Extremely Concerned About Pains

the pains started about 6 years ago. it was a mild burning in my back (slightly above the kidneys) that would slowly work its way up into my chest, to where i would then struggle to breath. i saw a doctor after my first severe attack that involved vomiting. he suggested that it was my gall bladder and gave me a list of things to do, and i havent been back to one since. the pains still continue, but in the begining they were so far apart i just dealt with the pain. over the years ive noticed them happening in more frequent intervals. i am not insured, so i continued to deal with it. the most recent attack involved a very discomforting mild burning in my back/lower abdomen that lasted for an hour or so (pains i have been used to).. then out of no where it lead right into tightness in mid-abdomen. i could barely walk/stand up straight. the tightness continued for another 45 mins, varying in severity of the pain. it was the first time i was truely frightened about what was happening. im really concerned for my health, but cant afford to go to the hospital unless it is definitly something worth paying for.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated