Bruise Like Feeling to Right of Navel

(please forgive me if this posts twice - I think it timed out)

okay, i've been getting sporactic "pains" in my stomach to the right of my navel - about an inch or two over and about the size of my fist.


The first time this happened was back in march. It was the only time that the pain was so bad I could barely stand or walk. It felt as though some took their fist and hit me as hard as they could in the stomach. It woke me up during the middle of the night and lasted for about three hours before it relaxed enough for me to go to sleep. Thinking it could be the beginning of an appendix, I called the doctor as soon as I got to work. The doctor said it could be a number of things and with it being the first time it happened to just keep an eye on it. He said if it continued to happened to call them back and they'd get me in for an appointment quickly.

After that night, it didn't happen again for a week or so and even then it was a lot less painful. It just felt like a bruise about the size of my fist and I was able to turn over on my side and go back to sleep.

It happened a few times since then, but quit. It's been months since i've had any until two nights ago. Again, these only happen when i'm in bed - never during the day. For the past two nights, I have had this bruise like feeling again. It only lasts for a minute or two (that i'm aware of) because the pain's never bad enough to keep me awake. I just roll over and go back to sleep.

I just wondered if anyone knew what it could be. I also get sharp pains in my lower abdomen - usually close to the time for my mens. Cycle. I asked a np about those and she said it could just be stress. I don't know if it's related in anyway to these pains or not. I doubt it, but i'm not a doctor.

So, any ideas? Just stresss? Gas? Should I be worried?