Trapped wind is more than a cramp

[Ibsandceliacs]

On the on set of an attack I begin to feel the sharp, stabbing pain in my lower right gut. I know then that I am in for it and ride out the next 24 hours through the chills and slight fever. When the origin pain has subsided, I am left with pressure that soon turns to a manageable state.

Then comes the wind...

The pressure moves and settles wherever I lay for extended periods of time. If I lay on my back, the wind slides to rest against the back wall of my ribs. If I lay on my side it can move to side walls or even into my chest and shoulders. The pain is so acute and sharp that, at times, I let out a sudden and uncontrollable yelp then look down to find the dog tilting her head at me like Im a weirdo.

Does anyone else get trapped wind like this? I have seen other posts but the descriptions always seem to imply the trapped wind others get is focused on the gut and is just uncomfortable. (Still terrible I'm sure) but what I experience can be terrifying. The wind actually forces my body to have to adapt to its position. 12 hours or so later? Like it never happened at all...

[b1b1b1]

Chills & fever does not sound like IBS to me. You should check with your gastro.

[keithfre]

Do you feel relief after burping or farting? If not, the cramp may be muscular rather than due to wind. Peter Whorwell in his book even claims that cramp in IBS usually is due to muscular spasm.

[Baby0531]

Yes, I get terrible trapped gas. I think that's what most of my IBS pain is from. My sister had the same symptoms as me and the doctor did a scope and all and nothing was found and diagnosed her as having IBS. I know before the flair I am going through now, I was eating chocolate and root beer floats almost every day for 3-4 days, then bam, IBS symptoms! The constant gas rumbling around is horrible. If you have fever and chills you might want to get tested for diverticulitis or some kind of infection. Best of luck to you...try not to stress, that only makes things worse (easier said than done). When my sister had her latest bad flair the doctor told her to take antacids and an acid reducer.

[Ibsandceliacs]

Hello! Not sure if this single post will notify you all but i thought id give a quick update.

Went to a specialist and had a colonoscopy done along with some other general tests. The primary suspect?

FODMAPS.

As with most conditions, some people are effected more severely than others. I, unfortunately, am on the more severe side when it comes to the fermentation of sugars and my pain comes from distention, dehydration and constipation.

b1b1b1 (thank you so much for your reply) the fever like symptoms I experience very much falls into the realm of ibs but not in a tradional sense as I wasnt actually running a high temperature. For anyone reading with similar problems, you should know that the chills could be caused by the body sending high amounts of blood to your gut to expidite digestion and battle inflammation. This can leave you feeling "chilled." Same with water. If your attacks are like mine, you feel are very parched and dehydrated (which could have contributed to the trigger as well) because your body needs these fluids in greater distribution to digestion. In the early hours of an attack, this can feel quite a bit like a fever.

The trapped wind, as far as the docotrs can assess, is not actually escaping into the body like it may feel. The digestive system is very larger and when you apply pressure to an area, it can very well have an impact on another. Trapped wind in the intestines, depending where, can cause pains in all sorts of places.

As for remedies, the low FODMAP diet I have been on now for 8 weeks has been incredibly helpful. Fructose, onion, garlic and avocado were staples in my gluten free diet. Since removing them, I have had considerable improvment. When the body breaks these sugars down, the fermentation process can create gas in various increments... mine is very severe. The distention of the stomach and tension caused from the process can be intolerable at times. I found a great company called Fody that makes low Fodmap foods and (if this new direction proves to work) I might get my beers back! In moderation of course haha but since they are already fermented, they are considered low fodmap. Just be careful of carbonation. As for the trapped wind, try laying down on a hard, flat surface and just relax. Literally, let go. In through the nose, out through the mouth deep breathes and just let the body work the wind through its natural directions.

Thanks again for all of your replies. Your time means so much! Hope this helps someone.