few times a month - sometimes every few months.  I was reading posts on here from a closed forum in 2008.  I was wondering if anyone had any new ideas of what it could be.  It scares me and hurts every time.  My doctor has no clue.  Not sure if it could be stress related....Any new thoughts would be great!

Post Edited (cjk) : 5/6/2012 6:01:36 PM (GMT-6)

I get it only on the right side if I run too hard. I always just attributed it to a "stitch" in my side. I would go back and bug my doctor about it if it still bothers you.

I don't mean to push the meds but maybe a low-dose muscle relaxer would help you? Or try keeping a diary of what you're doing when it strikes.

Take care,
Ashley