painful hunger pangs

Not my first time fasting but about ten days ago I started 18:6 and I eat very well during my 6 hours but throughout the day I am gassy and with extremely painful pangs. They are like tummy contractions (reminds me of child birth and that's my nightmare). The past few days have been worse and they are associated with chest pain. I stopped fasting today and so far pain is there. To describe how painful, I was on the ground crying and had my kid sick worry about me for an hour yesterday because of the pain. Should I see a Dr? (I hope not, insurance is insane where I live) I tried drinking tea and soups but no matter what I do, I am gassy and in pain.

Answer

To add to what others advise, see a doctor!

I will say that if you changed ‘what’ you eat that might be causing problems. There’s a product called soy curls (basically a type of meat substitute) that gave me awful, painful cramps like you’re describing. Following some advice online I added baking soda to the soak water (it’s a product that needs re-hydrated) and it took care of the problem.

But your situation sounds different - I hope you see a doctor!

EDIT: if you have trouble affording it you might want to see if any local hospital systems offer free or reduced care for low income, or reduced care for people paying cash/people who are uninsured. Might want to ask people in your city’s subreddit.