Stomach pain.: I had a bad reaction to fish oil... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Stomach pain.

Raewynne profile image
22 Replies

I had a bad reaction to fish oil tablets.Gave me a terrible reaction Of I B S.

That's 3 weeks ago and things have still not settled down.I can't eat or drink anything that doesn't give me stomach pain...I'm on 5mg pred tapering from 100mg for 2 years.Would prednisolone have any thing to do with my tummy not recovering.

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Raewynne profile image
Raewynne
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22 Replies
SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

Hello, when you say stomach do you mean actual stomach or all the piping below that or both? Are you taking any sort of stomach protection medication? I certainly can’t take fish oil every day. I see you posted this question a couple of weeks ago. Has anything changed since then?

It seems like a common occurrence that those who tend that way, can get development or flare up of allergy type reactions on low doses as if there is a rebound from the mast cells having been suppressed. Who knows but it can happen.

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to SnazzyD

Yes it's intestinal. NO It's the same problem as 3 weeks ago.A bit less painful but I feel soo tired and in pain no matter what I eat or drink.I am wondering if prednisolone has anything to do with this.I have had nasty problems with some painkillers causing constipation .It's just accentuating all the other prednisolone issues I have.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply to Raewynne

Pred only upset my intestine on higher doses. Were you ok before the fish oil? If you were, then I wouldn’t immediately blame the Pred but who knows, these things can accumulate. Is it worth trying to get an antispasmodic from the GP or is it the opposite you need? Guts can take a long time to settle. My gut was upset by Covid last July and still isn’t happy, taking exception at random foods.

Have you look at the adrenal section of the FAQ’s? Low adrenal function can make one feel vaguely ill, exhausted and abdominal pain and upset gut is a feature.

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to SnazzyD

Thanks Snazzy I'll have a look at that.No I didn't have any severe problems earlier.What tests does the Dr fo to check Adrenal function. I think I am struggling there.Thats why I've stayed on 5mg.I sick of feeling sick and weak and tired.

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to SnazzyD

Where do I find faqs

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Raewynne

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

..and keep this for future advice-

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to DorsetLady

Thankyou..It's on my home screen now. Can't find anything about stomach pain and adrenal insufficiency yet.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Raewynne

Well there certainly is info about adrenals - because I’ve written a couple - just look for ADRENALS….

Not sure about stomach pain as such..

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply to Raewynne

It’s on most lists. Try this.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

The secondary adrenal insufficiency that we get after steroids is different to what causes Addison’s disease but the effect is the same, low cortisol. Adrenal crisis is still a risk depending on the activity of yours. Articles usually cite secondary insufficiency due to steroids somewhere.

Testing is usually not done until well under 5mg and if a person appears to have symptoms eg. Chronic fatigue or others in the list.

123-go profile image
123-go

Hi. I too saw that you previously posted on this subject….must be very distressing to have this problem for so long. What does your doctor say?

The following mentions a link between IBS and prednisolone and may be of interest:newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/...

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to 123-go

Thanks for that.I think I have the slow bowel .I wish the gas build up would stop!

123-go profile image
123-go

You certainly shouldn’t be left to deal with this without medical intervention. A colonoscopy, in my opinion, would be advisable and I would definitely ask about this to rule out polyps which may be causing your symptoms. I hope you get relief very soon…..horrible for you.

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to 123-go

Thanks Yes it is horrible.Very painful.Im going to try and see my Dr again tomorrow.

SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD in reply to Raewynne

Hopefully they will see you in person and examine your abdomen because other things need to be ruled out. Do push for that if you can.

123-go profile image
123-go

Good for you. Hope you get some answers. 🤞

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

What other medication are you on? Any PPIs or the like?

Have you spoken to your GP about it? It could have been coincidence that it started with the fish oils and something else could be going on.

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to PMRpro

Nexium,atenolol brimonidine for eyes various vitamins.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Raewynne

If it were me, I would ask to try something else instead of the Nexium/esomeprazole and preferably an H2 antagonist such as Tagamet or Pepcid. PPIs (names ending in -prazole) have a reputation for causing gas build-up and sometimes it only starts after you have been on them for a while. But you need a physical exam as there are all sorts of things, some nasty, that could be causing the problem and they must be ruled out.

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to PMRpro

Thankyou

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to Raewynne

I got to the Dr today.Hes going to check my adrenals and do a ct scan of my tummy. I slept a little better last night but woke up a couple of times wet through and cold.Had to change myself .Stomach pains come morning and I was physically sick.Felt terrible and so tired.

I hope this sorts itself out soon.

Pass7 profile image
Pass7

I’m having stomach issues mainly at the end of the day. I take papaya enzyme tablets & sleep without the discomfort. Good luck

Raewynne profile image
Raewynne in reply to Pass7

Thankyou.Ill try to get some.

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