I'm back on here again. still not better.

[mrmax]

I posted on here recently about terrible belching, bloating,stomach pains, and frequent urgent explosive bowel movements shortly after eating. I also stated that I had MULTIPLE tests and probes done, to no avail. I got many fine responses from readers here, and now I am at the 30 day point of being on a gluten/lactose free diet.  There is basically zero change in my symptoms. Do I continue a while longer, or concede that these aren't the problem and go in and ask to be "violated" again. I'm really sick of all these tests, after tests, and no conclusion as to what the problem is. UGH !!

[DartmoorGuerrilla]

After thirty days you would definitely see some improvement, so I guess gluten isn't the culprit. 

[Elle-26]

Hi Mrmax, I had the same problem sadly so I know what you are going through. I am unsure whether it is the same diagnosis but the Hospital found I had a Hiatus Hernia, GERD and  Esophagitis (grade 2) It causes my throat to inflame and have trouble swallowing ... I also found my stomach takes a very long time to empty and end up with IBS plus having a sensitive bowel, isnt nice ... There are some foods that agrivate especially tomatoes and spiced foods even garlic! now I went on a bland diet for a week or so and then introduced other foods slowly ... so I knew which ones were the problem ... Stress and anxiety is a factor too ... I hope you find and get some answers .. -x-

[liver-bird]

Hello mrmax 

I have the same horrible symptoms as you but cutting gluten brought about an immediate improvement (the next day) so I know it is gluten causing my problem.  

I am sorry you have not found your trigger yet.  Have you tried an elimination diet where you systematically cut various things from your diet so that you can identify what is causing the problem.  If you google elimination diet you will get instructions on how to go about this.  Also you need to see your doctor.  Hope you are feeling better soon.  Diane

[Jazzw]

Without meaning to sound disbelieving - honestly, just wanting to make sure - what have you been eating exactly?

[mrmax in reply to Jazzw]

I've been eating foods that the label don't have any wheat, soy, milk, etc. Many of the products have the Gluten free & Lactose free symbols on them. I also look for any labeling that states that the food was made in a factory does produce these foods-if I see that on the label I put it back on the shelf. 

[Penel]

If you are eating supermarket ready-made gf foods, they often contain emulsifiers and preservatives which can cause GI problems for many people. Look out for, and avoid, products containing gum and cellulose. 

It may be better for you to stick to naturally gf foods, like vegetables, fruit, meat, fish etc.

[mrmax in reply to Penel]

Thanks for your replies. I kinda get that, but...I don't KNOW what is causing the problems, so isn't trying to eat gluten free and lactose free products the first step ? I mean, if I go to all natural, and zero "boxed" foods, how will I know what the problem is ??????

[Jazzw in reply to mrmax]

We hear you. Most of us have been there and really do empathise.

What's a typical menu for you? Was just wondering if there was anything we might spot for you as being a potential troublemaker?

If it helps, I find that I react to gluten anything up to 12 hours after being exposed to it. It doesn't happen straight away, at least, not always. So keeping a food diary can be crucial if you're trying to figure out what's causing a symptom - when you ate, what you ate, how much you ate, when you experience a symptom etc.

[Penel in reply to mrmax]

Going 'all natural and zero boxed foods' is the best way to promote good gut health for everyone. There are lots of recipes on line, if you are stuck for what to eat. Have a Google about gut bacteria.

As others have said, try keeping a food and symptoms diary, because there are foods other than gluten and dairy that may cause problems. 

[Jacks]

Explosive bowels can also be IBS, so if you've had every test under the sun have a look at FODMAPS.   Also look how much of the gas producing stuff - anything with 'ose' and 'ol' like Fructose, as well as Lactose you already know about, Galactose; and Mannitol, (laxative action) etc.  They can only be partially digested by humans so can cause problems. 

Make sure they've checked you for parasites too. 

[abibunny]

I still suffer from explosive ibs related bowl movements even though I'm exclusively gluten & dairy free and my dietician has suggested it might be a problem digesting fats. It's called Bile Acid Malabsorbtion. I have it after eating oil, cooking in oil, using oil as a salad dressing, anything fried etc. If you google it you can find out more. If you keep a food diary it will give you a clearer idea of where the problem lies. 

I find gluten affects me for 1-3 days after I've eaten the culprit but my dairy intolerance works immediately, within 15-30mins. 

I write a gluten free and dairy free blog which I'm sure will give you some inspiration about recipes you can try out. gdfree.wordpress.com - do check it out and message me if you have any questions. If you follow me you can get my blog posts and recipe ideas emailed to you. I also have a Facebook page called gdfree which I use for raising awareness about Coeliac friendly foods, new goodies at the supermarket and restaurant reviews etc so you might find it useful to like the page too. 

 Good luck and I hope you're feeling better really soon, love Abi x