Stomach problems: Hi Hope you all well I have... - IBS Network

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Stomach problems

tanyawilson1909 profile image
20 Replies

Hi

Hope you all well

I have a stomach problem for 8 month now, started with constant indigestion.

Was positive for hpylari, now that gone

But uncomfortable pressure,pain just under ribs ,more to the left side .

Burning and bloating very often ( upper stomach)

GP just said its GERD and anxiety

Fed up of it now , some days its manageable,some days I just want to stay in bed and cry

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tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909
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xjrs profile image
xjrs

Here is some information about GERD that I have shared with others in this group which you might find useful:

IBS and GERD often go hand in hand. Have you taken a look at the FODMAP diet? FODMAPs are carbohydrates found in some fruits and vegetables - there may be specific ones that are causing you problems- they enter your colon undigested, bacteria feed off them and create gas as a by product. This gas can build up pressure in your system and weaken the valve that sits between your stomach and your throat allowing stomach contents and acid to flow back. This is normally under the guidance of a nutritionist via GP referral - this may not be possible at the moment so you can read about it online. If you download the Monash University FODMAP app it will tell you which foods contain FODMAPs and in what quantities.You eliminate all FODMAPs for 2 weeks which should help to alleviate symptoms and then introduce them in small amounts one by one for 3 days and then wait up to 4 days for symptoms. I go much slower than this - only introducing a small amount of the same food for 3 days and then increase if tolerable or no symptoms and cut back to the previous amount if symptoms for longer and then increase again. I've read your microbiome can adapt to handling a new food if introduced very slowly.

I have been on Alflorex probiotic (scientifically studied for IBS and available on a free 2 month trial on joining theibsnetwork.org) and my stomach is more settled and I am able to tolerate more foods - you could give this a go prior to doing an elimination diet. If you have a bit of overgrowth of bad bugs in your gut (we all have good and bad bacteria - the good should have the upper hand), these can feed off FODMAPs and give symptoms such as pain. Probiotics like Alflorex can bring things back in balance. I have heard Symprove works for some people too.

You can also raise the head of your bed by 20cm using sturdy plastic bed risers found on the internet or a bed wedge pillow to keep the contents of your stomach there overnight (though in time the pillow put pressure on my hips).

I have taken PPIs in short bursts (no more than 6 months at a time) to help heal my throat - this was before I found the FODMAP diet. Possibly you've had IBS all along - a bit of malabsorption of foods creating gases which has then resulted in GERD. However, it probably isn't a good idea to be on PPIs long term. Nexium was the PPI that worked best for me - it's the most expensive which is why they don't prescribe it straight away.

There are some theories that GERD is due to low stomach acid. My gastroenterlogist refuted this. I have tried Betaine HCL and apple cider vinegar separately to compensate but these just made my pain worse. It can be done as a test to see how you get on but maybe not pin your hopes on it.

Stress is a factor. I've read scientific papers that say that stress doesn't increase the amount of acid in the stomach, but makes the nerve endings in your throat more sensitive to a normal level of acid and cause pain. This type of pain also exists with IBS - where the brain erroneously picks up normal activity of the bowel as pain. This is where nerve pain agents come in.

tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909 in reply toxjrs

Thank you so much for your reply, I will definitely look in to this

It is horrible to be like this all the time , effecting daily life so much .

I m willing to try anything at this stage

xjrs profile image
xjrs in reply totanyawilson1909

Sorry to hear you have been suffering. Please take heart in that there is loads out there that can help you. Just a case of hitting on the right thing. You might also find information on this website useful:

theibsnetwork.org/the-self-...

morgiuk profile image
morgiuk in reply totanyawilson1909

I suffered stomach pain , gas ect and put it down to ibs then started vomiting and found out I'd had an inflamed gallbladder I'm awaiting surgery but untill then have the ibs type symptoms . Might be worth checking with your Dr ?

Kellysann profile image
Kellysann in reply toxjrs

Thank you so much for this!

Kellysann profile image
Kellysann

I have the same issues. I feel exactly the same as I tend to loose hope everytime symptoms come back...

I suspect I might have IBS and some kind of lactose intolerance...

xjrs has shared some amazing info & guidance and I am definitely going to give it a try. Had tests, endoscopy, different PPis as lanzoprazole, omeoprazole and finally esopremazol (Nexium) that also worked best for my symptoms but I I don't wanna be forever on those!!!

Let's hope there is some hope!

All the best xx

tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909 in reply toKellysann

Hello

It is truly horrible :(

The shame for me is that doctors don't want to listen .

All they saying is relax its anxiety and reflux that hpylari cosed originaly ,but that should be over now , as it's all cleared up .

Like today I have pain in my right and a bit on the left side , more like a bloated pain , so uncomfortable

I m so fed up

Sorry

Kellysann profile image
Kellysann in reply totanyawilson1909

Do not be sorry. It is very difficult to deal with it and mostly alone alone all the time.

It is such a relief to have found this site where at least we can share our experiences and information, so we can suggest something to our doctors. Sometimes it is hard to translate in words the pain and get symptoms fully explained.

Take care x

tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909

🤔my gallbladder was removed about 8 years ago , may be related to that ?

Lolastar profile image
Lolastar

It's definitely not fun to have

Tony_123 profile image
Tony_123

Hi Tanya,

Did your GERD ever clear up?

I have exactly the same symptoms and to add to it I also found that my asthma is related to what I eat.

Its kind of a nightmare trying to sleep with a swollen stomach and struggling to breath LOL.

I also had H Pylori which now seems to have been eradicated but most of my symptoms have remained so was wondering if you'd made any progress and how?

Rgds,

Tony

tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909 in reply toTony_123

Hi Tony Sorry , but I m going to be honest with you , 18 months and I m still not perfect.

On and off

Pain in the middle of chest ,under my ribs , bloating and very uncomfortable feeling.

I have trying all kinds- kefir ( probiotic) apple cider vinegar, fenugreek , cider oil and the rest

I lost it now, dont know what to do :(

Tony_123 profile image
Tony_123 in reply totanyawilson1909

Yup seem you've been through the same bunch as I have.... Only think I found make any difference to my life was Salmon Sashimi and rice soup or congee. I guess the first has a massive amount of omega 3 oils that lower inflammation and the latter is very easy to digest.. neither are exactly a recipe for an exciting life... Well if you come up with something that works let us all know and I'll endeavour to do the same!

Cheers :-)

doris22 profile image
doris22 in reply toTony_123

Sounds like you may have some food intolerance issues. I found bread/ wheat and corn/maize were triggers for my asthma. Caused mucas and cough. They call it the reflux cough. H2 blockers worked well when I had a flair up. Zantac and ranadine have been discontinued but there are others which I am now waiting for a prescription for. All the best.

tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909 in reply todoris22

Hi Doris Thank you so much for your reply

I m really tired of it all

Waking up in the morning feeling OK and then it all starts .

Pains , aches everywhere 😪, stomach,upper,middle , back , breast , bloating , burning , preasure and the rest .

My anxiety and worrie levels are through the roof , thinking it's something serious, and Dr GOOGLE do not help 😕

My family thinks it a lot to do with my anxiety

Hope you well x

doris22 profile image
doris22 in reply totanyawilson1909

Hi there. Sounds like you are going through an awful time. Have you had endoscopy done. If not ask for one. It would put your mind at rest. What meds are you taking? Gaviscon advance is good for calming things down. All the best

tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909 in reply todoris22

Thank you for ur messageI asked for endoscopy numerous times , but gp wouldn't refer me .( I had one about 8 years ago ) all was fine , just weak LES ( sphincter).

Now all they say HPYLARI caused gastritis ( treated about a year ago ) so that it , I m stuck .

Just replied prescription for Lansoprazole :(

Hope u well x

Catatvet05 profile image
Catatvet05 in reply totanyawilson1909

I feel for you. I’ve been suffering with reflux issues and IBS for 4 years- constantly in pain, bloating, burping etc. No matter what I eat - same thing.

I had The infection last year. Apparently can take up to 1-2 years to get stomach back to normal? I’ve tried everything even Ppi. Apparently mine is all for anxiety!

Try taking probiotics may help ease pain. I’m taking some. I know for sure now can’t eat too much fibre. All I eat yesterday was healthy fibre - can’t eat meat or fish because my reflux hits the roof. Forced vegan!

Slippery elms is what I’m trying at the moment and I’ve tried solcol gel - that seems okay. I’m guessing my stomach lining is really sensitive.

tanyawilson1909 profile image
tanyawilson1909 in reply toCatatvet05

Oh my That sounds totally like me .

My gp refer everything to my anxiety too.

And yes I was told it can take a wile to recover from hpylari :( 😞 just seams like 18 months gone and I m not much better .

Doc not concerned , I m only 40 that the answer to everything .

It is hard 😪

Look after yourself x

Catatvet05 profile image
Catatvet05 in reply totanyawilson1909

I am near enough same age. They say anxiety because they want to give drugs and be end of it. None of ppi have worked for me nor has any of the antidepressants got rid of reflux symptoms. What i supposedly have is Functional Heartburn. Something that struck me rather than taking antidepressants- the question should be “what is making you so unhappy” I’ve got lots to be thankful for but I’m not in a happy situation. Need to sort my life out.

Hope you feel better soon x

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