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Stomach issues with P.A

Bigdog1989 profile image
9 Replies

Hi all, I have p.a and inject every month now, not that my doc knows this! But for years iv had trouble going to the toilet, I would only have a bowel movement once a week and I can only go when I take laxative, I also bleed a lot every single time! I don’t have piles and had a colonoscopy about 10 years ago because of bleeding but they put it down to I.B.S! Over the past few years the bleedings got a lot worse, my partner try’s to get me to go to the doc but I’m to scared! Does anybody else have anything like this?

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Bigdog1989
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9 Replies
JanD236 profile image
JanD236

Because of PA I have low stomach acid and one of my major symptoms before diagnosis was severe constipation, bloating and discomfort.

Other symptoms, such as exhaustion and brain fog, were hugely relieved by B12 injections; however, the digestive issues required a different approach which is not surprising as the injections won’t resolve the low stomach acid.

I found that a course of a very good, albeit expensive, probiotic helped me a lot. I used a 3 month course Symprove and my symptoms started improving within days.

I also took steps to increase the acidity in my stomach and with each meal containing protein I use a betaine HCL tablet or two. Other people on this forum use lime juice or cider vinegar instead.

My digestion is now a lot better than it was although I’m still prone to bloating and discomfort, especially if I eat large meals. The only way to alleviate this is to have a few very light days which helps settle things down again.

Whilst the bleeding you’re suffering could be caused by the constipation I agree with your partner that you should see a doctor about this.

pitney profile image
pitney

If it were me I would return to my GP and explain exactly what has been going on, I think most of us get scared when we don"t know whats happening with our bodies but that feeling will only get worse the longer you leave it and you will probably end up having to go at some point so don"t put yourself through all that extra worry and stress pick a moment when you feel able to talk and ring the surgery😀Good luck and I hope you get sorted out quickly

All best wishes

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood

Yes , it’s more than likely that your digestive problems are caused by low/no stomach acid ( Hypochlorhydria/ Achlorhydria. This is caused by the intrinsic factor antibodies that P.A. patients have . They not only annihilate the parietal cells in the stomach which produce the Intrinsic factor necessary for the absorption of B12 , but also stomach acid . This causes many problems . I found this out from a gastroenterologist . My GP was totally ignorant about the lack of stomach acid that comes with P.A. , and told me there was no treatment — thats true. The NHS has no treatment , and I had to sort it myself . The lack of stomach acid upsets the good bacteria in the stomach ( the “flora”) ,and bad bacteria take over . This can cause both diarrhoea or constipation . JanD236 used a probiotic called “Symprove” and so did I and it helped tremendously. It’s expensive , but it worked for me. Fermented foods like organic sauerkraut , kimchi and kombucha also help with their probiotic content . Many people use HCL Betaine plus pepsin capsules with protein meals ( important to have ones with pepsin . It’s not easy to get the dosage right . Eating smaller meals more often , and chewing very well can also help . I now have no problems and do not need to take probiotics . I have to self inject B12 also .

You have had the problem for so long , it would be best to get professional advice. Best wishes

lifegems profile image
lifegems in reply to wedgewood

Hi.. do you know if betain is the same as pepsin.. I’m a bit confused with what info is online thanks

wedgewood profile image
wedgewood in reply to lifegems

No , HCL Betaine is an acid obtained from plants, , It can help patients who have Achloryhdria, a lack of stomach acid . Pepsin is an enzyme which help to break down protein .

lifegems profile image
lifegems in reply to wedgewood

Sorry I meant to ask if HCL is the same as betaine but I’m guessing from your reply it is thanks

may61 profile image
may61

I was exactly the same all my life and I am 65 now It got sorted when I started to have one slice of a seeded brown bread a day and natural yogurt every day .I am also pretty much gluten free

Bigdog1989 profile image
Bigdog1989

Thanks everyone for your replies, I know at some stage I will have to talk to the doctor again, I’m 31 year old male and have had issues with my bowel from 17, however was only diagnosed with P.A 2 years ago, I don’t have the most confidence in my doctor anymore, iv begged and begged for extra b12 shots 3 months wasn’t cutting it! After failing to get through to her several times I decided to self inject! I suffer Severely from acid reflux to! But again they put me on esomeprozol and they did nothing for me, every day I swear it feels like there’s mucus stuck in my throat/nose! No matter what I do I can’t get rid of it! Anyone else have anything like this?

in reply to Bigdog1989

Hi Bigdog1989, all of your symptoms are connected and some perpetuate others. Acid reflux is not a problem of acid excess but acid deficit, which sadly mainstream medicine does not seem to understand. Your stomach should be full of acid to keep stomach sterile, to kill any food borne pathogens and digest your food. PPI’s will only make your issues worse-that throat symptom you described sounds like you are experiencing SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). This can cause severe constipation!! Have you been checked for h.pylori or candida, or any other pathogenic bacteria? Did you have a stomach upset on some trip abroad? A comprehensive stool analysis with nutritional therapist will uncover what is going on with your digestion, absorption, any overgrowth of bacterias and yeasts that shouldn’t be there. British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle medicine has searchable database for NT’s in your area! Whilst you are organising this, try eliminating gluten and dairy from your diet which are the usual culprits for 3-4 weeks and see if this helps with some of your symptoms. There is a fantastic book called: Why stomach acid is good for you by Dr Jonathan Wright, fascinating read!

Good luck and don’t give up, you can restore normal digestive function with the right support.

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