Upper Left Abdomen Pain From Heart Level. Not Taking Any Medications.

I get a sudden, sharp stinging pain upper left abdomen starting around heart level goes down my left side and sometimes part way across below my stomach. This has been happening for 3-4 months maybe, always feels about the same. It can happen when active or at rest, last several seconds then goes away. It feels to be below the surface a couple of inches, and can be described as ribbon-like pain, if that makes sense. It is pretty frightening and has me worried. It can happen at any time, and may occur a few times a week. There is no center chest pain or heaviness associated with it, and my breathing is not affected. I am 54 and in fairly good health, slim, walk a lot, smoked 20 years but quit 11 years ago. I am very active, but have been severely overworked for the past few years. I live in a rural area and the doctors do not seem to be very good around here, that is one reason I am putting off going. I had a kind-of phyical exam from one of them at age 50 and had no problems. I am not on any medication. Thanks.