Bloating/Distention/Intenstinal Gas

[pelorick]

I am a 34 year old male in good health. In general, I eat pretty healthy and I go to the gym 4-5 times a week. However, I have been trying to figure out a stomach/GI issue that I have been dealing with for the past couple of years. When it started a couple of years ago, it only occurred every once in a while. Then it started happening a couple times a week. Well, in the past 4 or so months, it has been occurring every day and has become progressively worse. Basically, I am dealing with abdominal bloating/distention and intestinal gas. When this issue started a few years ago, it seemed like the intestinal gas was the more prominent issue. However, it is the daily distention that is affecting my quality of life. It is extremely uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful (the pressure); not to mention it can potentially be embarrassing. When it is bad, I don’t feel like doing much and the pressure buildup also leads to more frequent urination. I have tried many things that don’t seem to help. Basically, it starts off in the morning where I feel slightly bloated, but it isn’t that bad. I would say on a scale of 1-10, it starts off at about “2” on a daily basis. Then throughout the day, the gas pressure/bloating builds and peaks (anywhere from 7-10 on the scale). It seems like it peaks in the early afternoon during the week because I start my days early. On the weekends, it seems to peak in the late afternoon because I usually eat breakfast later than during the week. My doctor is perplexed because these are the only symptoms. Because my symptoms don’t include any elimination issues (i.e. diarrhea, constipation, etc.), he says that IBS and other similar diseases/issues are unlikely; I don’t fit the profile. I have tried the following supplements/items, but none have worked:

Gas X
Charco-Caps
Lactaid (for dairy)
Beeno (digestive enzyme)
Peppermint oil capsules (to help alleviate intestinal gas/bloating)
Papaya enzymes (to help alleviate intestinal gas/bloating)
Fennel seeds (chewing them is supposed to help intestinal gas/bloating)
Prilosec OTC (tried this for 2 weeks even though I don’t have heartburn)
Digestive Advantage – IBS (even though I don’t have IBS, this is supposed to help bloating by restoring the balance of good bacteria in my GI Tract. This will only work if the bacteria count is skewed)

My doctor tested me for Celiac disease and for the H. Pylori bacteria. Both of these blood tests were negative. Recently, I took the lactose intolerance hydrogen breath test and found out that I am not lactose intolerant. This explains why the Lactaid didn’t help me, but unfortunately, none of the other things mentioned above helped me either. Not even when taken in combination. Although I am not lactose intolerant, I just found information related to a milk ingredient called Casein. I have heard that this could cause GI issues, but from what I understand, is a lot less common. I also had an abdominal ultrasound. The results were normal. The only thing noted was that there was a small mass on my gall bladder which the doctor wasn’t at all concerned with. He said that it is most likely a cholesterol polyp which is nothing to worry about and would not cause the symptoms that I am experiencing. I also sent in my hem-occult slides to my doctor’s office.

I have been keeping a daily food journal to see if there are any specific food items that seem to cause these symptoms. However, I have been unable to find ANY correlation between items.
At this point, my doctor seems to think that I have some type of food intolerance (not allergy). However, I am a bit skeptical because I am waking up bloated. I thought that symptoms from an intolerance would disappear overnight. Before, I thought that I was starting at “0” in the mornings, but I just don’t think I realized that I was actually waking up slightly bloated. I tend to hold my stomach in because it helps with my lower back pain. The only other suggestions that my doctor has at this point is to try two different dietary changes. The first one would be to try a modified Atkins diet/reduced carb diet. If this doesn’t make a difference during the two-week trial, he recommends that I try a two-week gluten-free diet. I am willing to try anything to find a resolution to this issue, but a gluten-free diet would be extremely difficult for me to follow based on my normal daily diet. I was going to start the first dietary change in a couple of days, but I have decided to try this Digestive Advantage product first. I don’t want to change my diet yet because then I won’t know if this product is working.

Any information that may help relieve or resolve this frustrating problem would be very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[Unregistered]

I am a 37 year old female with the same exact symptomology as you describe. My abdomen's girth increases by 5 inches throughout the day. I am currently undergoing further tests. I have also had a abd/pelvic u/s which was neg, lab work that was normal, and have tried antacids, charco caps with no relief. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat, which I do eat healthy and work out. If you find something that works, please share for I will do the same.
Thanks.

[agypsygrl]

I have gastroparesis.....the stomach doesn't move with this thus you get the distention or bloating, diarrhea, gas with certain foods etc....You need to see a Gastroenterologist and he will also run an emptying test on your gall bladder. Mine was not emptying but only partially so it had to be removed. I have to take a medicine for this. Also, he can talk to you further about IBS more in detail. I have without the medicines for that you can have more diarrhea than constipation with IBS.

Get your doctor to refer you to a gastro doctor and get him to test you for emptying of stomach, gall bladder and facts on IBS.....you'll be glad you did. Good Luck

[pelorick]

Thanks for the replies. I have not had an emptying test done, however, my doctor doesn't think I have IBS nor any gall bladder issues. I have heard that some people still have the same issue even after their GB is removed. I am still interested in any more information that anyone may post. If anything starts working for me, I'll be sure to post! Thank you again!

[agypsygrl]

I feel much better since the gall bladder is out, but with having the IBS I still have the diarrhea....some days when its really bad can go 8 or 10 times a day.....the last medicine my gastro doctor gave me though stops it! I travel overseas every year to Greece so I told him I HAD to have something plus working couldn't go on like that. He understands the condition better because he treats that problem plus he also has IBS
Still think seeing the gastro doc for a stomach emptying test and GB empyting test would at least narrow the choices down. Plus he may have newer medicines to at least to stop you that your regular physician may not know of. I work for a doctor and normally with someone with your problem he refers them out for evaluations.

[hardmanm]

I am the same 37 y.o. that posed earlier. I also have had my galllbladder out 3 years ago. I also don't have problems with elimination (i.e., diarrhea or constipation). The worst problem for me is the bloating and pain that usually starts early afternoon and continues until the evening. My internist has done abd/pelvic u/s which where negative and general lab work which was wnl. I am know going to be referred to a GI doc to get scoped to r/o an ulcer although I don't take any drugs, drink, or fit the bill for the ulcer forming type! Any other suggestions out there?

[pelorick]

I was reading some replies to my post in a couple different forums. A couple people have suggested trying a dairy free diet for a week just to see if it helps. One of the people who responded said that they are also NOT lactose intolerant, however, they would get very bloated a few hours after eating dairy products. Additionally, it would take a couple of days for that person to get rid of the intestinal gas and for the system to get back to normal. I am thinking about trying this next week before doing the lower carb and the gluten-free diet. Even though I love dairy, I think it would be easier to try this for a week. I wish there weren't some many variables! Let's keep hoping that we all figure out our issues.

rp71

[hardmanm]

I had an endoscopy done that basically showed nothing but a little duodenitis which really shouldn't be the blame for all of the bloating, distention and gas. Next week I will get my lab results and also get a UGI and Small bowel series. So I will let you know if any thing significant pops up. I am still having the issues every day.

[pelorick]

Hello,

I started this thread a couple weeks ago. I have tried so many things to relieve this issue, but nothing has worked so far. I also saw the news segment with Dr. Dean Edell, and it basically says that Xifaxan was really helpful in eliminating chronic bloating. My only symptoms are bloating, distention and intestinal gas. I have had this issue intermittently for a few years, but daily for the past 4 months. The things I have tried are as follows:

Gas X (only effective before gas reaches the intestine)
Charco-Caps
Lactaid (for dairy. This was before I tested negative for lactose intolerance).
Beeno (digestive enzyme)
Peppermint oil capsules (to help alleviate intestinal gas/bloating)
Papaya enzymes (to help alleviate intestinal gas/bloating)
Fennel seeds (chewing them is supposed to help intestinal gas/bloating)
Prilosec OTC (tried this for 2 weeks even though I don’t have heartburn)
Digestive Advantage – IBS (even though I don’t have IBS, this is supposed to help bloating by restoring the balance of good bacteria in my GI Tract. Only works if the bacteria count is skewed)
Dairy-free Diet – 10 day trial. Didn’t consume any known dairy. Also, was diligent about avoiding hidden dairy.


My GI said that this could help because it is a good gut sterilizer with relatively no major side effects. I am thinking about starting this in a couple of days. One concern I have is that I don't suffer from any constipation or diarrhea. However, I am hoping that taking this antibiotic won't change it to the point where this becomes a problem. I don't think that this would happen. I would think that if it doesn't help, it just won't work (it won't create new problems). I just left a message for my GI to verify this.

I am really hoping that this resolves my issue. If it does, I will probably start taking a supplement to ensure that I always have a healthy balance of good bacteria in the intestines. If this doesn't work, the only other things I think I could try at this point would be a lower carb diet or a gluten-free diet.

I also want to say thank you for everyone who responded to my original post from a couple of weeks ago. Good luck.
http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/images/misc/progress.gif

[hardmanm]

Do you eat a lot of nuts or products with nuts in them like peanut butter? Just a curious question. I am trying to relate my problem with a particular food and this is the only constant I have come up with. Thanks

[pelorick]

Hi Hardmanm,

I do typically eat a lot of trail mix, nuts, etc. Also, many of the things I eat contain wheat products. Have you noticed worse symptoms when consuming nuts?

I have been keeping a food journal for 2.5 months, but still haven't been able to pinpoint anything (if that is what it is).

rp71

[Unregistered]

Hi Hardmanm,

I do typically eat a lot of trail mix, nuts, etc. Also, many of the things I eat contain wheat products. Have you noticed worse symptoms when consuming nuts?

I have been keeping a food journal for 2.5 months, but still haven't been able to pinpoint anything (if that is what it is).

rp71

Peanuts and peanut butter in particular take a long time to fully digest. If there's anything off with your digestive system, they will move even slower through your system and could cause discomfort.

[hardmanm]

I have recently been able to pinpoint the pain and discomfort after eating some kind of nut or nut product. This is something new to me. I have always eaten nuts so for this to just start now is a mystery. I have noticed it can be any kind of nut such as a pecan, peanut, walnut, pistachio or just plain peanut butter! For now I am going to avoid those products and see what happens. Good luck! P.s. I also ate a lot of trail mix.

[pelorick]

Hello All,
I just wanted to post my most recent attempt to get rid of this daily bloating/distention/intestinal gas. I tried a 6-day course of Xifaxan (200mg 3 times a day). Unfortunately, this didn't help me at all. Now I am really discouraged. However, I will probably start a 2 week gluten-free diet to see if this helps at all.

rp71

[Unregistered]

I have similar symptoms to many of the forum members and appear to beginning to have malabsorption of some nutrients such as B12. I have been exploring the likelihood of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Just by chance, during one of these episodes, I had a tooth that needed fixing and required amoxicillin. The antibiotic removed my gut symptoms....I think that this can occur without any other symptoms as a part of IBS or celiac disease. Overgrowth is due to a slowing of gut perstalisis and an increased growth of bacteria with delayed elimination. Solution, fibre, antibiotics, treatment for IBS. This is just my research. No physician has suggested this.

[purplefrogger]

I have those exact same symptoms my stomach hurts so bad in the late afternoon and I am a hairdresser so it is really hard to just relieve myself. I have done many tests also and have no answer. I think that Gluten/dairy intolorence/peanuts any one of these or all could be the problem. I did however have a positive H. Pylori test today. So I will see if the treatment for that helps.

[ActionClaw]

Much of what you describe indicates you may be another strong candidate for Hypochlorhydria (or possibly candidiasis).

You were right to look into Celiac disease, H. Pylori bacteria and, I think, on the right track trying certain supplements/items mentioned (Papaya enzymes) but did you test these individually or take them all at the same time? If the latter, I believe some could've conteracted the effectiveness of others.

Hypochlorhydria is very common, little known by some and often misdiagnosed. Fortunately, (though it can lead to othe omplications) it's also not too serious and can be fairly easily remedied. Please see my post to the "Gnawing Hunger Pangs!" thread http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=7666&page=2.

[lynejfacey]

As I sit here reading the entries. I am holding my own stomach. Through the night I have suffered pains within my stomach, making it uncomfortable to lie, sit or stand. There appears to be a build up of gas. I try to burp or release the gas any way I can, but get little relilef. Attempting to stretch up in the seat increases the discomfort. I have had many episodes such as this. I have had a gastroscopy and it was found that I had gastric erosion, but I still do not understand this, as the causes do not relate to me well. When the feelling in my stomach gets to its worse point, I vomit. I do, apparently have IBS. But even when I look at these symptonms, they appear different to mine.
Each morning I regularly have a bowel movement (sorry for the details!). But it doesn't stop there. I will go a further three or four times. sometimes I am about to back the car out of the drive to head to school and I have to stop and go back inside! IfI get the feeling of a bowel movement I have to go to the toilet IMMEDIALTELY or I will not make it. I have been caught out on several occasions and it is both degrading and embarrassing.
I have had all sorts of tests. I've been poked and prodded, had ultra-sounds, etc.
The only illness I really ever had was Sarcoidosis and I'm pretty sure that isn't related to these symptoms.
Any one else sound like this? Thanks for taking the time to read my notes.

[pelorick]

Hello ActionClaw,

Most of these things that I have tried were done at different times. I didn't want to combine everything because then I may not have known which was actually working (if they had actually worked). I started taking a good digestive enzyme this weekend, and am still taking probiotics (about 2 wks now). So far, no difference, but I am hoping that it will start helping in the next few days. Even with the enzymes, I figure it might take a little bit to get things back in order; especially after 5 months of this.

Thank you for the information.

rp71

[Unregistered]

Hi
I am 30 years old and annoyed beyond any normal feeling. My mother has always suffered with intestinal gas, bloating and distention and digestive issues. She was diagnosed with MAYBE having all sorts of things from : lactose intolerance, allergies, not enough fiber, not enough water, lack of sleep, stress, and finally DIVERTICULOSIS. Fun times. Her symptoms have been going on for 25 years now and guess what??? I have them too!! :(
I am so annoyed and saddened by this because:
1.) I am RIDICULOUSLY healthy
2.) Non smoker, non drinker, no drug use at all ever
3.) I workout everyday and teach aerobics; I am in shape with a healthy BMI
4.) I eat healthy or organic foods when possible 80% of the time
5.) Doctors know NOTHING so I am ready to throw in the towel!
I am so upset because I suspect I have always had this but didnt know it wasnt "normal" to be bloated everyday with gas.
I have taken TUMS, metamucil, COLONIX cleanse fiber, charco-caps, gas x , beano, blah blah blah....whatever. Do they work?? I dont know......you tel me.....maybe we can all come up with a common denominator and figure this out together!!!
I eat things on a daily basis like:
Peanut butter, skim milk, Fat free yogurt, soymilk, fruit + vegetables, whole grains like shredded wheat cereal, some sugar and salt (but not too much) and low fat snacks/low calorie snacks/desserts most of the time. I also love frozen yogurt but I havent had it in awhile and the symptoms are here so I see no link. SOMETIMES I indulge in greasy foods like pizza (3 x a month) but that is not when symptoms are the worst-its on a DAILY basis.
Hmmm..any help?? Or ideas??

[pelorick]

Hi,

It sounds like you have very similar symptoms to me. I have tried so many things (as you can see in my original post). Currently, I am taking a good digestive enzyme and probiotics. So far, I am discouraged because there has been no relief since I started this (probiotics - 3 wks, enzyme - about 5 days). Thankfully, it is just the bloating/distention/gas, but no elmination issues. However, I don't know what is causing it. I am at the point where I am going to ask the doctor what else I can do. So far, I haven't done any "invasive" tests. Sometimes, I just don't know what to do, but I know that I am going to figure it out. It's just a matter of time!
I also have a post at the location pasted below. There are more responses there than in this one. You should take a look if when you can. Please let us know your progress. Good luck ~ rp71[/URL]
WrongDiagnosis Forums (http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=8608&page=4#) > Symptoms (http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2149) > Gastrointestinal (Food - from entry to exit) (http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2155) [URL="http://forums.wrongdiagnosis.com/showthread.php?t=8608&page=4"] Bloating/Distention/Intestinal Gas

[Unregistered]

Do any of you take vitamins on a regular basis?
I went through similar symptoms last year. I gave up my vitamins, etc. and was better after a few days. Maybe this will help someone.

[Unregistered]

In case its food:

Also take note of food combinations. This can be tricky because some foods may not bother you unless you eat another specific food at the same time.

Also, certain foods may not bother you all the time. This can also be tricky in the elimination process.

It's best to write down absolutely everything you eat...

[paulap]

I have gastroparesis.....the stomach doesn't move with this thus you get the distention or bloating, diarrhea, gas with certain foods etc....You need to see a Gastroenterologist and he will also run an emptying test on your gall bladder. Mine was not emptying but only partially so it had to be removed. I have to take a medicine for this. Also, he can talk to you further about IBS more in detail. I have without the medicines for that you can have more diarrhea than constipation with IBS.

Get your doctor to refer you to a gastro doctor and get him to test you for emptying of stomach, gall bladder and facts on IBS.....you'll be glad you did. Good Luck


I also have gastroparesis just found out two weeks ago ,plus my gall bladder is not emptying right ,I dont think they have anything to do with the other not sure I am very constipated and I am very weak no energy cant eat ,because I feel full and bloated ,one doctor says to try some medicine to help move my stomach and if that dont work ,then think about get your gall bladder out ,the other doctor say my gall bladder dont need out my hidascan was adnormal was wondering if you could give me insight to what you done ,you sound like we are going through the same thing ,thanks Paula

[Unregistered]

You should try avoiding these gas forming foods

Dried legumes:
Baked beans and pork and beans.
Dried beans, such as kidney, pinto, garbanzos, lima, and navy.
Dried peas, such as split peas and lentils.

Vegetables:
Broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.Cucumbers and green peppers.Onions, leeks, and chives.Pickles and sauerkraut.Radishes, rutabaga and turnips.

Fruits:
Apples and bananas.Prunes and raisins.Melons.

Breads and starches:
Fried breads such as donuts, pastries.Large amounts of wheat products.

Meats and other protein sources:
Eggs.Meat, fish, or poultry that is fried or made with gravies and sauces.

Beverages:
Beer, ales, and other drinks that contain alcohol.
Carbonated drinks such as bubbly water or soda.

Artificial sweeteners:
Mannitol and sorbitol are sugar alcohols that are added to food and sugar-free gums and candy.

Dairy foods: Ask your caregiver if you have lactose intolerance and need to avoid dairy foods.
Milk and milk products such as cheese, ice cream, and ice milk.Cream.

You should also try to follow the following:

Do not use straws or drink from bottles with narrow openings. Drink fewer bubbly liquids, such as soda, bubbly water, and beer. Do not eat foods that have a lot of air in them, such as whipped cream or meringue.

Eat and drink slowly. Avoid chewing gum and sucking on hard candies. Eating or sipping drinks too quickly, chewing gum or sucking hard candy may cause you to swallow too much air.

Increasing the fiber content of your diet too quickly may cause problems with gas. Increase the fiber in your diet slowly by trying one new food every two or three days. This gives your body more time to get used to the fiber without causing gas problems. Most people can get used to a high-fiber diet over a period of several weeks.

Ask your caregiver about taking lactase enzyme pills if you have lactose intolerance. These pills help break down the milk sugar (lactose) that may cause gas or bloating. There are also lactose-free milk products that you can try. Taking these pills or eating lactose-free milk products may allow you to eat some dairy foods.

Increasing your physical activity may help you pass gas if you have problems with bloating.

I do hope you guys get better, my colleague got a cholecystectomy a few months ago and she had some episodes of abdominal cramping sometimes diarrhea and bloatedness. Try taking DISFLATYL too. I do hope you get well!

[Unregistered]

I had the same problem for almost 5 years before my chronic appendicitis finally went "hot" and it was removed. I had major bloating that couldn't be relieved, along with bowel issues and sometimes sever abdominal pain. For years the doctors kept trying to treat irritable bowel, throwing everything in the pharmacy at it with no success. Had my appendix out a week ago and now I feel better than I have in years.

[Unregistered]

Sounds funny, but if you eat pretzels for snacks...this may be your problem. I tested negative for celiac's disease, yet when I removed hard pretzels from my diet, my gas and bloating went away...can't hurt to try, right??

[Unregistered]

Hey Everyone,

I have suffered with this terrible Gas/Bloating/Distention problem since I was very young. I am 42 now, and noticed when I was around 36, the symptoms became much worse.

I went to a Gastro, Endochronologist, Internal Medicine specialist and had more tests than Heinz has pickles. I have spent a large amount of money on Dr. visits, and prescriptions that do not work. I have tried over 40+ treatments, plus all of the diet changes and nothing worked for me.

My Father had some of the same symptoms as me but much worse. After seeing around 12 Doctor's and going in for multiple tests... he was diagnosed as having Diverticulitis.

If anyone has taken antibiotics and they helped with the gut problem, please look into this and don't end up like me having spent all of that money for nothing. I think that I have diverticulosis, and am going to try the antibiotic treatment. The following antibiotics are the drugs of choice for this condition:

Doxycycline, Cipro, Cephalexin, and Metronidazole (Flagyl).

It is also said to use a colon cleansing treatment monthly, and I will be doing that as well.

I know what all of you feel like, it is embarassing because you look fat, you feel pressurized all the time, and feel like you cannot fit into your clothing properly. You wake up in the morning pretty skinny, and all you have to do is drink some water or coffee and you start bloating up. Dinner has been a challenge for me also. Sometimes I wake up with food still in my stomach 10 hours after eating it. Sometimes I will have to throw it up because the food has gone septic, but this is rare and only if I had eaten a very large dinner.

I also have rotating bouts of constipation or diarhhea and very thin, flat looking stools. This is from the diverticula swelling up in the large intestine and causing blockage. Most Dr's told me that this was from spasms in the small intestine...more b.s.

I have battled this for over 6 years now and think that I'm on the right track. I hope I have pointed at least someone in the right direction.

Brian

[Unregistered]

One other comment added to my others....food allergies and food intolerances. I too was diagnosed with non-functioning gall bladder and told to have it taken out. I went to acupuncturist and neuromuscular therapist (gall bladder massage) and was doing much better. Still..I'm amazed how many people have the same symptoms and have been getting progressively worse in just the last few months, same with me. I'm going to try not eating nuts, which I just started a while back, stop eating bananas with peanut butter, and get this. I was reading up on symptoms of stomach fullness and bloating and it said if one is allergic or intolerant to food, it can cause the bile ducts to swell and cause the symptoms. I had eaten a poached egg with no fat at all and there were the tight band, bloated feelings. According to this article (found by doing a search on Gall Bladder issues), egg allergies account for 80% of food allergies, intolerance and those very symptoms. My allergist looked over my records and said I had tested allergic to eggs the last several times I had food allergy tests. I quit eating them. I know I'm very allergic to sunflower seeds, so maybe I'm allergic to these other nuts, which I was eating because they're supposed to be so great for you. So thanks to everyone. Remember what I wrote about soy...our bodies will soon react to it, because the molecules are too big to be properly absorbed. Also, there are additives to food, such as carrageenan or something like that...added to products, such as ice cream or soy milk, rice milk, etc., it gives the food smooth feel in your mouth...well...it accounts for a lot of digestive upsets, since the body cannot digest it. I do fine eating a baked potato. Actually I've had stomach problems off and on for years, just lately it's become so that my stomach is even bloated in morning and by night time, it's huge. I was always flat tummied until recently. I also have been in car accident several years ago, seat belt injuries, fell off bike with broken vertebra, and last year, slipped on slippery tile in restaurant which caused contusions and whiplash. Also, people...I went through a spell where my stomach was acting up....realized it was during the time I was emptying out boxes of old 'stuff'...papers, etc., and when that was done, I was fine again. This time, who knows. I used to pass a lot of gas (sorry about that)...now, I don't....guess it stays inside and bloats. I really appreciate all everyone has shared and hope we all find out what gives. I'm giving up nuts, bananas, yogurt, and will be back to read up and see if anyone comes up with anything. Oh one more thing, that doesn't apply to the men....cystic ovaries and fibroids can cause this too, I've been told. Actually I hate to say this, but Ovarian cancer can too. I've had all the tests and am ok thus far. Last night, though, I went dancing and amazingly when I came home, my stomach was not very bloated and swelling ankles was gone. I think I need more exercise. Oh, one more thing...seems when I eat salads or vegetables, which I always could previously....that doesn't agree with me. Thanks again for all the suggestions. Good luck to all.

[beenthere]

Unfortunately, sounds like tapeworms... parasites and candida! tests are only 5% accurate!! so dont rely on them!! they also are the root of most food allergies and diseases...ie asthma etc. also - your probably low in stomach acid (despite what docs may think) and are therefore not digesting your food.. which is allowing it to ferment, and feed bad bacteria and parasites etc... cut out all sugar - fruit, fruit juices, sweet vegestables, wheat, white flour, mushrooms, corn, pork and fat ! make sure all of your meat is cooked well done (kills bugs etc) take a parasite cleanse (renew life), tons of probiotics, digestive enzymes...and the most important is. do not eat after 6 pm... which will allow your body to digest your food properly. Also - take grapefruit seed extract (although there are no side effects - it might weaken the action of any meds that you're taking)... eats lots of raw garlic, onions , broccli etc.. which helps to kill bugs and strengthen ur body ! the pain is caused by the bugs pulling and attaching onto your intestines! back pain is probably on right side.. which is near your liver and gallbladder, adrenals, and small intestine... whichis where these problems/bugs like to live! if ur interested, let me know and ill help further.
.......... been there, done that!

[Unregistered]

Hey all,
I was just browsing through and read many of your posts. I also noticed that a couple of you mentioned you have family members who have the same symptoms as you.
Have you looked into Celiac disease? It's greatly underdiagnosed. The article here from Wisconsin Med. School: http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1009402816.html
pertains specifically to diabetic children, but provides some good info about the disease as well.
There's also some info here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/

Good luck!

[artse]

I am very interested in your information on parasites. I have been suffering from similar symtoms for a few months and have also suffered periodically from fibromyalgia which these symptoms fall into. But sinced I have been to Mexico several times in the last year, I thought maybe I might have picked up some bug that has decided to rear its ugly head. Is a blood test the only definitive diagnosis for parasites or other bacteria in the digestive tract? What sites talk about these problems? Any info would be helpful. I have been very depressed over these symptoms and have not gone to the doctor because my insurance is not available until this month.

Thank you.

[Unregistered]

Hi

I am 43 and for past two have suffered the same problems as mentioned in your mail and others . Have taken all posible tests including CAT scans and MRI besides the Stress tests and ECG for the cahest pain accaompanying the gas buildup.... nothing works .... u could try alternative medicenes and it would sort out ur issues hopefully. Have u heard of hoemepathy or ayurveda ..if so consult a doctor ..as our problem is related to disruption of an internal balance and and allaopathic med... cannot deal with it at best if at all can provide sympotic relief when taken and it would reappear.
Check out these homeopathic medicenes NATPhos 6X or Arnica... best consult a homeopath or ayurvedic doctor...

do give feeback for the benefit of others ..of course if it benefits you

[matildawong]

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry I don't have much to add in the way of advice.

I'm 34 and am having many similar symptoms. I seriously thought I was the only one getting up in the morning, feeling somewhat skinny-tummied and by mid-afternoon slumping down at my desk with bloat.
For me it usually ends by early evening time. But I work swing shift so I end up eating late at night which just starts the cycle off again.

The only thing I have found is real fiber cereal sort of helps when taken daily.

[Unregistered]

I had an endoscopy done that basically showed nothing but a little duodenitis which really shouldn't be the blame for all of the bloating, distention and gas. Next week I will get my lab results and also get a UGI and Small bowel series. So I will let you know if any thing significant pops up. I am still having the issues every day.

i'm scartchy! what do i do...it might be the chicken i bought from i man called bow chica wow wow !
what do i do!

[sss33]

HI,

Sorry I don't have a solution either and like the poster, I went throught the gamit of tests, colonoscopy, IBS, Crohns, celiac, breath test, capsule endoscopy, gastroscopy, ultrasound, xray, stool stamples, accupuncture, Oriental medicine... all to no avail. I have one question, do you constantly belch as well as expel gas? That is my symptom. I couldn't gather if your case was only expelling gas from flatulance vs. belching.

Could this be candida? Yeast infection/overgrowth. Any insight would be appreciated as well.

S3

[Unregistered]

I've been reading this thread with interest as I have many of the similar frustrating symptoms, but with one additional. I usually wake in the morning, eat breakfast and generally even lunch with little trouble, but by mid-late afternoon and into the evening, the gas and bloating comes on with a vengeance. Additionally, in the evenings around bedtime especially, I feel like someone has their fists in my stomach squeezing and releasing. I can feel the peristalsis of what I suppose are my intestines, and it is very uncomfortable. I can feel the spasms moving down through. I don't understand it. I've tried keeping a food log, and it is next to impossible to pinpoint one particular thing. I take some very good enzymes, probiotics, and they have not helped much. I also have tried peppermint oil, zantac, prevacid, with no results. Charco caps help to reduce the gas a bit, but not a lot.
I have had an endoscopy, with diagnosi of gastritis, but the biopsies were negative for celiac, h pylori, or any other bacteria. They have said that if the meds didn't help, they want to do a colonoscopy and if that is clear, they know it is food related. Does that make sense? I had food allergy testing a year ago and the only thing that came out on the skin was a mild reaction to soy, which was not verified upon following up with blood testing. I tried to cut soy out for a brief time and didn't really notice anything.
Like the original poster, my symptoms have gotten much worse over the past year, to where I live with it daily now. I don't understand why doctors don't know what it could be.
I also don't fit the pattern for IBS, except occasionally, but that is generally related to the hormone monthly cycle.
I'm only 32 and don't want to live with this forever! I am debating whether to get the colonoscopy or not.
Good luck to everybody else....
Jill

[Unregistered]

I have chronic belching with the upper GI bloating. Anyone else?

[Unregistered]

Hey everybody!!

Ok I am a 21 year old female and I am basically experiencing what you are. I've never had this before. Now, to clear some things up, I had a baby a year ago. Now, during the pregnancy I dont remember ever having a lot of gas, or any problems with my bowels. When I gave birth they did an epistiomy on me and cut me 4 inches deep. When I went for my 6 week checkup my gyn told me I might have a problem holding in my bowels/gas. That doesnt make sense to me. First off, I havent had any problems holding my bowels, if anything, I have trouble GOING to the bathroom [frequent constipation]. I would think having problems with gas after an episitomy would be eating gassy foods and not being able to HOLD in my gas. Thats not what happens to me. I wake up, I have gas. Throughout the day I have gas. I go to bed with it too. Its not really uncomfortable all the time. Not like its really painful. Sometimes it can be though. I cant believe that from an episitiomy I'd be passing gas all the time throughout the day. I'd just think I wouldnt be able to hold it in long and it would just come out. I dont know if my body changed after having my daughter and I wonder if things will go back to normal. I know its normal to have a certain amount of gas throughout the day, but I'll tell you this...before I had my daughter, even before I got pregnant, I never had a problem. I was told I had IBS when I was about 16 years old, but again, I still never had this problem. The only thing I ever had was constipation [not so bad]. So I dont know whats going on. I dont even know who to go to anymore. When I told my doctor last year she told me to change my eating habits. It has NOTHING to do with that. At least it doesnt SEEM like it does. Its a constant thing and I cant deal with it anymore. Its ruining my life, my social life and my sex life. I'm not comfortable enough to have sex with my fiance anymore. Although he doesnt complain and hes really understanding and supportive, its still getting to ME. Its affecting my life. I dont know what to do.

I've tried gas-x, Beano...all those things too and nothing really helped me either. With gas-x I could have sworn my gas only got worse, not better. Beano worked to a certain point. But then it'd come back again. I am so sick of it. Im actually becoming really depressed over it. I dont look forward to anything anymore and its only getting worse.

I dont know. I just wanted you to know you're not alone and that someone out there understand what you're going through.

~Christine

[Alaska]

I'm not sure how I ran into this, but I have read pages of your responses. Christine you sound the most like me, I think! I'm 23 and had a sudden onset of abdominal pain late one night about 2 1/2 months ago that progressively got worse over 2 weeks before I went to the doctor. When I was 16 I had my appendix removed and they found a carcinoid tumor in it, so I was told never to ignore abdominal pain.

My newest doctors says that I've had the million dollar test. I have had x-ay (which showed air-fluid levels and non-specific bowel gas pattern), endoscopy (I have esophagitis from my acid reflux disease, but doesn't account for my abdominal pain), CT scan and abdominal ultrasound (NORMAL), colonoscopy (normal), stool sample for blood and parascites (negative).

The latest doc a general surgen says I may have adhesions cutting off a vein to my intestines or what not. He says that you can't see the interior of the intestines on CT's or ultrasounds. They might do exploratory surgery. Tommorrow I see a gastrointestinal doc and hope to get answers. One doctor told me I have IBS, but I don't fit the profile, plus you can't test someone for IBS. Bascially my 2nd opinion doc says some people actually have IBS, but that I don't and the other doc told me that because he didn't know what else to tell me.

So here's my symptoms
Gas, belching (both worse when I wake up), bloating that gets worse as the day goes, pain and extreme pressure feeling, increased number of stools per day, sometimes nausea

Gas-x makes me worse and all the other crap hasn't helped. I added fiber and changed and that. I don't do dairy so that wasn't an issue. I am a healthy active person. I am a firefighter and we workout a lot and eat good. Nothing I do seems to matter, but I can't take much more of this. Oh, when they dd the x-ray they also found that I had a lot of stool which didn't make sense and still doesn't make sense because I've been going to the bathroom 3 times a day everyday. A couple more things to throw out to see if you guys have, I had heart palpatations the first day I went into the doctors and ended up having an abnormal EKG, wore a heart monitor and that come back fine. Also, I had a pelvic exam and had to much bacteria (because there's always bacteria there, but I had a build up), so I was on antibiotics for it. I don't know what do. I need doctor HOUSE!!! Is anyone extremely tierd and never feels like they got enough sleep? I'll all messed up, but it's kept me out of work for 2 months now and I'd like to get back.
Stacy

[Unregistered]

Hey everybody!!

Ok I am a 21 year old female and I am basically experiencing what you are. I've never had this before. Now, to clear some things up, I had a baby a year ago. Now, during the pregnancy I dont remember ever having a lot of gas, or any problems with my bowels. When I gave birth they did an epistiomy on me and cut me 4 inches deep. When I went for my 6 week checkup my gyn told me I might have a problem holding in my bowels/gas. That doesnt make sense to me. First off, I havent had any problems holding my bowels, if anything, I have trouble GOING to the bathroom [frequent constipation]. I would think having problems with gas after an episitomy would be eating gassy foods and not being able to HOLD in my gas. Thats not what happens to me. I wake up, I have gas. Throughout the day I have gas. I go to bed with it too. Its not really uncomfortable all the time. Not like its really painful. Sometimes it can be though. I cant believe that from an episitiomy I'd be passing gas all the time throughout the day. I'd just think I wouldnt be able to hold it in long and it would just come out. I dont know if my body changed after having my daughter and I wonder if things will go back to normal. I know its normal to have a certain amount of gas throughout the day, but I'll tell you this...before I had my daughter, even before I got pregnant, I never had a problem. I was told I had IBS when I was about 16 years old, but again, I still never had this problem. The only thing I ever had was constipation [not so bad]. So I dont know whats going on. I dont even know who to go to anymore. When I told my doctor last year she told me to change my eating habits. It has NOTHING to do with that. At least it doesnt SEEM like it does. Its a constant thing and I cant deal with it anymore. Its ruining my life, my social life and my sex life. I'm not comfortable enough to have sex with my fiance anymore. Although he doesnt complain and hes really understanding and supportive, its still getting to ME. Its affecting my life. I dont know what to do.

I've tried gas-x, Beano...all those things too and nothing really helped me either. With gas-x I could have sworn my gas only got worse, not better. Beano worked to a certain point. But then it'd come back again. I am so sick of it. Im actually becoming really depressed over it. I dont look forward to anything anymore and its only getting worse.

I dont know. I just wanted you to know you're not alone and that someone out there understand what you're going through.

~Christine

Chronic intestinal gas a tricky problem to deal with. It seems that often the problem is caused by multiple issues going on simultaneously.

Have you noticed any change in your constipation symptoms? The reason I ask is I also have constipation predominant IBS. I find that my gas gets intolerable when I am not aggressively treating my constipation. When I have my constipation under control by daily use of fiber supplements and medicine, the gas tends to go away, unless I am eating trigger foods (see below).

I do notice that certain foods also cause me to experience isolated gas attacks. Peanuts, cashews and coffee are a major culprit for me. Milk products (excluding yogurt) are another. With these foods, I will eat (or drink) them and start to feel the gas coming into my intestines a half an hour to a couple hours later. But because my diet was once so saturated with these foods, it took me a long time to realize that they were involved in my chronic gas. If I avoid these trigger foods completely, and keep treating the constipation on a daily basis, the gas generally stays away for me.

Your trigger foods, if they exist, may be completely different. It wouldn't hurt to experiment with your diet a bit to see if you can isolate any particular foods that are problematic. Be patient and don't overlook the possibility that something you eat all the time may be a trigger food.

Hope this helps.

[Unregistered]

I agree. But even when I just drink something it happens. If I dont eat during the day its still there. So it'd be hard to determine whats causing it...

[Unregistered]

I agree. But even when I just drink something it happens. If I dont eat during the day its still there. So it'd be hard to determine whats causing it...

I hear you, but reactions to food don't necessarily go away quickly! In my case at least, eating a trigger food can upset my digestive equilibrium for quite a while, even if I stop eating the offending food. The last time I ate cashews my digestion was messed up with gas, bloating etc. for an entire week before it finally recovered.

The best way to find out if you have a food reaction is to try an elimination diet, eliminating ALL potentially problematic foods for two solid weeks. If symptoms go away by the end of those two weeks, you know it's a food problem. Then you slowly add in the problem foods one by one. As soon as you get a reaction you know you've found at least one of the culprits. The elimination diet recommended in the IBS for Dummies book is good, EXCEPT for some odd reason they forgot to add nuts to the list of foods to avoid.

[Unregistered]

Christine, Have the doctors looked into your gallbladder. I have the same problems you do and was told I have IBS. I knew it was wrong, so I went in for a second opinion. I am have a laproscopy done on Monday and may wake up without a gallbladder. I fit the profile for gallbladder problems, even though I don't have gallstones. You don't have to have gallstones. I tell you what I took gas-x and I swear my gas problems tripled. It was the worst I've heard. Anyways, I thought that might help. Oh, in the beggining of gallbladder problems eating fatty or protein rich foods cause the problems and eventually it turns into everything you eat and drink.
Stacy

[Unregistered]

I have just read the quotes sent by many who seem to suffering from common GI symptoms. I have experienced chronic constipation for years, but over the past few years, I have also experienced increasing intestinal gas to the point that it has become a daily nightmare. I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago that was negative. Lately, the gas has been so bad that I have been very uncomfortable- increasingly throughout the day.When I am unable to expel it (in public) my bowel sounds become so loud that you can hear it across the room. It sounds different than your stomach growling . Sometimes when people hear it they say "was that you!?" It is really embarrasing and has made me not want to be around people for fear that it will start- especially in quiet places like church! Doesn't seem to matter what I eat or drink- it's a daily issue that starts the first time I eat or drink anything and gets worse throughout the day. I look 6 months pregnant sometimes because of it and is very uncomfortable by the end of the day. Just had a watersoluble xray enema because my constipation has been so bad lately that I have had to resort to enemas to get any relief and even that hasn't seemed to help much. the xray didn't show anything(no obstruction or other obvious problem) Miralax was helping a little but not much.Am thinking about having allergy testing. Had testing years ago and was slightly alergic to milk but didn't have any problems drinking small amts or other dairy at the time-guess it could've gotten worse.

[Unregistered]

Hey Everyone,

I have suffered with this terrible Gas/Bloating/Distention problem since I was very young. I am 42 now, and noticed when I was around 36, the symptoms became much worse.

I went to a Gastro, Endochronologist, Internal Medicine specialist and had more tests than Heinz has pickles. I have spent a large amount of money on Dr. visits, and prescriptions that do not work. I have tried over 40+ treatments, plus all of the diet changes and nothing worked for me.

My Father had some of the same symptoms as me but much worse. After seeing around 12 Doctor's and going in for multiple tests... he was diagnosed as having Diverticulitis.

If anyone has taken antibiotics and they helped with the gut problem, please look into this and don't end up like me having spent all of that money for nothing. I think that I have diverticulosis, and am going to try the antibiotic treatment. The following antibiotics are the drugs of choice for this condition:

Doxycycline, Cipro, Cephalexin, and Metronidazole (Flagyl).

It is also said to use a colon cleansing treatment monthly, and I will be doing that as well.

I know what all of you feel like, it is embarassing because you look fat, you feel pressurized all the time, and feel like you cannot fit into your clothing properly. You wake up in the morning pretty skinny, and all you have to do is drink some water or coffee and you start bloating up. Dinner has been a challenge for me also. Sometimes I wake up with food still in my stomach 10 hours after eating it. Sometimes I will have to throw it up because the food has gone septic, but this is rare and only if I had eaten a very large dinner.

I also have rotating bouts of constipation or diarhhea and very thin, flat looking stools. This is from the diverticula swelling up in the large intestine and causing blockage. Most Dr's told me that this was from spasms in the small intestine...more b.s.

I have battled this for over 6 years now and think that I'm on the right track. I hope I have pointed at least someone in the right direction.

Brian

Wow....there sure are a lot of common symptoms going around! Brian, your situation is very similar to mine.

I have had increasing problems for several years with digestion and constipation. I sort of stayed on a modified Atkins diet....avoiding most carbs, unless they had lots of fiber.....but still on a very limited basis. Every 4-6 months it would reach a point of being severely constipated and a great deal of pain. The pain was hard to describe.....but varied from feeling like a kidney stone to abdominal spasms like being in labor! It took a cathartic cleansing to relieve the constipation and the symptoms would go away for a while.

Finally, about two months ago, it returned with a vengence! OMG...after a number of bozo drs dismissing my incredible pain as IBS, or Lactose intolerance.....and even my obgyn telling me I had the big "C".....I ended up in ER in crisis. 13 hours later I was diagnosed with diverticulitis....which thankfully was treated with antibiotics!!!!! A very happy prognosis compared to my obgyn's....who insisted I was needed emergency surgery with a possible bowel resection! (all suggested by a simple pelvic exam!!!!) I took cipro and gentimiacin for two weeks! and the pain disappeared within two days. My nutritionist took over and I started a new eating habits, and took a lot of probiotics to restore the balance of my disgestive tract. It's taking a while to return to some normalcy after several years of being in pain.

I also took a food allergy test, and found I am mildly allergic to beef! (most of my Atkins diet consisted of beef!!!) and a few other common things in my diet. So now I'm avoiding those things altogether and eating things I haven't eaten in years.

What I've learned about diverticulitis.....is that it is the inflamed phase of diverticulosis.....and even develope a bacterial infection. Worst case scenario is a ruptured colon. I've read articles and gotten drs' advice that say that the majority of Western cultures have populations with 80% diverticulosis and don't realize it. It sort of evolves from diets that are too refined and over processed. It's critical to maintain a balanced diet, plenty of fluids and excercise to allow the digestive tract to function normally, as well as absorb nutrients effectively.

Guess what? I did NONE of these, so I set myself up to be very sick!

1) balanced diet with plenty of fiber.....and if this is new, gradually add the fiber to prevent excess or more gas.

2) lots of fluids.....at least 2 pints of water a day.

3) exercise....keep it simple if you're not an excercise fan. I had the daylights scared out of me, and I'm now walking 20 minutes or about a mile a day. It's not much, but the important thing is to break a sweat. (I hated to sweat...(yes I'm a pansy)....but now I'm reprogramming myself to like it and know that it's making me healthy!

Note: the excess fluids without the exercise will simply pass through your body. The exercise allows the fluids to hydrate your blood, and detoxify blood cells. Toxic blood can cause fatique, depression, brain fog, lack of energy, constipation.....and lots of other things. It took a wise homeopath to explain how things work for me to "get it"! She said unless you exercise, all that water isn't taking out the trash! Nothing like a nice visual to help someone like me!

I realize this isn't the answer for everyone with digestive problems, but it might help one person. At the very least, if you haven't talked to your doctor about diverticulosis ASK! It is very uncomfortable, and at the very worst can even be life threatening......similar to a ruptured appendix. But it does take time to get to that phase.....best to check out early symptoms and at least eliminate that possibility!

Best of luck to everyone!

[Unregistered]

I have just read the quotes sent by many who seem to suffering from common GI symptoms. I have experienced chronic constipation for years, but over the past few years, I have also experienced increasing intestinal gas to the point that it has become a daily nightmare. I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago that was negative. Lately, the gas has been so bad that I have been very uncomfortable- increasingly throughout the day.When I am unable to expel it (in public) my bowel sounds become so loud that you can hear it across the room. It sounds different than your stomach growling . Sometimes when people hear it they say "was that you!?" It is really embarrasing and has made me not want to be around people for fear that it will start- especially in quiet places like church! Doesn't seem to matter what I eat or drink- it's a daily issue that starts the first time I eat or drink anything and gets worse throughout the day. I look 6 months pregnant sometimes because of it and is very uncomfortable by the end of the day. Just had a watersoluble xray enema because my constipation has been so bad lately that I have had to resort to enemas to get any relief and even that hasn't seemed to help much. the xray didn't show anything(no obstruction or other obvious problem) Miralax was helping a little but not much.Am thinking about having allergy testing. Had testing years ago and was slightly alergic to milk but didn't have any problems drinking small amts or other dairy at the time-guess it could've gotten worse.

Wow, talk about deja vu-- your symptoms were mine exactly--before I discovered I am dairy intolerant. Since I cut out dairy--wow, what a difference!! Try going dairy free for 2 weeks and see how you feel. It could be that simple.

[Unregistered]

I have had all of the symptoms finally a gastro Dr. prescribed Cytotec it moves the cillia constantly and I can now eat again. I have lost over 60 pounds when I was ill and thought I was dying. Please try this. I even gained 10 pounds. It feels so good to eat again. Good luck

[Unregistered]

I have been reading these posts and I have been suffering for years with bloating/gas retention. I wake up feeling fine, but as soon as I start to eat, there it goes. I work 10 hour shifts and it can get pretty uncomfortable. Sometimes I'm afraid to eat in case it gets worse.
So...I saw a Naturopath, who had me have a food intolerance test. This test shows my #1 intolerance is potatoes, and #2 is Sugar/Fruit combination. I can not have sugar and fruit within 6 hours of each other. She'd like me completely cut out sugar. So, I have a list of items to avoid and ingredients to watch for while grocery shopping. I just found this out the other day and I am still trying to figure out what I can actually eat. I used to love having potato chips and a can of (non-diet) coke, but obviously I can't now.
I can't say how this lifestyle change (not diet), is going so far because I've just started it, but I can tell you I am bloated right now, so I obviously ate some hidden ingredient or something.

[lovedogs]

Just out of curiosity, what kind of testing did the food intolerance testing entail?




I have been reading these posts and I have been suffering for years with bloating/gas retention. I wake up feeling fine, but as soon as I start to eat, there it goes. I work 10 hour shifts and it can get pretty uncomfortable. Sometimes I'm afraid to eat in case it gets worse.
So...I saw a Naturopath, who had me have a food intolerance test. This test shows my #1 intolerance is potatoes, and #2 is Sugar/Fruit combination. I can not have sugar and fruit within 6 hours of each other. She'd like me completely cut out sugar. So, I have a list of items to avoid and ingredients to watch for while grocery shopping. I just found this out the other day and I am still trying to figure out what I can actually eat. I used to love having potato chips and a can of (non-diet) coke, but obviously I can't now.
I can't say how this lifestyle change (not diet), is going so far because I've just started it, but I can tell you I am bloated right now, so I obviously ate some hidden ingredient or something.

[Unregistered]

Had this in my freshman year of college. I would feel hungry, eat and have horrible gas pains (but sometimes no gas) right after. It was awful. I still have the problem sometimes late at night, but usually I am sleeping (except last summer when I worked nights). I have a poor diet while at school because I dislike many foods that I should be eating, but when I was working during the summer I found no reason for a problem.

Sometimes this problem is followed with constipation for me, but not always. Colace/Fiber supplements do not help

I am on Nexium now for suspected reflux (which I believe is unrelated to this).

[Unregistered]

I have the same issues described here. I cannot say what it is (for that matter-neither can the doctors) but I have a few ideas. The bloating seems to stem from problems with food actually digesting and moving through the body's long intestinal/digestive system. It seems like a person with this disorder has a tough time getting rid of his/her food waste properly. The food sits and basically "rots" in the intestines creating gas and bloating. I would venture a guess that this weakens the health of the entire intestinal/digestive system. Obviously any living tissue that has prolonged exposure to a harmful substance will weaken and ultimately not perform like it is supposed to. I think that in order to heal this issue it requires a delicate balance of different "treatments." In my case, I am going to try a series of things to try to heal the actual tissue and organs involved in my "plumbing." First, realizing that I must detox my body, I will reduce my intake of food, and carefully input delicate, natural healing and detoxing elements into my digestive system. The body has a natural healing function through fasting that will help remove waste and clean itself. I think fiber is good but only at the right stage in the healing process. First you have to fix the organs before you "force" them to work harder. There are also natural products that help to eliminate waste, and parasites from your system. I believe that the whole breakdown of your digestive process allows for unhealthy parasites pathegens, and bacteria to form. These all have to be removed as naturally and as delicately as possible, then the organs involved need careful healing. In my opinion, antiperspirant and/or deodorant is toxic to your body because the body expels toxins through sweat. Exercise must be done very carefully. Since you don't want to overwork a damaged body you have to find the balance between the exertion necessary to boost the body's natural detoxing functions and what would be harmful to your body. That is very hard to know for certain because it will vary from person to person and people have different tolerances for pain. I guess you have to really "listen" to your body. If you read and research all of the information available that is out there related to this type of disorder I think that you will find that there are many theories as to its cause or origin. No one really knows for sure. Anyway, I'm sleepy and must go to bed now. Check out detox formulas, colloidal silver, aloe drinks, and homozone.

[Unregistered]

To Pelorick,
It is so interesting to read of your symptoms.....I have gone to a gastro doctor all my life but it has changed from a hiatel hernia to whatever I have now ~ which are the exact same symptoms that you have. I just had an endoscopy and ultrasound and have tried 3 different kinds of pills for heartburn. Before the endoscopy, I never had heartburn but the doctor said I should take these pills....none of them worked. I find it interesting that you said you are not lactose intolerant but you get bloated after having dairy...I just self diagnosed myself that I must be lactose intererolant because of how boated and gassy I get when I eat anything dairy...but I'm beginnning to thing that the same thing happens when I eat anything with sugar or wheat flour....I can't pin it down.
I'm so curious to know if you've found anything that works...I dont really want to spend the money for the test for glucose intolerance and lactose intolerance if that's not what I have....
Any updates you can give would be helpful..
LR

[KikiPDX]

Hi,

Wow it is great to find this forum. I have been experiencing some very unpleasant GI symptoms( i.e. gas, bloating, pressure, diarrhea, fullness) for the past 18 months or so. I think it all started when I had my wisdom teeth taken out and was given an antibiotic. I took the antibiotic for 3 days or so and had a terrible case of diarrhea so I quit taking it a few days early (bad idea, I know). Anyway, since then my GI problems have been getting progressively worse and for the past 6 weeks or so the gas, bloating and diarrhea have been pretty much constant. My theory is that the antibiotic killed off my natural intestinal flora and led to an overgrowth of bad stuff. I've been eating Activia yogurt for the past week and hope that the probiotics will help me. So far, no help.

I think I eat pretty healthy overall, including lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat bread. I am a little overwhelmed by this and have not yet tried medications or dietary modifications using a systematic approach. I'm hoping to get some guidance from my health care provider but I'm a little discouraged reading all the diagnosis and treatment problems some of you with similiar symptoms have experienced.

I am seeing my nurse practitioner next week for my annual physical exam and I intend to rely my problems to her. I'm 41 years old, healthy, exercise several times a week, normal weight. I'm really hoping this is as simple as a food intolerance because the symptoms I'm experiencing are so unpleasant and so persistent that I'm feeling pretty depressed about it. It is also very embarrassing because the intestinal gas makes a lot of noise and people sometimes comment about it in meetings etc.

Earlier tonight I felt so uncomfortable that I started surfing the web for information on my array of symptoms. I saw some scary possibilities: colon cancer, IBD, IBS.

Anyway, it makes me feel better to know I am not alone and that others can relate to my unfortunate situation. Thanks for all your comments and stories, they are very helpful.

[Unregistered]

Kiki, you symptoms do sound like IBS. IBS is not really that much of a "scary possibility"; it is a sort of "left over" diagnosis a doctor will give once everything more serious has been ruled out. Basically, it'a a chronic mild functional issue that can improve or go into remission with various combinations of diet, medication and de-stressing. My first IBS symptoms originated (at age 40) in a bad gastric reaction to a medication also. Unfortunately once my system was thrown out of whack that first time, it has seemingly developed a greater liability to go out of whack ever since.

As we age, our systems start to lose that "bounce back" ability we enjoyed as young adults. Probiotics are good, keep at them. It seems it can take an unbalanced or injured digestive tract a very, very long time to heal.

Since you've had this for a year and a half now, hopefully some clues have appeared as to what your triggers are. My episodes seemed at first to be tied to dairy, fatty foods and or soy products part of the time, but I've since concluded that it's mostly due to stress. My doctor opined that some people get a toxic bodily reaction to mental stress.

Do your symptoms improve on vacation? Whenever I go on a long vacation, my IBS disappears (and I can eat most anything, skip probiotics and medicine, and still be fine). I've had it go away for many months at a time just by forcing myself to take time away every day from the rat race (hard to do being a lawyer, LOL). Even when I'm not able to go on vacation, I try to do things to de-stress my system: running, hiking, some yoga, and meditation, reading, listening to soothing music, in a word: relaxing.

I'm not saying that controlling stress is the magic cure for everyone; if it were, boards like this would not be necessary. It's definitely true that a healthy diet, probiotics, fiber supplementation and medication can certainly play their roles as well. But de-stressing helped me a lot, and it certainly can't hurt.

Good luck,
Dave

[Unregistered]

Kiki, are you sure you don't have c. diff.???

Antibiotics allow this bacteria (which normally lives in our intestines) to overgrow and cause serious gastrointestinal problems. The way to test for c. diff is through a stool sample and it is treated with an antibiotic (flagyl, I believe). It is easy to treat compaired to the problems it causes.

[Unregistered]

Hi there!
After reading your post... I felt as though I was seeing a mirror image of myself. I can not tell you how frustrating it is to know that you live a healthy lifestyle, work out, watch your diet etc... only to be dealing with these problems. I am basically at the end of my rope and sometimes I feel like giving up because I see no improvements. I have tried EVERYTHING to try and figure out what is going on with my GI tract. My boyfriend is a natural healthcare practitioner and he has been very supportive and has given me some great advice on how to cope with all of this. It's a vicious cycle.. the moment you start feeling any kind of relief and think you are improving the symptoms are back again. Last year I was doing sooooooo much better.. I had freedom for about 4 months. I was still very active, eating healthy and my weight seemed to drop without any problems.. Today if you asked me how I was feeling.... it's basically back to square one... I feel crappy most of the time and my weight fluctuates 10-12lbs pounds ... I believe this is water weight but who knows? It's such a mystery to me because i haven't changed my work out routine . This is basically destroying me on the inside.. for the last 6 months I have been dealing with this condition and it seems like the doctors dont' have answers. I have been experiencing the symptoms on and off for the last two years but it just recently worsened. I went to get tested for all sorts of things. I did have H Pylori but when i got retested after my course of antibiotics I didn't have it anymore. I later went on some heavy duty probiotics becasue I thought I had dysbacteriosis ( which si when you dont have enough friendly bacteria in your intestines). That worked for a little bit but then i noticed i was feeling crappy again. Most of the time I feel LIke i have gained up to 10 lbs in one day and I am tired as hell, I have to go to the bathroom quite often, my bladder hurts, I look like I am ready to give birth ( hahah.. ok not that big but at least 4-5 months) , i am cranky, my body is sore .. the list goes on.. If you are thinking Candida.... ha! I've tried something for that as well... I Have NO answers. I am going to see an Gastroenterologist in Decemeber. I have had many tests and had an ultrasound.. and nothing showed up. I thought I had ovarian cysts or fibroids..but that showed up negative. THe next thing I want to get checked out is the gallbladder. BUT quite honestly the thing that i think is triggering all these symptoms for me is STRESS.... Take a look at your lifestyle and evaluate how much rest you are getting and how tired you are. Sometimes we can overwork ourselves too much... espeically if we are athletic and we are very discipled on our lifestyle. Sometimes without even knowing it we can do more damage than we think and we can encourage these symptoms to get worse and I think that is what is happening with me. The more i think about it the worse it gets. I find that at night when i am so tired.. I get even more bloated , dehyrdrated and I get this tenderness right above my belly or small intestine area and not to mention back pain.
I use to run a lot more when I was feeling a lot better and I noticed that my digestion did improve and I didnt have as many problems and i also found that running was quite meditative. I also did saunas , the heat actaully helped me slower my breathing and i felt super relaxed . I really feel like the combination of these things was really helping me out. I dont' know if these changes in my lifestyle willhelp my symptoms but at this point i have not hing to lose. I have good days where I feel like I can fight this thing off and it will never come back and I have bad days where I feel like I dont even wnat to crawl out of bed and show myself to anyone. I am determined to get a handle on this becuase i know that a while back I was doing much better and I have faith that my body can get back tow here it once was. We have to trust and try to let go and i know that is tough because I struggle with it everyday. I am so glad that there are many people out there that are able to share their stories and frustrations with others. I feel like I am not the only one out there.
If i find something that really works for me then I will it share it on here... Until then I won't give up hope.

Take care and big hugs for Support!
Stay strong and Stay healthy... it is all we can do at this moment in time.

Marz.


Hi
I am 30 years old and annoyed beyond any normal feeling. My mother has always suffered with intestinal gas, bloating and distention and digestive issues. She was diagnosed with MAYBE having all sorts of things from : lactose intolerance, allergies, not enough fiber, not enough water, lack of sleep, stress, and finally DIVERTICULOSIS. Fun times. Her symptoms have been going on for 25 years now and guess what??? I have them too!! :(
I am so annoyed and saddened by this because:
1.) I am RIDICULOUSLY healthy
2.) Non smoker, non drinker, no drug use at all ever
3.) I workout everyday and teach aerobics; I am in shape with a healthy BMI
4.) I eat healthy or organic foods when possible 80% of the time
5.) Doctors know NOTHING so I am ready to throw in the towel!
I am so upset because I suspect I have always had this but didnt know it wasnt "normal" to be bloated everyday with gas.
I have taken TUMS, metamucil, COLONIX cleanse fiber, charco-caps, gas x , beano, blah blah blah....whatever. Do they work?? I dont know......you tel me.....maybe we can all come up with a common denominator and figure this out together!!!
I eat things on a daily basis like:
Peanut butter, skim milk, Fat free yogurt, soymilk, fruit + vegetables, whole grains like shredded wheat cereal, some sugar and salt (but not too much) and low fat snacks/low calorie snacks/desserts most of the time. I also love frozen yogurt but I havent had it in awhile and the symptoms are here so I see no link. SOMETIMES I indulge in greasy foods like pizza (3 x a month) but that is not when symptoms are the worst-its on a DAILY basis.
Hmmm..any help?? Or ideas??

[Myth]

I know this seems overly simple but it has helped me with digestive issues
instead of having the usual three meals a day ...try having six small meals a day....this takes the pressure off your digestive system & it is better able to digest food in general

hope this helps

[practical123]

For 4 years now I have had bloating and wt gain that progresses throughout the day, to the point that I look pregnant and my clothes cut into me.

I used to waken in the morning with a flat stomach and then it would enlarge throughout the day - just by being upright! Now the bloating never goes away, I start out at about 3 months pregnant and by the end of the night I am looking 6 months pregnant!

The pressure is so intense, I can't bend forward. And my abdomen does not compress when I touch it - it is taught and distended. It doesn't matter what I eat or drink or whether I eat or drink.

The only thing that used to help me was lying down for a couple of hours or overnight - but now that doesn't even help.

I have had negative blood tests, CA125, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound; no ascites. My bowels move several times a day and are normal; no constipation, no diarrhea.

It was comforting to read these messages, but most of us don't seem to have a clear answer and neither do our physicians.

[Unregistered]

I've had all these symptoms for the past year! I'm 23 and relatively healthy and i would get episodes of gas, stomach cramps, diarhhea, abdominal distention that would come and go, and fullness. I went to my primary doctor several times, had countless blood tests and stool tests but all came back normal. I finially went to a gastro doctor and he performed more blood tests and ended up doing breath tests (Lactose & Lactulose breath test) as well. The blood work all looked okay, but sure enough when i did the lactulose breath test, which checks for bacteria in your small intestines, the analysis showed i had i high level of bacteria in there which aren't normal. My doctor prescriped me some antibiotics. I would highly recommend if you are having these symptoms and havent' been tested for bacteria in your small intestine yet ask your doctor to. Just wanted to share my story, hope everyone feels better soon.

[Unregistered]

I posted earlier saying I used to have this problem in my freshman year of college. WELL, I'm back at school for my senior year and its worse than ever. I have this problem almost every day. The gas is sooo bad and foul smelling as well. It happens right after I eat, or even while I'm eating sometimes. I'm almost positive it has something to do with the food here. I know my diet isn't great, but I try to eat well. The problem is that it is so hard to do here. I don't know if I have food triggers, but part of me thinks that I do and I just haven't figured out what they are.

I have more than one pain as well. Sometimes I get a crampy pain in my actual stomach area that comes in waves. Almost like its contracting. Other times, when I have the gas, the pain is lower, in my intestines. Sometimes when I have the gas I feel like I need to eat...like I'm very hungry, but I know that I'm not. Sometimes I try to eat something small to see if the feeling goes away, but it usually gets worse after I eat.

[Unregistered]

one thing that it helped me was:

-clean your abdominal bowels by consuming fiber products at night. (dissolve the fiber with a glass of water). My stools comes softer. Before i needed drano
-Run and exercise to overcome stress (i am a stock market investor)
-Do not eat any food that it has fat. (no red meat, no pack meat, no junk food, no fried things at all)
-More water everytime
-Consume more natural juices from carots, tomatos, etc.
-NO CAN FOOD. Preservatives are bad for liver. In my case. Just buy natural food. As far as a polyp on your gallblader, statistics said: 25% will disappear, but 25% will increas. Also, 50% will remain as is.

I think STRESS is the cause of death.

[Unregistered]

one thing that it helped me was:

-clean your abdominal bowels by consuming fiber products at night. (dissolve the fiber with a glass of water). My stools comes softer. Before i needed drano
-Run and exercise to overcome stress (i am a stock market investor)
-Do not eat any food that it has fat. (no red meat, no pack meat, no junk food, no fried things at all)
-More water everytime
-Consume more natural juices from carots, tomatos, etc.
-NO CAN FOOD. Preservatives are bad for liver. In my case. Just buy natural food. As far as a polyp on your gallblader, statistics said: 25% will disappear, but 25% will increas. Also, 50% will remain as is.

I think STRESS is the cause of death.

No junk food, no fried food...yeah, I try to, but apparently you don't live on my campus. If I was able to modify my meal plan and prepare my own food, TRUST ME, I wouldn't eat this crap. But since I cannot, I must eat what is offered. Also canned food and preservatives are completely unavoidable...really, try as I might, getting rid of this stuff is impossible.

I do try to get to the gym 1-2 times per week for at least 30 mins. It doesn't happen that often that I acutally make it, but really, I try. My schedule is very hectic and it often does not permit me my gym time. I swear I'm trying, but that's not good enough and I know this.

[adg801]

I have had 2 episodes where I feel like I cant empty my bowel yet nothing every comes out. Tried laxatives, gas X. It lasts for about a week and is very uncomfortable. Somehow I was diagnosed with kidney stones, and even had one removed, although I kept telling them that I just needed to 'poo'. Now its back.

Thank you for posting your stories, I am reading them before bed and not feeling as depressed and broken about it all. I think my situation is caused by corn (and other things in my diet). Good luck to everyone.

[hayley3]

I'm in the same position, bloating gets worse as the day goes on. It's painful.

They are saying that Celiac disease which is gluten poisoning is killing our villi and then we don't digest our food and it just sits there and ferments. They say that Celiac disease is underdiagnosed and it's currently 1 in every 133 persons.

I make all my food from scratch, (except for dairy products) and I haven't had antibiotics so I am thinking it is the wheat. Maybe it is genetically modified gluten and that's what is causing us all to have the same problem.
I'm gonna try a gluten-free, wheat-free diet. I think since the villi are damaged, that no matter what you eat, you will get bloating, so you would in essence be lactose intolerant, etc. I know that when I got to dairy queen I would always get queasy and then I found out their ice cream has wheat in it!

[annairb]

im 18 and it seems i have been experiencing alot of the same symptoms for years now. probobly more than 5 or 6 years! im a senior in high school and i can remember feeling this back in 5 grade or so.
when i really started worrying about it was in 8th grade. i would be in class and my stomach would get "tight" and feel like something was building up and pressured, then it would release and be almost like "trapped gas"(as i've herd)...and it would make a LOUD wierd noise....almsot like not even a growl...just sounds like gas but with a growl...haha-any way...i still have the same problem to this day.
it almsot seems i get the symptoms when im in quiet places (such as class room or anywhere quiet!) its like i get nervous when im in quiet places and my stomach starts "bubbling" and building up then pressuring up as well and i've been so insicure and eberassed over these years because of this. i could live life soo much better if i could just find what causes this or what i can do... but when i do get it sometimes it will be so loud ill get embarrassed and wonder if any one can hear it and ill ask to use the restroom and it seems everytime...it is gas and i do "poop" and the stool is wierd...its like "shredded" and light brown/green...yellowish...etc. i do it pretty much every day when i can...after i do that whole "ritual" lol...it seems to stop...(the noises) but there has been alot of times the noises and pressure and discomfort were still there...
this just "ruins my life" though....thats how i almost feel...i cant even go to friends houses because im scared my stomach will make the noises or ill have to use the restroom and i dont want people to hear my gas and etc!!
ive tried gas-x and tums...etc...DOEST WORK.

IF ANY ONE KNOWS ANYTHING PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND EMAIL ME OR REPLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WANT THIS TO END NOW! ive been to the dr. to by the way and he said eat yogurt every day and take fiber pills for a month and i basically did and that doesnt seem to help either....i eat pretty normal too i guess...i could eat healthier... people i know eat "worser" than me and i dont see this happening to them...its like im the only one!!!!


PLEASE HELP!!!!! i dont want to feel uncomfortable any more...i want a social life, i want to be able to go to quiet places, i dont wanna worry about this and distract me when i go to college next year!!!!!!!!:eek:


HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
let me know thanks....

-bri.

[JohnJNeely]

Hi all. Right now I am going through bloating that is unbelievable.
I have a cure for it. I have done it before but it is not for the weak of spirit.
I fast. I pick a day. Like today and then I don't eat for 5 days. Boy is it difficult sometimes but It is a cure. Then all that is required is to eat properly.
If you have the will power to try this it is really the way. I lost 15 pounds of s**t. I have to do it again and I recommend it be done once a month for at least 2 days. Other side effects are that you feel lighter and more spiritual.
www.godsinformation.com

[cameronnat]

I too have had that same issues but my doctor is trying to tell me that it is IBS. Up until recently I haven't had many issues with bowel movements.

Now I've developed new symptoms that is completely baffling my doctor:

Eye Twitches all the time (atleast 20 times a day)
Bad Circulation (body parts fall asleep all the time even when standing up)
Numbness in my chin and around my mouth *sometimes
What does all of this have to do with my bowel's? It all stems from there. Atleast I think so, I think all of these symptoms go together.

My doctor says she doesn't think so. So your telling me with all the tests and finding nothing wrong so far that there is more than one thing wrong with me? Pffft..

I'm being sent for an MRI on the 28th...we'll see how that goes, Wish me luck!!

[sphoebus]

So many of your stories sound like mine, but I'm free now! About four years ago I started having gas/pressure/bloating/ridiculously loud gurgling pretty much every time I ate. I would skip lunch at work if I had an afternoon meeting because the loud noises my stomach made were so embarrassing. I was tired all the time and had trouble concentrating and I ALWAYS had loose stools. Docs suggested a number of things but nothing ever solved the problem. I felt great whenever I fasted though. It seemed food was my enemy.

In desperation, I decided to cut out glutens. I'd give it a week I thought. But I started feeling so much better in about 2-3 days. It was incredible. I do not believe in my entire life that my digestive system has ever been so calm after eating. It was like a miracle. No bloating, gurgling, or gas. Normal stools. I had energy and mental clarity again!

I told my doctor about my results so she tested me for celiac, which was negative. Allergy testing revealed I am allergic to wheat, but I didn't really need a test to know wheat and I do not get along.

People say that it must be hard for me to live gluten free and I laugh. I tell them it is so easy compared to the alternative, that it's not a problem at all. So please consider eliminating glutens from your diet. If you have a celiac or a wheat allergy, it can free you from your symptoms.

[Meredith]

After reading your post, I was so plased to know I am not the only one who has the constant bloat in their stomach. I have been to a Gastro and recently had a Colonoscopy(which was fine).
This have taken quite a toll on my life and I am ready for a cure. I have not tried the Charco Caps but I suppose I will. I know the postings are old now, but if you have found something that works, please let me know!

Meredith -teza35@hotmail.com

[miserable parasites]

I too have had tremendous excruciating pain & am now seeing a homeopathic person. This is parasites which need to be cleansed. It's like a tapeworm. If anyone has gastritis or IBS your best off trying a parasite cleanse. I took a hot bath with ceyenne pepper & ginger brought my fever up last night to break the infection. I was sweating where the pain was. Be careful not to over do it but the longer you can last with the fever better to sweat out the infection caused by the parasite which I got a year ago creepy crawly feeling under my skin from the dog. Tapeworm or a parasite. There is a product out there that will kill the parasites or worm . I too went to conventional dr's ct scan of organs, ultrasound, blood work, all normal. Hplori normal, claim it's ulcers, but I don't think it is..I have worm of some sort eating my nutrients etc...My pain worsens after I eat & burns down my sides & upper back sometimes it goes directly to the kidneys. Miracle -MMS is the nickname. Parasite cleansers.
I am working on it right now:) Hope this helps somebody.
Sandi

[imsinfo]

You may have disbiosis and candida infection. I was told i ned 3 bacteria after test: lacto, bifido and stafilococi. I was taking them for 1 year and my bloating dramaticly reduced. But I still have candida and it cause bloating too but I keep it low with Candex. I also bloated from food intolerances and mold sensitivity. It was diagnosed by ALCAT test so now I can avoid such food.
Check for all this maladies and it will help.

Liz

I am a 34 year old male in good health. In general, I eat pretty healthy and I go to the gym 4-5 times a week. However, I have been trying to figure out a stomach/GI issue that I have been dealing with for the past couple of years. When it started a couple of years ago, it only occurred every once in a while. Then it started happening a couple times a week. Well, in the past 4 or so months, it has been occurring every day and has become progressively worse. Basically, I am dealing with abdominal bloating/distention and intestinal gas. When this issue started a few years ago, it seemed like the intestinal gas was the more prominent issue. However, it is the daily distention that is affecting my quality of life. It is extremely uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful (the pressure); not to mention it can potentially be embarrassing. When it is bad, I don’t feel like doing much and the pressure buildup also leads to more frequent urination. I have tried many things that don’t seem to help. Basically, it starts off in the morning where I feel slightly bloated, but it isn’t that bad. I would say on a scale of 1-10, it starts off at about “2” on a daily basis. Then throughout the day, the gas pressure/bloating builds and peaks (anywhere from 7-10 on the scale). It seems like it peaks in the early afternoon during the week because I start my days early. On the weekends, it seems to peak in the late afternoon because I usually eat breakfast later than during the week. My doctor is perplexed because these are the only symptoms. Because my symptoms don’t include any elimination issues (i.e. diarrhea, constipation, etc.), he says that IBS and other similar diseases/issues are unlikely; I don’t fit the profile. I have tried the following supplements/items, but none have worked:

Gas X
Charco-Caps
Lactaid (for dairy)
Beeno (digestive enzyme)
Peppermint oil capsules (to help alleviate intestinal gas/bloating)
Papaya enzymes (to help alleviate intestinal gas/bloating)
Fennel seeds (chewing them is supposed to help intestinal gas/bloating)
Prilosec OTC (tried this for 2 weeks even though I don’t have heartburn)
Digestive Advantage – IBS (even though I don’t have IBS, this is supposed to help bloating by restoring the balance of good bacteria in my GI Tract. This will only work if the bacteria count is skewed)

My doctor tested me for Celiac disease and for the H. Pylori bacteria. Both of these blood tests were negative. Recently, I took the lactose intolerance hydrogen breath test and found out that I am not lactose intolerant. This explains why the Lactaid didn’t help me, but unfortunately, none of the other things mentioned above helped me either. Not even when taken in combination. Although I am not lactose intolerant, I just found information related to a milk ingredient called Casein. I have heard that this could cause GI issues, but from what I understand, is a lot less common. I also had an abdominal ultrasound. The results were normal. The only thing noted was that there was a small mass on my gall bladder which the doctor wasn’t at all concerned with. He said that it is most likely a cholesterol polyp which is nothing to worry about and would not cause the symptoms that I am experiencing. I also sent in my hem-occult slides to my doctor’s office.

I have been keeping a daily food journal to see if there are any specific food items that seem to cause these symptoms. However, I have been unable to find ANY correlation between items.
At this point, my doctor seems to think that I have some type of food intolerance (not allergy). However, I am a bit skeptical because I am waking up bloated. I thought that symptoms from an intolerance would disappear overnight. Before, I thought that I was starting at “0” in the mornings, but I just don’t think I realized that I was actually waking up slightly bloated. I tend to hold my stomach in because it helps with my lower back pain. The only other suggestions that my doctor has at this point is to try two different dietary changes. The first one would be to try a modified Atkins diet/reduced carb diet. If this doesn’t make a difference during the two-week trial, he recommends that I try a two-week gluten-free diet. I am willing to try anything to find a resolution to this issue, but a gluten-free diet would be extremely difficult for me to follow based on my normal daily diet. I was going to start the first dietary change in a couple of days, but I have decided to try this Digestive Advantage product first. I don’t want to change my diet yet because then I won’t know if this product is working.

Any information that may help relieve or resolve this frustrating problem would be very much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[pelorick]

You may have disbiosis and candida infection. I was told i ned 3 bacteria after test: lacto, bifido and stafilococi. I was taking them for 1 year and my bloating dramaticly reduced. But I still have candida and it cause bloating too but I keep it low with Candex. I also bloated from food intolerances and mold sensitivity. It was diagnosed by ALCAT test so now I can avoid such food.
Check for all this maladies and it will help.

Liz

Hi Liz,

Thank you for taking the time to post your information. I actually went on a very strict Candida diet last year. During that time, I took an anti-candida product from Renew Life and also took a prescription anti-candida pill. I only saw a very negligible difference, which I look at as a good thing because it means (most likely) that I don't have candida. This diet really did a number on me because I eliminated all sugar, wheat, etc.. I lost 18 lbs within 3-4 weeks.

I take a probiotic every day and do eat a lot of yogurt. I am hoping that I will figure this out soon! Thanks again!

Rick

[map]

I have been reading all of your postings and it was making me extremely sad, one because of what you are going through, and two because I am going through all that as well and can't seem to find any solutions, as with you. I am a 27 year old female and cannot seem to find what is wrong. I am 5'9" and weigh 110 lbs but have a stomach that makes me look like I am 5 months pregnant. I can't tell which is worse - the stomach bloating and pressure or the back pain I have been getting on the lower, right side. When my stomach starts, my back starts. This all started years ago but has gotten worse and worse within the years, months and even day by day. I have had a colonoscopy, Upper GI, Abdominal CT, MRI of my back, been tested for thyroid, celiac, and about every other blood test you can have done. Of course, nothing has been found. I have not worn pants for months because the pressure and bloating makes it too uncomfortable. It has been destroying every aspect of my life and I am at a loss. I took that Xifacan medication you were talking about and nothing. I cannot enjoy one aspect of my life. I wake up with the bloat and go to bed with it- if I even sleep at all. I get to the point I don't want to even eat because of what happens. I still have my gallbladder but it seems like there are mixed reviews to whether that is the case or not. My GI couldn't figure anything out so he chalked it up to IBS because I have some diarrhea.
If there are any solutions or if anyone has found anything that works, I would really appreciate the help.
Thanks so much.

[acuann]

I have been reading all of your postings and it was making me extremely sad, one because of what you are going through, and two because I am going through all that as well and can't seem to find any solutions, as with you. I am a 27 year old female and cannot seem to find what is wrong. I am 5'9" and weigh 110 lbs but have a stomach that makes me look like I am 5 months pregnant. I can't tell which is worse - the stomach bloating and pressure or the back pain I have been getting on the lower, right side. When my stomach starts, my back starts. This all started years ago but has gotten worse and worse within the years, months and even day by day. I have had a colonoscopy, Upper GI, Abdominal CT, MRI of my back, been tested for thyroid, celiac, and about every other blood test you can have done. Of course, nothing has been found. I have not worn pants for months because the pressure and bloating makes it too uncomfortable. It has been destroying every aspect of my life and I am at a loss. I took that Xifacan medication you were talking about and nothing. I cannot enjoy one aspect of my life. I wake up with the bloat and go to bed with it- if I even sleep at all. I get to the point I don't want to even eat because of what happens. I still have my gallbladder but it seems like there are mixed reviews to whether that is the case or not. My GI couldn't figure anything out so he chalked it up to IBS because I have some diarrhea.
If there are any solutions or if anyone has found anything that works, I would really appreciate the help.
Thanks so much.

What are your periods like? Have you had a vaginal ultrasound?
DOM

[suffering too..]

Hi to all...and hope some of you who have posted some time ago have found some ideas. I would like to contribut my experiences. I am 43 and also do not drink or smoke or do drugs. I am actually anti medication you could say. In the last year I did suffer a great deal of stress. Loss of a job and had to move quite a bit with children involved. I attributed my health problems to this for a while. Yet over the last ten months things are worsening. I am suffering with extreme distention and bloating I too wake through the night with constant urination and or kidney region pain. Kidney doctor did several tests and has found nothing wrong although we have not agree on a reflux test. Yet the bloating abdominally has worsened and now I find that I do not process or digest my food. Corn and some other food is present six days later. I went to the emergency room after not elimiating for three days, severe back pain and overall bloating not functioning etc etc.
They told me through and x-ray that I was severely constipated sent me home with citrate magnesium. They warned that I should prepare to stay home the day I ingest it. Well, I took it and nothing has happened. NOTHING. Not a rumble nothing. I realize I must seek a gastroenterologist but does anyone out there believe this must be some sort of blockage? I was told with great pain in march I had an umbilical small hernia. I worried as to what they will find and have regretablly put it off. Now Im even more worried.
Sincerely, concerned for you ,concerned for me

[Jessica24563]

Hey, I am a 22 year old girl and have had the same symptoms as you. Gas and bloating every single day, it was taking over my life. I have had various tests done including Celiac disease which came back negative. I have tried all different types of supplements/tablets including Charcoal tabs, Peppermint, Acidophillus, Probiotics but nothing has worked. I have tried cutting out dairy, sugars, fructose, etc. I even tried the whole Candida die off thing.

At the moment I am on a wheat free diet. I have only been doing this for a few days but fingers crossed I am noticing a big difference already. It is very common now with 15% of population having an intolerance to wheat. It is hard to diagnose as there arent any proper tests for it and symptoms can occur days after eating the food. Also wheat is in soo many foods these days you dont realise how much of it you are eating everyday. Main symptoms are excessive gas and bloating so im hoping im on the right track..... :s

I am replacing Weetabix or toast with Rice Crispies, and changed to wheat free pasta for lunch or a jacket potato. Then the rest is just reading labels of pretty much everything! no pizza :(

I know how frustrating this is, Ive been suffering for years with it so I know how desperate you are to find the reason and get rid of it !! I think people who havnt suffered with chronic gas and bloating dont realise just how bad it is.

Try cutting out wheat for a couple of weeks and see if you notice any difference. I will keep you posted on whether it helps me aswell ...

Good Luck !!

[randyfloyd]

Hello, I'm a 32 year old male with the same issues as the fella who started this threat, pelorick. I've tried a number of things myself, including candida diet and HCL caplets to increase stomach acid. not much help. here's a few things that may be helpful:

1. I have fasted several times in my life. Each time, the gas and distention completely disappeared after only a few days. Therefore, my (our) condition is definitely due to the way I (we) process food or certain food

2. I am currently thinking about possible celiac disease. It needs to me noted that a correct diagnosis of celiac disease can only be done after at least a few weeks of a gluten free diet. taking a celiac test while having gluten in the diet is useless. also, celiac tests are notably unreliable, so do what feels best for you. if you feel better after a non-gluten diet, then continue with it.

3. everyone should be cognizant of the benefits of a candida diet. probably most people in western society have far too much candida in their systems from processed foods. eat less sugar and less white flour and feel better!

good luck everyone, we are all in the same boat here! keep posting if you find something that works

[vegan]

I suffer from the same symptoms, yet I am vegan so I do not eat any dairy. Any updates as to what your doctor thinks?

[acuann]

I suffer from the same symptoms, yet I am vegan so I do not eat any dairy. Any updates as to what your doctor thinks?

Get yourself tested for B12 deficiency, and join the B12 misdiagnosis thread...it can cause these symptoms and if you are vegan I will guarantee you are B12 deficient!

Best wishes
DOM

[lkay]

I found this thread today and have read all 8 pages while at work...not easy, but I was very interested in what you all had to say...as I sat here belching and feeling like my pants are 3 sizes to small. This is the weird thing about my case. I've had this feeling a few times before and each time it's when I'm trying to eat healthier. I've had a weight problem most of my life, and a yo yo dieter, and it always seems to happen when I'm "eathing healthy"...more fruit, more whole grains, nuts..you know, the "good stuff". When I'm eating fried chicken, fried fish, chocolate, and drinking Cokes, I never feel this way! Honest! I am probably totally wrong, but that is the way my experiences seem. I've even thought it was the fact that I wasn't eating as much and had to do with stomach acids not having anything to digest (since I normally eat much more when i'm not dieting) I joke around to my husband that healthy foods just don't agree with me. I don't have the severe pain like some of you have, but woke up this morning with the gas and bloating and a general "just don't feel good" feeling that seems to originate in the pit of my stomach and sends nausea waves thru my body. It started this week....the same time as the oatmeal (instead of the egg/sausage biscuit)...the grapes instead of the candy bar...and the salad for dinner instead of the "anything fried" meal. Just seems weird to me....

I hope we can figure this out.

[randyfloyd]

oops I just need to correct something I wrote before. the celiac/sprue test should NOT be done after eliminating gluten, like I had previously written. check with your doctor. sorry

[mesojaded]

I had these same issues for quite some time before a friend suggested that I try adding a good quality probiotic to my diet. This reloads the body with beneficial bacteria that a lot of outside factors can destroy. This has been the biggest benefit I've found so far. Good luck to all of you, I know how miserable this can be.

[smcdesigns]

Hi there - I ran across this page while searching 'bloating throughout the day' & I am so glad I did! I am a 28 yr old female who just began having this 'growing stomach' issue for 2 months now. It seemed to appear after I was sick with possible food poisoning? Anyhow - now during the day I wake up with a mostly 'flat stomach' and then throughout the day it begins to 'grow'! Sometimes leaving me feeling as if I were pregnant again! I have no idea what's causing it - I am currently on a gluten free diet and pretty lactose free as well - just a bowl of organic yogurt plain w/ honey (to counteract the lactose) each day. My natural Dr. suggested the gluten free diet and even though I haven't noticed any diff. with my stomach - in a weeks time my tongue looks better (before I had a 'peeling' affect in the back center of my tongue -looked like a circle) -which since I am on the gluten free diet that did disappear. My Natural Dr. also recommended -along with my daily whole food multi vitamin/mineral to add a B Complex liquid vitamin- which I just began yesterday. I noticed someone wrote on here that a deficiency in B12 could cause these symptoms so I am hoping that helps. Thank you all for writing & adding your thoughts & findings- it's very easy to feel alone during this - and even though I've visited a Gastro - who said that I could poss. have IBS (which no other symptoms other than bloating fits me) I have found that my Natural Dr. is on a better track for me - in the very least I am now taking good vitamins & a liquid probiotic along with digestive enzymes before meals - so all of that is good no matter what. I will be praying for everyone on here who is experiencing these symptoms as well - and please keep posting updates - everything is helpful!!

[jke]

hi,

i know alot of these posts were written awhile back but i've had distention, bloating, and bad gas every afternoon/evening for a long while coupled with intermittent diahhrea on a regular basis. Recently I saw a bug/worm swimming around in my feces as i went to flush the toilet....right after i had tested negative for parasites. if this is it then at least i know. any other ideas on how to treat? My doc is going is going to prescribe some powerful medicine to get rid of ..... thing is from this point forward I need to take care of my intestines.

Thanks

[acuann]

hi,

i know alot of these posts were written awhile back but i've had distention, bloating, and bad gas every afternoon/evening for a long while coupled with intermittent diahhrea on a regular basis. Recently I saw a bug/worm swimming around in my feces as i went to flush the toilet....right after i had tested negative for parasites. if this is it then at least i know. any other ideas on how to treat? My doc is going is going to prescribe some powerful medicine to get rid of ..... thing is from this point forward I need to take care of my intestines.

Thanks

Get yourself a tincture at the healthfood store with the following herbs:
green walnut, clove, and wormword (artemesia). Take a high dosage of this tincture for several weeks. Please try this before resorting to powerful medication. These three herbs kill parasites and worms of all kinds- you can usually find this in combo form. There are many different brands but I'd get the tincture form it is more effective. Consult a qualified herbalist if needed.

After taking this tincture, I would suggest good quality probiotics to keep your flora healthy and in check.

Best wishes
DOM