Cramping, excessive gas, etc..

[kingtut]

Hi, I have had this problem for between 1 to 2 years and have not been able to recieve any help. My symptoms are: Excess gas - usually relieved in the morning after waking up, Cramping in the lower abdomon, Thin stool - sometimes broken up, looks like a thin mucus film on stool, very light leakage throughout the day (sometimes, not often). Another strange thing, often my upper abdomon is swollen and my lower abdomon looks flat - seems like it is swollen with gas.

I have not been able to find any system or recurring cause.

I am healthy a 25 year old male, no other health problems I am aware of. Not over weight

I am not a doctor, but it seems that there is am obstruction of some kind.

I have been to several doctors, usually walk in clinics as I don't have a regular doctor. I have had no success, I am going back and insist that I am referred to a specialist. I am trying to narrow things down by trying different things so there is no time wasted, and so that the doctor can have an easier time with the diagnosis.

Are these typical symptoms of anything? It may be a few weeks before I get to see a specialist, is there anything I should try in the meanwhile to help ease the diagnosis?

This is generally a daily problem, not occasional.

Thanks in advance.

[writing7]

Dear kingut:

A colonoscopy is a must with your symptoms.  To rule out other abnormalities, you could consider requesting:

1.) Esophagogastroduedonoscopy with biopsies for Helicobacter pylori and random biopsies of the cardia and fundus

2.) Upper GI series with small bowel follow-through

3.) Blood tests for Celiac Sprue

4.) Lower GI series

5.) 2 hour Gastric emptying study

6.) 24 hour gastric, small bowel and colonic transit study

7.) Gastric mucosa with CTE

8.) Abdominal ultrasound

This is just a start. Have fun!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Irritable bowel syndrome comes to mind - as it is associated with excess gas and cramping.  

However, to make sure it isn't anything else, I would consider tests for inflammatory bowel syndrome or a mass (this would be unlikely given your age).  

I agree with the referral to a specialist.  I would consider a flexible sigmoidoscopy for an initial evaluation (to rule out masses or inflammatory bowel disease).  If that is negative, then I would focus my treatment efforts on irritable bowel syndrome (i.e. increasing fiber intake and diet modification).  Exclusion of foods that increase flatulence (beans, onions, celery, carrots, raisins, bananas, apricots, prunes, brussels sprouts, wheat germ, pretzels, and bagels) can also help.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[Ruby40nholding]

Hello,

I am 43 years old and I have had two colon scopes done.
One time they found pulps and the next 5 years none..   I have always had alot of trouble with consipation so I take a fiber laxative every night.  I still suffer from pain in my left side often.  
I have a employee that begain working with me and told me her sister died recently of colon cancer, she said they did a colon scope on her and it came back negitive but her blood test revealed she had something going on.  They had a hard time locating where her cancer was.  They finally found it in the first part of her colon, the doctors told her that they normally do not go up that far with a scope, that they just check the two lower parts of the colon?  Why?  Is this normal practice and if so is it possible that they did not check my upper colon as well.  After they found her cancer she died two months later...
I have been hospitalized with severe pain in my side, so much that I could not walk, but when they test nothing is found it makes me feel like a hypo or something, what could be causing such pain.  During one of these attacks I have beads of sweat dripping off me because of the pain.  Something has to be there????

Help I am confused..

Ruby

[kevinmd]

Hello - I will be on vacation until August 9th. I look forward to answering your question when I return.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.