First Time Post on the IBS Forum IBS & Gerd

[guitarman49]

Would be interest to hear from those who suffer and how you manage IBS with GERD , Silent Reflux.

IBS big time came into my life following the death of my wife some 9 years ago although in a very mild way had been around for 20 years prior. During the past year I have associated pain , sometimes unbearable , most days. Bowels are fairly regular and what I would class as almost normal. My diet has no fatty foods , no alcohol , chocolate , fizzy drinks and processed food. The problem will no go away especially the reflux epigastric/chest pain.

I have like many of you had various tests to rule out other possible issues . I'm not ceoliac , H Pylori negative , not anemic , FOB/FIT and Bowel Screening negative. Plus I went private for a full CT Scan with contrast in Feb this year which was clear thankfully. The Gastro Doctor prescribed the usual Esomeprazole , Cimetidine , Mebeverine and Gaviscon. So I'm maxed out.

I guess I should be happy , but the upper abdominal pain of both the IBS and Reflux plus the anxiety of Covid 19 and the difficult access to health care is driving me into the depths of despair. I'm will now contact my Gastro Doctor contact for his input.

Looking forward to your replies. Thank you . Stay well.

[Linley]

Oh heavens you have had a lot going on, I have no experience of Gerd only IBS d, and you are already taking Mebeverine for cramps which help me. Do believe that Covid is affecting our anxiety levels and as our gut it the centre of our emotions its no wonder we are all having probs. Wish you better and stay safe

[guitarman49 in reply to Linley]

Hi Linley

Good to receive your reply. It's a constant review of how to ease the pain. I have already excluded many foods/drink products. Next steps are Gluten and Fructans. Interestingly for the first time yesterday had Ginger and Lemon tea instead the normal tea. I think it may have helped a little so after finishing my reply I off for a cuppa , Ginger and Lemon.

Hope you stay well

[damiante]

Hello, i do hope you feel better, i was wondering what were your symptoms for Gerd, ty

[guitarman49 in reply to damiante]

Hi Damiante Thank you for your kind words.

Have suffered GERD for many years. Most symptoms tend to occur after eating with pain in the epigastric region spreading up into the chest area (commonly called heartburn) and can last for hours with a sour taste in the mouth and a sore throat. Treatment for me is with PPI's and Gaviscon Advance. It's works to some extent but I also have IBS and Silent Reflux which all contribute to feeling fed up. Have changed my diet and this has helped.

I guess you also have reflux which I hope you can resolve.

Stay well

[damiante in reply to guitarman49]

HI guitarman49, i have the same problem as you, what is your diet if you don't mind me asking, i tell you what i eat, chicken breast, fish, salad and broccoli, i am having pain that it comes and goes, it was gone for 6 months and now it is back, i appreciate your reply, ty

[guitarman49 in reply to damiante]

Hi Damiante My diet is based around Low FODMAP. There's lots of info on the web. I totally avoid fatty foods , alcohol , onions , garlic , red meat and spicy foods. Fish and chicken is good for me also plus I make sure I eat plenty of fruit and veg and try to stay hydrated.

I'm 70 and have been battling with these issues for 45 years . It's the pain , the rest I can manage.

Are you in pain , where does it hurt ?

Good luck

[damiante in reply to guitarman49]

ty , for your reply

[Nanny23 in reply to guitarman49]

I also got rid of gluten and dairy for about 5 years. It’s helped but no real cure.

[Clarrisa]

My doctor told me to walk. I am able to do that safely where I live. Of course I have to walk before or several hours after eating. I go in the morning when the pollen count is lowest.

I found deep breathing (like one would do with yoga) helpful. I also found following all the standard precautions more strictly like completely avoiding spicy foods, sitting completely upright, keeping adequately hydrated, adjusting my dinner time so that 3 hours elapse afterward before bed, etc. helpful ... it all beats heartburn. Stop listening to the news helps too!

[guitarman49 in reply to Clarrisa]

Hi Clarrisa Thanks for all your very informative information and how you are dealing with your issues. I'm sure I will incorporate into my routine.

Like you I try to avoid the media news etc and isolate as much as possible. Thankfully I get to see the grandkids tomorrow. Stay well.

[damiante]

Hello again, ty so much for replying, you take care, all the best.

[TobeyL]

Have have IBS D and GERD.

Omeprazole and esomeprazole actually made my IBS worse.

It took me years to figure it out.

Exercise helped me a lot. After loosing a few kilos the GERD started to dissipate. Now I manage my GERD with diet and I’m mostly fine. When it flares up I use silicolgel and gaviscon.

Make sure they keep check on your blood values. Esomeprazole can cause calcium and vitamin deficiencies long term.

Keep smiling

[guitarman49 in reply to TobeyL]

Hi Tobeyl Interesting to read your comment on PPI's . Gastro guy has prescribed Cimetidine to be taken before bedtime and this sees me through the night better than a PPI..

Just had full bloods done including vitamins and all looks good (have been supplementing with B12 & Folic).

Weight is not a problem for me , in fact I would like to add a few pounds. Having IBS has also restricted what I can eat without any pain.

I know exercise is good for the body and spirit however I'm also limited , waiting for a coronary angiogram (suspect CAD).

Got to stick with it.

Best wishes to you. Stay well.

[Nanny23]

I have IBS done diverticulosis Barrett’s esophagus. Also silent reflux which causes Barrett’s esophagus. I’m a 72 yr. Old female from Long Island New York. Unfortunately the reflux is a hard fix as is IBS. I BOUGHT A BED THAT I SLEEP PRACTICALLY SHE TTING UP. That’s helped me more than meds. I also have a hiatal hernia which keeps s the LES of my esophagus open to allow acid from stomach to get into esophagus. It’s better when th Pepsid and Gaviscon but I don’t think there is a quick fix. I hope you find some answers. I find the pain in my upper chest is from silent gerd. Mine never goes away.