5 year old with recurrent tummy ache

[Waffle12]

My 5 yr old has been complaining of tummy ache on and off for the last month.

Started off with an evening of a tummy ache and 1 episode of vomiting. Wasn't right for the rest of that week, and wasnt eating great. Couldnt work out if she really had lost her appetite, or was worried about eating making her sick again (she freaks out at being sick).
Anyway, seemed to be back to normal, but then complained of tummy ache again. This has been going on for about 3 weeks since the initial incident. Seems to be a couple of times a week she is complaining of tummy ache, and has been sick on 1 more occasion.

A few days ago it was really hurting so we called 111 who told us to go to a&e to rule out appendicitis.

Doctor felt tummy all over and said all felt soft and no pain when he was pushing on where her appendix is. Blood test showed slightly raised white blood cells and all else normal. Mentioned possibly post viral as kids have lots of lymph nodes in tummy that can react when there has been a virus (although the only thing I remember her having around the start if this was a slight cold). She had an ultrasound today and i was told they couldn't see anything specific and were able to rule things out. The only thing she did comment on were a couple of lymph nodes. Not sure if she was just commenting that she could see them, or the fact that she mentioned them means they must have been inflamed??

We have a follow up appt at some point to discuss the results. But in the meantime I wondered if anyone had been through similar with their little ones? I know tummy ache in kids is really common, but I'm concerned it has been going on for 4 weeks now, and even more concerned that her appetite is off.

Any experiences?
Thank you

Thank you to everyone who has replied so far. Some really good information here. Also thank you for making me feel less alone- suffering with a bit of anxiety at the moment, particularly over health issues.

Yes @DixieFlatline this sounds like what he was referring to. Sounds like you might know a bit about this. I am not asking for medical advice or diagnosis, but do you know if it would be uncommon for this to be affecting someone for 4 weeks? Have googled around this subject (I know I shouldnt) but cant really find anything about it.

Weve had problems with tummy aches, headaches and fatigue for years with my now 7 yo.
The anti was uppped to include thirst and bladder irritation too recently.
She was tested bloods twice and then specifically for coeliac and diabetes, both clear.

In some desperation I decided to try dietary issues; cut out dairy and she has been a different child since. All problems solved. She has been exposed to dairy twice since and has been really poorly both times.

Might be something to consider if you end up ruling out everything else.

Mesenteric adenitis usually resolves after a few days. I wouldn’t expect it to be the explanation for all 3-4 weeks of symptoms. I don’t have enough experience with kids to tell you what the most likely alternative explanations are at this point!