Gas/Bloat Syndrome

[CGTMHI]

Hello I was diagnosed with gas/bloat syndrome s/p nissen Fundoplication two years ago. My abdomen distention was comparable to a ninth month pregnancy, Doctors were amazed. September 29th I had the surgery taken down. Since the take down my symptoms are less severe and less frequent. I tend to distend to a sixth month size now and it happens every week and a half to two instead of daily. I also have been told I have colonic inertia to chronic pseudo-obstruction. I take 3-4 ducolax and 17gr. of miralax nightly. I have a movement daily but after a week and a half I distend. On xray the large and small bowel has some stool and gas throughout but basically unremarkable while I am extremely distended. I take cytotec 200mcg four tabs at hs when this happens along with my regular meds to get releif. It seems as if I have to have diarrhea daily be very cleaned out in order to avoid this bloating. My Doctor wants me to cut back on the laxatives and stopped the cytotec a month or so ago. I only take it now when I need relief from the distention. I do distend somewhat nightly, but tollerable. When I distend very large I have pressure in the rectum and low back pain and even breathing tends to be slightly labored. My meds are also propulsid 20mg four times a day, prilosec 20mg twice a day. I do have reflux back with mainly throat symptoms since the Nissen take down. Have you ever heard of Gas/ bloat syndrome? Can diet help? If so what kind. I need help . My doctor says there are no answers for this. It is rare and not much treatment. Is there any information on this or support groups for this. I really want information on what I can try to help me. Please help with any insight on this you can and any direction you can give me. Thankyou ever so much
Jane

[Alison]

I am 24 yrs old, four years ago I found that I had crippling gas in the evenings- every night. After seeing a few doctors and trying a few diagnoses, tests and medications, I found some literature on lactose intolerance and immediately stopped eating/drinking anything that could contain lactose. My symptoms disappeared for the first time in two months.

They reappeared about three months later, only this time, I was suffering from severe bloating (I looked pregnant and couldn't breathe) and abdominal cramps, within 30 minutes of eating. I saw my GP, a gastroenterologist, and an allergist. One did a barium swallow, another an endoscopy. No definitive results, some minor abnormalities.

I did my own research (was in college at the time, am now a doctoral student) and since my symptoms suggested my troubles were food related I did an allergy elimination diet. I figured out that wheat, oats, barley, and dairy caused these problems. I started avoiding them and my symptoms disappeared COMPLETELY. I have since checked with an allergist and GP who agree with my self-diagnosis of lactose intolerance and wheat/oat/barley intolerance.

In the last four years, I have found that whenever I reintroduce ANY of these foods, my problems reappear. I have in fact unknowingly eaten things containing these problem foods, turned into the State Puff Marshmallow woman, and then found out later that there was something in my food. This settled my concern that my symptoms were "all in my head", or psychosomatic. As long as I avoid these things I am 100% free of problems.

Unfortunately, it's depressing knowing that I can't have real pizza, cake, or even Twizzlers, without getting sick. And, I'm tired of explaining why I ordered my hamburger with no bun. I just try to remember that it's a minor detail in my existence, and I, not it, has control over my life.

If any of this sounds familiar, you might want to try an elimination diet and see if your problems are food-related. Otherwise, keep trying to find the doctor who can help.

[Wendy]

I have IBS since I can remember (I am 27) years old now.  I have had diarrhea for the past week. Everytime I eat I have horrible cramps and a bubbly feeling in my stomach. It also feels very tight.  It all started out feeling nauseous, then I had body aches and then that went away. Now I just have the runs!  This is not normal for me to be feeling this way ALL of the time 24 hours a day and to the point that I had to miss 4 days of work. I don't really have an appetite and I have lost a lot of weight.  I am going to see my gastro..doctor on Monday to do some tests.  He diagnosed me with IBS a long time ago but this is not like just having my usual stomach aches.  This is really getting annoying!  I have been eating really bland food (when I do eat).. I went out to the store before and felt really light headed.  Maybe because I have been home and have been inactive.   I have been reading what some other people have gone through and I guess my symptoms don't seem that bad compared to others, but when it is happening to you, you don't think about other people.  I should also mention that I have anxiety disorder, which does not help my stomach.  My doctor has prescribed Levsin and Xanax (for anxiety) but that just helps in the moment, it does not make it go away.  Does anyone know anything about this?  Does it sound like a virus?

[Lynn]

Rebecca,
Forget wasting your time and energy going to specialists to try and come up with answers or DX.I myself have tried for over 8
years to get an answer and help.I have also tried prilosec,as\
much as 4-20 mg. capsules a day,along with propulsid,which almost every other drug you need to take eventually interacts
with this monster.
I have been in a studying hospital,and to some that they call the worlds finest,it all is a big joke,as they don't know much about these symptom's or what actually causes them.
I will tell you this,we found a very dependable source,a man that had owned a health food store and took much pride in many people's symptom's.You are able to purchase charcoal capsules from health food stores,they work.Everytime I started to feel distressed I would take 2 capsules.If it didn't work at first,2 hours later I would take 2 more.It absorbs the gas ,and believe me it is a  real relief.Be careful not to take it within 2 hours of your medications as it will absorb your medications or minerals or suppliments.
Charcoal can not hurt you,it is a nautral remedy,and so much safer than the drugs they give you that Don't work.
Good Luck
Lynn

[Brandon]

You may be suffering from gastroparesis.  It's a condition which your stomach isn't moving normal so food stays longer.  It's diagnosed by having a gastric emptying test or electrogatrography(EGG).  There are some medications can help you a bit.  Reglan, Erythromycin, Propulsid and Domperidone(not yet approved by FDA).  Please ask your doctor for the test and medication.

[Julia]

Dear Jane,

I felt compelled to write to, if anything, let you know that there is someone else out here suffering something similiar.  I am 29 and have been diagnosed years ago with IBS. Now I've been diagnosed with chronic constipation.  I bloat to about a 5 months pregancy size.  Though I eat high fiber daily and drink about 1/2 a gallon of water (at least) a day, I still have trouble passing stools.  My colon seems to stop passing mid-stream.  I walk around bloated and uncomfortable.  My colon spasms, which causes pain.  My blood pressure goes up during one of these episodes - from 120/80 to 130/90 or slightly higher.  I feel weakened and sometimes breathless.  It's a vicious cycle.  My doctor told me to refrain from laxatives, but prescribed Lactulose syrup, which helps.  You might try this syrup.  Good luck.

[mizzpena]

A related discussion, why's my stomach hurt was started.

[John_33_2008]

A related discussion, Nissen, bloating and reflux too was started.

[hazeleyes68]

A related discussion, Severe bloating ,breathing restricted was started.

[Tzevala]

A related discussion, Gas/Bloat/Stomach Distended was started.

[veganhealth]

I only had time to read the first few comments (I am a single mother of a very active 4 yr. old girl), but I have had bloating problems, as well; I protrude at least 6-7 inches; much further out than my breasts . . . I look almost alien-like.  This happens every time I eat anything.  Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you have been checked for Celiac Disease.  It normally goes 7-9 years undiagnosed and is a very common illness, even though doctors normally overlook it.  Hopefully this will help some one.  It's NOT FUN to be sick!

[Cindy]

This is amazing, I have been 9 months pregnant in appearance for almost 3 weeks solid. In the hospital emergency room 3x in the past year, Tests have so far not found any physical reason for this. The first time for fear that I might literally explode. Yesterday I woke up with severe diarreah and then my stomache was flat and normal, at diner I ate a cheese and tomatoe sandwich and within 5 minutes I blew up to gross size again. I am still huge doctors are stumped after reading all this I feel relieved to know I am not alone but discouraged to see all the dead ends of others I have just booked an appointment with a naturopath I go in an hour. It appears that traditional medicine is not working for most of you, the bread and dairy connection is interesting and might be worth a try. I will start eliminating and keep everyone posted about what the alternative dr. has to say. Has anyone here tried alternative drs. or food elimination? If so any positive results?

Thank you Cindy

[Donna C. Hebert]

Have anybody received any help for this gas bloat syndrome.  I take 17 ml. of miralax every night and milk of magnesia.  I am also always swollen.  Sometimes I have trouble breathing and my back hurts.  I try not to eat a lot because it gets worse.  I am hungry all the time.  I am getting very depressed.  I have had a hysterectomy and ever since then I have had trouble with constipation.  I have been diagnosed with colonic inertia and acid reflux.  I have tried everything.  The only thing that helps to unswell me is if I take magnesium citrate and really get cleaned out.  If anybody can read this, please offer suggestions.

[Donna C. Hebert]

I have been diagnosed with colonic inertia and GERD.  I too get really swollen, even when I have bowel movements.  I have trouble breathing, my back hurts and I feel miserable most of the time.  I am on prilosec.  My stomach swells by the time I eat supper and there is almost no position I can get in to get comfortable.  I too feel like I have no life.  I have tried every laxative I can think of and Miralax and Lactulose, which causes me to swell also.  I have tried stool softeners, Milk of Magnesia, fiber supplements, Citrucel, everything.  I too feel very hopeless.  I have also tried flax seeds.  If you know of anything to help with the swelling and constipation, please let me know.  I am scared to eat but eat any way because I am hungry.  I have also gained weight.  I am trying to lose weight but feel very discouraged because of the bloating and I feel very heavy when trying to exercise which makes it difficult.

[anthony]

I also have a bloated stomach and feel uncomferable. I dont why I get it , is it because I eat certain food etc? But I am getting depressed over it. I comes and goes, I felt good this morning and now I am bloated again. I am seeing the doctor at the moment and have done a ultrasound,blood test, urine test, but nothing. I am on Zantac, and have seen 3 Doctors trying to get a answer. One Doctor said I have a Kindney infection! What has the kindney got to do with a bloated stomach? Any advice? Many Thanks...and hope you all get better

[jackie jones]

I HAVE A DAUGHTER THAT IS GOING TO BE 3 SHE ALWAYS COMPLAINS OF LEG PAIN AND STOMACH PAIN AND WAKES AT NIGHT SCREAMING AND HOLLERING..DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THAT COULD MEAN FOR A CHILD HER AGE

[Jackie]

For several years now, I've been experiencing a very bloated stomach as soon as I start eating. I've had an MRI and upper GI series, both negative. I don't have any other GI symptoms, only the extreme bloating and gurgling noises in my stomach. This happens with all foods. I do have chronic lower back ache and have some undiagnosed gynocological problems. Whether they're associated or not, I'm not sure.

My weight has been normal and constant for 20 years. (I am 42.) Recently, however, the bloating has gotten worse and I have been gaining weight, although I'm eating less and have not made any changes in my exercise routine. I've tried lactose-free diets, charcoal, laxatives.

I'm bloated when I wake up and get even more so by dinner.

Should I go for the gastric emptying test? Any other thoughts??

Thank you, for responding, in advance!!

Jackie

[debbieci]

Well, I am depressed because everyone seems to have the same symptoms with little variations and no one really has answers.

I have the same symtoms, gas, bloating, much pain after eating, what I think, grains.  Although I do get problems with other products too but cannot connect them.  The pain from one small muffin can last up to a week.  It is remarkable to see the difference in my body within 8 hrs after consumption.  My legs swell, I can feel the skin getiing tighter and tighter.  I get crabby since This is unfair!!!  It is really depressing.  I vasilate between thinking I am allergic to grains (just wheat? not sure) to maybe gallbladder (I did have gall stones 7 yrs ago and havent been checked again) or intestine problems.  I cant lose weight unless I stay on Atkins inductions diet (little choice, protein and cheese)

I am going on 9 yrs of this.  It seems that I am always sick and others can eat anything they want and I am stuck on the Atkins diet for 2 yrs now.  I had a horrible yeast problem (non-vaginal) that seems under control now.

Hey, thanks for letting me vent...
Debbie

[Joanne to Allison]

Thanks for writing this.

I also have a similar problem, and I have given up on doctors.

I found that eating rice/bread etc (anything starchy) causes lots of gas for me.  I still suffer mildly with the problem, and even if i eat a small piece of bread or something, i SUFFER for a whole day.

I also use peppermint pills and simethicone.

My problem is not totally gone, but it's a lot better than it used to be.


Joanne

[Mary]

I am 31 and have had gastro problems for the past four years.  My GI said I have a "tortuous, redundant colon".  In other words, it's twisted.  I have tried the high fiber diet, Citrucel, and Lacturose syrup.  Nothing has worked too well.  It's frustrating because the doctors I've seen want me to just eat fiber and exercise more.  I consider this a serious problem like all of you with gastric pain.  I'm thinking of going under the knife as a last resort.  I was wondering if anyone out there has had colon surgery and could tell me the pros and cons.

[Jim]

I FEEL MUCH BETTER ABOUT MY SWOLLEN BELLY AFTER READING ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE'S PROBLEMS. WHEN I FIRST GET UP IN THE MORNING, BELLY IS WASHBOARD FLAT,BUT AS DAY PROGRESSES SO DOES STOMACH.  MY NINE MONTH PREGNANT LOOK, GETS WORSE IF I DO NOT EAT RATHER THAN AFTER EATING. LITTLE OR NO PAIN, MOSTLY DISCOMFORT.      TRIED DOCTORS AND SPECIALISTS,HAD ENDOSCOPY, COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. FRIEND SUGGESTED PEPTO BECAUSE OF SOME BUG THE BISMUTH WOULD KILL, STOMACH STOPPED SWELLING FOR 3 WEEKS, NOW IT IS BACK.

[Lynn]

I also have excessive gas and bloating. I also have thyroid problems. Could it be that my thyroid levels are affecting my body s ability to produce digestive enzymes?

[nancy]

Their is a disease called Celiac Disease.  It is the inability to digest gluten.  What is gluten?  It is a product of most grains.
I have this disease and was dx'd 20+ years ago...after going thru years of the symptoms described by many of you.  The bland diet of fiber and grains made me sicker and sicker.  Another symptom of this disease besides nausea and loose bowels, is iron poor anemia.  You must also avoid alot of fat in your diet.  It is a disease that Dr's seem to think is rare, but I can tell you that I know many, many people on the net who have this and it took years to get a dx because most Dr.'s never even think of it.  With all the additives in our foods, it is difficult to avoid gluten.  AND....of course bread is the #1 culprit.  On this diet for life....you cannot eat bread, cake, etc. that is made from regular flour.  You can eat rice and rice flour.  This is just a thought for some of you to consider.  Now, finally, there is a blood test for antibodies for this ailment.  It is sometimes not accurate.  You have to have a small intestine biopsy to confirm if your villi are damaged from ingesting gluten.  It is not painful, just uncomfortable. If you continue to ingest gluten and have this...it can cause serious damage.  Just a thought to consider if nothing else seems to help.

[Jack]

I am having lower abdomen bloating.  I take 20 mg of Lipitor a day and am wondering if this could be causing the problem.  Each time I eat I fill up quickly.  I also occasionally feel nausas.

[Sherri]

I have not yet been diagnosed with Gas/Bloat Syndrome or Gastroparesis, but I do have extended stomach,difficulty breathing,lower backache and gas.When my stomach gets very extended it can last a week and even a laxative doesn't help (unless I take more then one dose).Most times I just wait it out but after a week of not being able to bend or move easily I need some help. My doctor has me on Prilosec, once a day. Any food tips would be appreciated as would any general information.