Constant flank pain in young male

I am an otherwise healthy 21 year old male (5'10" and 135 lbs), and I have been experiencing constant abdominal pain for the past year.

I am somewhat sensitive to gluten and dairy, and I have avoided eating it for the past few years. I have also typically maintained a very healthy and well-balanced diet.

When I starting taking classes full-time while working a full-time job last fall, my free time decreased significantly and I no longer had time to cook and prepare healthy meals. I began to eat plenty of junk and fast food, along with snacks containing dairy and gluten. I began stress eating, as I was a bit depressed and eating made me feel much better. I was eating almost constantly, often overate, and at one point I was full nearly 24/7. I nearly weighed 150lbs at one point.

By the end of the fall term, I began to notice that my abdomen was hurting. It was a heavy feeling that felt similar to being too full, except it persisted even after hours of fasting. The pain was mostly in my lower abdomen, flanks (sides of abdomen about level with belly button) and upper right abdomen (just below ribs). The pain was greatest in my flanks and extended to the sides of my back.

I still feel this pain today, and it has not really changed in intensity or location. I would rate it at about a 4 out of 10. I returned to eating healthy gluten/dairy free food in modest portions a few months ago, and this has not really lessened the pain. It is always present. Eating and bowel movements only very slightly alter the intensity of the pain.

I also have markedly reduced exercise tolerance. When I try to run, it feels as though I have weights placed on my abdomen and I tire easily. It is especially bad when I try to walk/run uphill. Hiking has become painful and much more difficult.

I als generally have much less energy than normal. Exercise leaves me feeling more tired than normal, and I always have bags under my eyes.

My bowel movements are fairly regular and do not cause pain. I tried mag citrate once to see if maybe the pain was due to constipation, but after the product worked its magic the pain did not really change.

I remain well-hydrated most of the time, and I do not experience groin pain or pain when urinating.

Has anyone experienced something similar or know what my problem could be? I have a doctor's appointment scheduled, but I wanted to post here to see what others had to say.

Thank you for your time.

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