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Stomach bloating, trapped wind.

I have been suffering with trapped wind and bloating of the stomach for the past 18 months.
I have had an endescopy that showed a slight inflammation of the stomach lining.
I was not prescribed with any treatment and i am wondering what is the best step to take next. I am 37 years old and in good health apart from this problem which is stopping me from enjoying my life. Can you help?
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Avatar universal
Keeky,

I agree with you. Everyone is different. I used to be a nurse, and found that all too often, the causes of people's Irritable Bowel Syndrome(s) have not been THOROUGHLY investigated.

One of the problems of "modern" (allopathic/orthodox) medicine, is that many doctors like to get em in, and get em out, in a 5 minute visit. I have experienced this from the vantage point of both a nurse, and a patient.

If the doctor spent 2 hours with each patient, on the INITIAL VISIT, I believe that with CAREFUL, THOROUGH questioning, many people's IBS could be figured out, regarding possible causes.

Then, the proper testing could be done, to confirm the patient's and doctor's suspicions of such causes.

I think IBS can be cured in many cases, but when patients think that their docs are, as Deepak Chopra so eloquently says, "Medical Deities--M.D.'s", then, the patients don't demand that the doctor do THOROUGH "HISTORY" TAKING!!!!

How many docs ask patients to keep a diary of EVERY singe THING they put into their mouths and stomachs? (for a week!)

How many docs ask patients what "over the counter" meds the patients are taking?

OH, I know this is on the "forms" that patients fill out, but HOW MANY DOCS ACTUALLY READ (not "skim over") WHAT THE PATIENT WROTE DOWN?? Not enough, I am afraid.

How many docs ask about harmful chemicals used in the home, workplace, on the lawn, on the pets, etc.? Only ENVIRONMENTAL/OCCUPATIONAL DOCS, would think to do this, it seems.

How many docs actually KNOW about ALL the possible BAD SIDE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS MEDS?

I also agree with you, that there are many DANGEROUS things in holistic health, as well as in "orthodox" medicine. This can include overdoses of FAT SOLUBLE vitamins, HERBAL interactions with meds, etc.

I have seen malpractice in BOTH areas. I've seen very few good practitioners in both areas. Quacks abound in BOTH areas!!!!!

Yes, use the BEST of both worlds. One thing that annoys me, though, is when a patient is dying, and the orthodox doc says there is NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE, yet, the doc says DON'T TRY HOLISTIC HEALTH, BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS.....

I have seen many acquaintances and relatives DIE because they were intimidated by their docs, and thus wouldn't try ANY holistic health, even when it made common sense (MEDICALLY).

Sorry about venting here, but I've seen too much, in the way of lazyness, arrogance, closed-mindedness, etc. in the medical professions.

Once, an Oncologist said to me, that because holistic health WASN'T WRITTEN ABOUT in his textbooks, he DIDN'T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT,...EVEN IF IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, no matter what, keep looking for answers!! DON'T LET THEM SAY THAT THERE IS NO CURE!!!! "Seek, and ye shall find!"

Good luck!! And I do admire your independent thinking!

Sincerely,
Concerned lady

***@****
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No offense meant here, but anywhere you choose to look where there is legitimate medical information, e.g.,  The National Library of Medicine, Medline, etc., you will find that there is no such cure for IBS.  It can only be treated and perhaps concernedlady has found a treatment that has benefited her specifically.  If there were a cure, many would have used it by now.  There are treatments, yes, such as enzymes, acid reducers, medications to help with constipation.  IBS is such a difficult syndrome because they are unable to pinpoint the specific causes.  What you may be able to eat one week without a problem may cause you a problem the next week. I have taken acidopholus which caused more problems for me.  It is really hit and miss with everyone because IBS is not a clear cut map for every sufferer.  Try to take note of those foods that seem to be problem causing and avoid them if possible or cut down on how much of them you eat.  Concernedlady is 100% correct in my case that sugars and carbohydrates are a culprit.  I also suffer from lactose intolerance though and lactose is a sugar.  She is also correct about drinking water.  Stay away from carbonation, caffeine, chewing gum (it causes you to swallow air), and spicy foods.  I have also noticed that if I go too long without food, my stomach fills with air.  I do not know why that happens, but I try now to eat six small meals instead of three big meals.  Good luck and see a gastroenterologist, he/she can give you information regarding irritable and the different enzymes that affect it.  I will try some of your suggestions also concernedlady.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Could also be irritable bowel syndrome, which there is no cure for and which causes bloating and gas.  It's just a very annoying syndrome.  The activated charcoal is a great one. I got some at the health food store and I carry it in my purse.  It's not 100% perfect but it helps better than anything else I have tried.  Anti-inflammatory medications can also cause gas and bloating especially if you have IBS, so if you have been taking those, ask your doctor what else you might take in place of that.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I agree with everything that Keeky said, except for one thing: She is not aware that Irritable Bowel Syndrome CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY TREATED AND SOMETIMES CURED.

But it does take some effort and commitment. I know this, because I used to have it, and NOW can totally control it, IF I watch what I eat, and if I practice what I preach!!

Sincerely,
Concerned lady

***@****
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Read (many) other comments on this website, about:

1)Lactose (milk sugar) intolerance, helped with LACTASE ENZYMES (like "Lactaid").

2)Side effects of antibiotics, that kill off beneficial bacteria. This can be fixed by eating "pro-biotics" such as ACIDOPHILUS and BIFIDUS (also found in yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk).

3)Diverticulitis (which I know nothing about, but others have written helpful information about this)

4)Gall bladder problems--There are many useful comments about this.

5)Celiac Disease, a form of GLUTEN INTOLERANCE. Avoid glutenous foods for a week, to see if this helps. Avoid WHEAT, RYE, OATS, BARLEY, and BUCKWHEAT. A safe non-glutenous grain is BROWN RICE. (Organic brown rice is more nutritious than white rice.)

6)Parasites? Have you been tested for this?

7)Liver or pancreatic problems. I don't know about these, but others have written useful, helpful info about these.

8)Are you exposed to toxic chemicals that could have caused poisoning? (Industrial chemicals, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.)

9) Might your water supply be contaminated by purifying chemicals or micro-organisms?

10) Might you have an ulcer?

11)Other conditions.

Also, what did the doctors who did the endoscopy say might be causing your stomach inflammation???? What is your "gut feeling" about what is wrong?

Visit a good health food store, and look for a good NUTRITIONIST who might recognize your symptoms, and advise you about dietary improvements, changes, and supplements.

Good luck. I hope you feel better soon. Maybe others will advise you too!

Sincerely,
Concerned lady

http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Try over the counter "Activated Charcoal". It absorbs gas. It may provide you with great relief. It's also very safe. Good Luck.
Helpful - 0

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