Clear Gastroscopy but still acidic

[Ham-Mod]

Hi all. I have had IBS for most of my life. 50 now so it's a long time. For over 2 years I have been experiencing acidic/ gnawing pain at different times. Not always after food or drink. I had a fecal occult test and it was negative and had a Gastroscopy today which was clear. I have absolutely no idea what is causing it now. I was thinking hiatus hernia due to my sister and father having one. It would have been an answer, albeit an unwelcome one. Any ideas anyone? Where do I go from here?

[ValDee88]

Hi, I empathise as my pattern is very similar. My thought is, have you ever had an endoscope? Thats how I was told I had a hiatus hernia, but also GERD/gastritis. I also have the acid/gnawing pains which come and go and are not always related to food. Im never very sure which thing is causing what symptom, they are just there and need managing. I understand that right now is not the best time to start the GP path again but Im not sure that there is any other way of finding out if you have a hernia. Good luck.

[Ham-Mod in reply to ValDee88]

Hi. Yes. I had the endoscopy on Tuesday of this week. It was all clear. Now I have no idea what is causing it. I was glad it was all clear but now I'm back to square one. I already have the IBS, along with migraines with aura, two herniated discs in my back and an underactive thyroid gland. I'm not working right now, 3 months of that. So I have time on my hands and time to think. Thanks for your insight 😁

[ValDee88 in reply to Ham-Mod]

Sorry, I reread your question and realised that you'd already answered mine! If you had a clear endoscopy, Im also thinking you must have been told you don't have GERD/gastritis as well? I was told I had all 3 after the endoscope, but thats all I know about diagnosis of those. Other people may have a better idea. Only thing I would say is my acid is definitely worse with anxiety (we are all anxious now I think) and the only thing that help me in that situation is topping up the normal meds with Gaviscon Advance, but everyone is different. Its literally a pain 😬

[Ham-Mod in reply to ValDee88]

You know, all they said is it was clear. No mention of the acid/ GERD symptoms...or gastritis. My throat looked normal and pink on the pictures I saw so even though I get a sore throat, acidic pain and that taste of acid bile sometimes when I burp, I am in the dark about it all. I also cough with spicy foods like chilli when I am preparing them. Not for myself, I don't do not spicy food with the IBS. You are definitely right about the anxiety, it most certainly makes things worse. Add to the fact I'm in perimenopause and I get a menstrual migraine lasting 3 days every month and I think I should throw in the towel now! 🤣🤣🤣

[ValDee88 in reply to Ham-Mod]

I love the fact that you can see your own pictures, it is very reassuring! The menopause thing-before, during and after-can be very unforgiving with IBS. It may be that age old thing, that as you change, you have to change how you treat it. Like you, Ive had it most of my life and every decade has been different and the regime to manage it has changed accordingly and not for the better 😒😂

[Ham-Mod in reply to ValDee88]

I know right! Diets more restrictive, pain out of nowhere. My period now is full of cramps, like before I had my kids. Personally I cannot wait to stop menstruating! My cycle affects my migraines, my back, IBS of course and the acidic issue. It all kicks off at the same time and you also have the period to deal with. It sucks. Who'd be a woman 😒😁😂

[ValDee88 in reply to Ham-Mod]

Ain't that the truth 😂