I started to get upper-middle stomach pains about 13 months ago. If I ate any food it would have caused pain. But didn't had any pain if I drink liquids. I learned to go without food for 3 - 4 days before eating a little. Normally to pains continued for 2 to 3 weeks, then it's gone for 2 - 3 months. Lately when I get this problem I also have severe pain in my left shoulder and neck area.