IBS and Acid Reflux ??

[selmaS]

How many w/chiari also have IBS and or acid reflux? Again I am trying to put together a list of what is truley related to chiari and what is just an extra luck of the draw item.
Thanks in advance for your time and responce.

Godspeed
"selma"

[laratterman]

I have suffered from both of these for YEARS!  Actually diagnosed with GERD and IBS. UGH!

Some things CAN be related to actual allergies though.  I know this from my son being the boy in the bubble for the first 12 years of his life!  This is something definitely being checked for before you start on all the meds for GERD or IBS, as the gastro will listen to your symptoms and MAYBE do a scope... and put you on the meds.  I'd do yourself a favor and see an allergist first!

Blessings!

[TinyRN]

Selma-
   I have what I believe may now be IBS. When I was younger I had problems with dairy but it went both ways (all the time) and have always had problems with acid reflux as a kid with tomato products but it has been worse now too esp after having my son and gaining the weight. trying to get the weight off but cardio really ***** with this :/.

[Slowelady]

All these post make me think I should get check for IBS wondering if I have it I've had problems from age 10 up to now its normal for me but not normal by other standards... Imam ask my Dr to look in to this!!! I'll let u know the results!

[KirstyyPie]

I get alot of heartburn.. i never used to until i became poorly with my chiari and now i seem to have it alot, it also seems worse if my headaches are bad.. i dunno if theres a connection but just seen this post.

[Betzine]

It's encouraging to me to see this thread in 2014, so long ago after it had first started. I was doing some searching online about heartburn and stumbled across this.
While I have not been diagnosed with Chiari, I do have a thoracic syrinx and TCS, I have so much in common with everything you all have to say. I don't typically have heartburn, but the last few nights I have woken up to some terrible heart burn, feels like pure acid is bubbling in my throat'ish' area.
Just a question, Do any of you also have "crazy" dreams or hallucinations when asleep? I can always tell when I haven't reached a deep sleep by the degree of "craziness" my dreams are. I've been for two sleep studies, but I can't ever fall asleep for them lol. (Awkward...word that describes my life).
But, back to the discussion: While I have not been dx with Chiari,..yet. I do have IBS, I actually have SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth). Something for you all to consider too and research. It may be that it's because you possibly have SIBO which has lead to IBS like symptoms or you may have both, like me :)

[selmaS]

Me too !!

I was dx'd with my hiatal hernia over 30 yrs ago...same with IBS...all autoimmune as well...but it is related to the chiari.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/GERD-Acid-Reflux/show/333?camp=msc

U may want to stop by the GERD forum here on MedHelp....I am over there too : )

The Gerd is from the hernia.....and it all gets worse with a IBS flare.....no fun.

[EdwardPB]

I have an autoimmune based gastro-intestinal disorder, which fall under the generic IBS category.
I also have a hiatal hernia induced acid reflux.

[*Stormy*]

Hello and Welcome!

Totally agree with Selma...I would get your Chiari checked out soon, preferrably with a NS.

I have all kinds of problems with GERD and IBS as well...one of the cranial nerves, the vagus nerve, that can be damaged from Chiari and is the only cranial nerve that travels into the thoracic and abdominal cavities. To me it makes sense that if you have damage to that nerve it can affect your throat, swallowing and your stomach. That is my theory anyway!!

I hope you get it looked into soon!
Carolyn

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari Forum.

It is highly possible that the chiari is responsible.....many of us chiarians do have these issues. Since u r dx'd with chiari seeing a NL is not always a good thing unless they r connected to a true chiari NS....that is who u need to see!!

NL= neurologist   NS = neurosurgeon

U really need to talk to ur parents about getting to a chiari dr ...and getting more testing done to see what is truly going on for u.

We r happy to have u our little family here, sorry for the reason u had to seek us out.

"selma"

[aewilcox]

I was diagnosed with Chiari 1 malformation in 7th grade after a concussion from a soccer injury was not improving. Ive had the normal symptoms (headache, eye problems, dizziness). The symptoms were all manageable. About a year ago I started having stomach problems. I had nausea, vomitting, and diarehha. I was 106 pounds at the time and I'm currently 94. I have a real hard time eating, I get really nauseous right after I eat. My symptoms are also much worse in the morning. I cannot eat or drink anything before 11. Ive had an edoscopy, colonoscopy, gastric emptying, small bowel xray, and a ct scan. All came back perfectly normal. My blood work is all normal except for my C-reactive protien and total protien were high, but my white blood cell count was normal. Ive been on prilosec, previced, zantac, and im currently on protonix and NuLev. I take NuLev 6 times a day to keep my food down. Ive been "diagnosed" with lactose intolerance and acid reflux but again there was no evidence of any of those conditions. Ive seen about 3 doctors and every single time I'm told to increase my medicine and check back in 4 months. I cannot afford to lose any more weight so that doesnt really work for me. I recently saw a pediatric GI doctor at the University of Rochester's Gallisano Children's Hospital. He was the one who suggested that my stomach problems are related to my Chiari. He ordered a hydrogen breath test, and cathater stomach test. He also refered me to a neurologist to re-examine my Chiari.

[christinablue]

i also have both and am taking prilosec and nothing really for ibs i was told by my doctor it was stress related

[Mcilvain]

Hi, yes I have IBS and acid refux. I am on prilosec, and a certain diet for my IBS. I also take colace twice a day.

[selmaS]

I've been on and off prilosec for yrs..., but just recently dx w/chiari. I've been told to stop taking it and try thru diet to clam the prob.
It has been at least8 yrs that I was off, unfortunatly I am back on!


"selma"

[redkim]

I heard Prilosec can cause back pain and other problems if you are on it too long which is why I am asking.  I have been taking it twice a day for almost four months.  And it is making me nervous...

[Shane99]

The Prilosec is as far as I know permenant for me. I've been taking it for a couple of years now. I started having swallowing problems and bad indigestion a few years ago. My neurosurgeon said the acid reflux could be connected to the Chiari now that they know I have it. Not 100% but possible. I'll be taking the Prilosec for the forseeable future.

I don't guess I really have IBS, my stomach gets upset a lot more than it used to and my immune system is shot, but I haven't specifically been dxed with IBS.

[selmaS]

..sorry to hear you symptoms  from reflux increased . Did ur surgery help the chiari symptoms?

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"

[sandylou42]

Selma,
I had same poblems too. But i dont know if it was related to my Chiari.
My reflux became worse after sugery and had esophageal ulcers. Meds did not
work for me.I had to have surgery, a Nissen procedure. I no longer suffer
from reflux. Hope this helps!


Sandy

[selmaS]

Have you also been dx with IBS?.....the two sometimes go hand in hand.
How long r u on the prilosec.


Good luck
"selma"

[redkim]

How long have you been taking prilosec and did your doctor say your AR is related to Chiari?

[Shane99]

In also have acid reflux and take 2 prilosec everyday.

[selmaS]

I've had all the same tests as ur son, but diff meds for the reflux.My father was put on protonix after gall bladder surgery.....thats the next check up-he had alot of gerd from that!

My best to ur son,
"selma"

[tonya193]

My son just went through a batter of GI test and they said that he had severe acid reflux and he takes Protonix everyday to keep it under control. It has seemed to help with it but the GI doctor said she can not be sure if this is related to his CM. He was having trouble using the restroom daily and she put him on miralx and that has helped but when they did the barrum drink and the Upper GI (light down the throat) they did not find anything wrong except acid reflux. Bathroom issues have gotton better but he takes miralax everyday and protronix for his acid reflux. Hope this was some help to you because we are still lost in this whole situation.

Tonya (alabama)

[redkim]

Yeah, I have a hemroid right now and just started to use Prep H...it's the first one I have ever gotten and it's not fun.

[selmaS]

I too have a hiatial hernia and hashimotos thyroiditis-getting my 6 month check for that next week.....if it's ok I have to check it again in 1 yr. so right now it doesn't seem to be troublesome???
Rozia do u know if ur chiari is because of trauma or birth? If from birth......those were  probably ur first symptoms of chiari......

Godspeed
"selma"