Stomach problems... IBS or ?

[Xiou]

For the past 4-ish years I’ve had occasional stomach problems. Constipation and bloating unfortunately has been a reoccurring event.

Recently for the past four days I’ve been waking up with a bloated stomach, at first it was almost painful now it has deescalated but still highly uncomfortable. It takes about 2 hours before I start to feel better. This has been causing me to wake up earlier than normal. It doesn’t help that I’ve caught a slight cold right now. I also have pretty bad acid reflux which has caused me to throw up bile these past two mornings, which slightly made my stomach feel better.

This has happened before years ago (minus the throwing up), waking up bloated and in pain not being able to move for an hour or so, This happened every morning for like two months or so straight and I accepted my fate at the time merely shrugging saying “welp, this is my life now” but after a while it stopped and I would wake up with no pain or anything, everything had gone back to normal. Sadly, I don’t remember what brought about the change (I’m thinking maybe it was diet related but I can’t be sure).

This past week in order to try and lessen the pain I stopped eating before bed / late, applied heat (heating pad), massage my stomach for hours on end, and started elevating my feet while laying down. All of these things have been pretty effective.

Every time I have one of these “episodes” I get scared that I might be constipated and my mind goes into a protective mode where I barely eat (I’m afraid to add more to my stomach) which honestly might cause even more problems, but I digress.

Given the symptoms I was wondering what this is that I may be going through ? Could this be IBS or something related to my acid reflux or maybe even both? And if anyone else has experienced any of these things... any info would be appreciated.

[FRreedman]

You should, really, go to see your GP or G I team, but for now, to ease the reflux, you need o raise your head (pillows) to enable gravity to keep the acid where it belongs. Reduce the intake of all gassy, and gas making food and drink ( Brussel sprouts, baked beans etc). Eat small mouthful of food and chew each mouthful 15 to 20 times.

[Xiou in reply to FRreedman]

Thank you ! I will definitely do this !

[Hidden]

I agree with FRreedman In that you should go to your GP. To be diagnosed you will need tests to rule out other conditions.

When I was diagnosed in 1996 I had bloating, awful pain, wind and constipation, I'd had a Colonoscopy and Endoscopy before I was diagnosed. Mine was brought on by food poisoning.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you're struggling. If you need help and support with your IBS please get in touch theibsnetwork.org

We recommend speaking to your GP and/or dietitian.