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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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Symptoms never end
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

Symptoms never end

by Shewolf36, Dec 23, 2002 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with colitis 10+ years ago, and my 2nd flare-up started 13 months ago, but it won't end!  I'm still with gas, bloating, blood & lots of mucous (sometimes nothing but mucous & blood), frequent loose stools, sometimes explosive and hard to hold, abdominal pain, fatigue and lots of joint pain.  

I tried sulfasalazine & got pancreatitis (but I don't drink), prednisone (and dealt with the numerous nasty side effects), Colozol did nothing, neither did Asacol, 6-mercaptopurine is another immunosuppressant, but it isn't working and Cortenemas and Rowasa only work for a few weeks.

This is making me crazy!  Does anyone have a suggestion that is not surgically oriented?  I'm not ready for that yet!  I'm 41 and used to be physically fit and very healthy until this hit me and laid me flat.  Any ideas, suggestions?  Thank you!

Member Comments (3)

by Concerned lady, Dec 24, 2002 12:00AM
This has got to be so frustrating for you! But here are some ideas that may give you a different direction to go in, toward regaining your health:



1)Look for better docs,



2)Investigate possible food sensitivities, like Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance), Milk allergy, Lactose (milk-sugar) intolerance, etc.



3)Use probiotics, (to repopulate the beneficial bacteria needed in the large intestine, but destroyed by various medications), such as Bifidus infantum (related to Acidophilus).



I'm going to post some (holistic, drug-free) GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS, which include many ideas & a book reference that you may find helpful:



Some GASTRIC REFLUX TIPS (without acid blockers): These include ideas about more than just reflux:



Please check with your doctor, first, before trying these tips to be sure they are safe, in your particular situation.



GER=Gastro-Esophageal Reflux. (Gastro=stomach. Esophagus=food tube.)



LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. (Larynx=voice box, containing the 2 vocal cords. Pharynx=throat, above the larynx. The larynx is above the trachea/windpipe.)



Reflux=acidic or alkaline stomach material that backs up into the esophagus (food tube), causing any of these problems (at least): VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospasm attacks, cough, voice problems, asthma, globus (feeling of lump in throat), constant need to clear throat, much extra throat mucus, worsening of sinus condition, sore throat, laryngitis, voice problems, pre-cancerous conditions of throat &/or esophagus, etc.



SOME GER/LPR CONTROL THINGS WE DO, that we learned from the excellent book: STOMACH AILMENTS AND DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES, by Michael T. Murray, N.D. See page 9, References, in my website: http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com   and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page.



PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.



Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.



(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand DGL, shortly (about 20 minutes) before ALL meals (breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks). The DGL does NOT cause high blood pressure, and does NOT cause fluid retention/edema, because a bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. Chewable DGL tablets are available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies. DGL capsules are said to not be effective:

  

The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If a DGL tablet is too dry (which could cause a cough), one could put a few drops of water on the tablet, and then chew it up. Chew DGL tablet(s) just for a few seconds, to mix with saliva, shortly before (about 20 minutes before) EVERY meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions). Chewing the DGL tablets for TOO long a time, may cause a burning sensation on the tongue & in the mouth. (I do not know if this is from the DGL, or another ingredient).

  

The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospams attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)



We like the taste of the plain, fructose-free, DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try mixing a crushed DGL tablet with a tiny bit of mashed organic banana, and then chew, to mix with saliva. Avoid any DGL that contains mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT!!).



Here’s how to pronounce "De-Glycyrrhizinated" Licorice: "dee gl eye sir rise in eh ted" licorice.



(2) We use Thayers brand of SLIPPERY ELM Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm (inner bark from a tree) also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.



(3) We drink the occasional small glass of CARROT JUICE (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant. Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us. Do not overdo on carrot juice. If your skin turns orange, drink less carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills -- too potent (can harm the liver, if one has liver problems).



(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where the head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.



(5) We try NOT TO BEND OVER too often, and we try to AVOID STRAINING (Valsalva maneuver). We AVOID LIFTING HEAVY objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months). Sit without any pressure on the abdomen or stomach (knees lower than hips). Avoid running (shakes up the stomach). Avoid gymnastics, etc. Walking is best, until fully recovered.



(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc.  For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet, chewing slowly (takes will power!), eating when not under stress or angry, etc., all are helpful.



(6) NO MORE TIGHT pants, belt, corset,--AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING, avoid tight elastic around waist, etc.



(7) We try to not eat too much junk food. Some people avoid acidic  food, while others need to eat acidic food, if their stomach is not producing any (or enough) acid. (It is good to avoid acid, if one has an ulcer.) These gastric reflux tips methods often can help to heal ulcers. Some people need betaine hydrochloride supplements, which becomes HCl/hydrochloric acid, or, some use vinegar (acetic acid) in salads, or mixed with water, while others need to avoid eating excess acid. Each person is unique. We avoid all artificial sweeteners. Anyone with diabetes can read the excellent book Reversing Diabetes, by Dr. Julian Whittaker, M.D..



Diet soda pop contains the harmful artificial sweetener Aspartame (Equal/Nutrasweet), which can cause WEIGHT GAIN, HEADACHES, UPSET STOMACH, BLURRED VISION, BLINDNESS, TWITCHING, SEIZURES, BRAIN TUMORS, HYPERACTIVITY, MOOD SWINGS, ETC. Also, soda pop often has strong acids, plus other harmful artificial ingredients. Plain water, gentle herb teas, certain fruit juices (diluted with water, to prevent dehydration), brown-rice-milk, etc. are healthier substitutes for soda pops.



We try to avoid artificial ingredients, including fake fats (like Olean, Olestra, etc.), because these can greatly hurt the digestive system, and prevent absorption of vital nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) from foods. These fake fats also prevent digestion and absorption of needed fats & oils, used to repair myelin nerve cell sheaths (made of fatty material, mostly cholesterol). Hormones are also made of mostly cholesterol.



Avoid no-fat, or extremely low fat diets