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Excessive Gas/Flatulence
Good day:
I was glad to find your site on the web the other day, and have some questions about a problem that has been troubling me, on and off, for about a year now.
I get bouts of extremely bad smelling and frequent gas...from time to time. These bouts may last for about a week or so. The gas is always in the lowest part of my abdomen. There is no pain associated with the bouts, just the need to pass the gas, to relieve to build-up, as it were.
When I am plagued by these bouts of gas, I do notice, however, that my bowel movements tend to be more "sticky" and not well formed (flaky...some formed, the sticky part when cleaning myself up, and some flakes). The color is usually a medium to dark brown (twice, many months apart during bouts I noticed the stool had a greenish color. In fact, the first was when I was travelling on business and was in Florida. I was gasey and my stomach felt upset at the time; I thought it was related to the change in food or water. My stool was greenish several times then. That was over a year ago.) I do not see any presence of blood; occasionally there is a trace of mucus.
At these times, I often feel the urge to defecate more than my usual once a day (after my first cup of coffee in the morning). Sometimes there is bowel movement, other times very little is produced. Gas is usually expelled; however, I can get up after the bowel movement and feel, almost immediately, the need to expel gas again. It's very frustrating.
I also find, at times, that I can be eating a meal (it's usually when I'm eating out) and I can sense the build-up of gas occuring even before I finish my dinner. It's very awkward and uncomfortable as I have to wait until I find some privacy to relieve the gas.
I was troubled my great amounts of gas earlier this week. Today, Thursday, it appears to be much less. When I am in the throes of a bout, I can wake-up and have to pass gas almost immediately. Again, it's very pungent and embarassing.
I have tried all the things I know to reduce my problem. I eat slowly, avoid gas-producing foods, have taken charcoal capsules from a health food store, and tried Bean-o. I don't believe myself to be lactose intolerant, as dairy does not seem to trigger any problems specifically.
Following the above-mentioned bout in Florida, over a year ago, I noticed that after I returned home, before the holidays, I was also troubled by what I would compare to a muscle spasm around my rectum/anus. It was sore (during sitting, bowel moving, etc.) and I could feel tiny contractions at times. I tried warm water soaks (helped somewhat) and even Tucks pads...thinking maybe it was hemmoroids. Eventually this passed. I have had this problem once again...maybe six or eight months ago. Again, it passed.
There is no history of bowel problems or colo-rectal cancer in my family. I am otherwise in good health. My weight is normal and I eat healthy foods. I've tried to increase my fiber and grain intake, as I read an article touting their benefits at staving off colon cancer.
I have also called--when I have been in the throes of two gas bouts--the nurse practitioner whom I see for my minor health care needs; she is a staffer at a medical practice of doctors affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She has not expressed any great concern about the issue and made some diet modification suggestions and sent me an article on flatulence--telling me, basically, that this can be normal. She noted that if I was terribly concerned, I could come in for an exam. Of course, she asked about family medical history, and since I have none related to colo-rectal cancer, she didn't feel any need to react with urgency.
Since my problems are not chronic (however they are uncomfortable, embarassing, and annoying enough when they happen to get me to post this message), I don't know if I should press for more answers. I don't want to submit myself to a battery of uncomfortable tests only to find there is no real problem.
Your advice on what I might consider doing would be appreciated. My 35th birthday is upcoming in a few weeks, and I am thinking of making an appointment for a general physical...as a gift to myself. Should I press on the issue of the gas?
Thank you so much for you time and consideration. This is a disturbing problem, and I am fearful of it being a symptom of something awful.
I was glad to find your site on the web the other day, and have some questions about a problem that has been troubling me, on and off, for about a year now.
I get bouts of extremely bad smelling and frequent gas...from time to time. These bouts may last for about a week or so. The gas is always in the lowest part of my abdomen. There is no pain associated with the bouts, just the need to pass the gas, to relieve to build-up, as it were.
When I am plagued by these bouts of gas, I do notice, however, that my bowel movements tend to be more "sticky" and not well formed (flaky...some formed, the sticky part when cleaning myself up, and some flakes). The color is usually a medium to dark brown (twice, many months apart during bouts I noticed the stool had a greenish color. In fact, the first was when I was travelling on business and was in Florida. I was gasey and my stomach felt upset at the time; I thought it was related to the change in food or water. My stool was greenish several times then. That was over a year ago.) I do not see any presence of blood; occasionally there is a trace of mucus.
At these times, I often feel the urge to defecate more than my usual once a day (after my first cup of coffee in the morning). Sometimes there is bowel movement, other times very little is produced. Gas is usually expelled; however, I can get up after the bowel movement and feel, almost immediately, the need to expel gas again. It's very frustrating.
I also find, at times, that I can be eating a meal (it's usually when I'm eating out) and I can sense the build-up of gas occuring even before I finish my dinner. It's very awkward and uncomfortable as I have to wait until I find some privacy to relieve the gas.
I was troubled my great amounts of gas earlier this week. Today, Thursday, it appears to be much less. When I am in the throes of a bout, I can wake-up and have to pass gas almost immediately. Again, it's very pungent and embarassing.
I have tried all the things I know to reduce my problem. I eat slowly, avoid gas-producing foods, have taken charcoal capsules from a health food store, and tried Bean-o. I don't believe myself to be lactose intolerant, as dairy does not seem to trigger any problems specifically.
Following the above-mentioned bout in Florida, over a year ago, I noticed that after I returned home, before the holidays, I was also troubled by what I would compare to a muscle spasm around my rectum/anus. It was sore (during sitting, bowel moving, etc.) and I could feel tiny contractions at times. I tried warm water soaks (helped somewhat) and even Tucks pads...thinking maybe it was hemmoroids. Eventually this passed. I have had this problem once again...maybe six or eight months ago. Again, it passed.
There is no history of bowel problems or colo-rectal cancer in my family. I am otherwise in good health. My weight is normal and I eat healthy foods. I've tried to increase my fiber and grain intake, as I read an article touting their benefits at staving off colon cancer.
I have also called--when I have been in the throes of two gas bouts--the nurse practitioner whom I see for my minor health care needs; she is a staffer at a medical practice of doctors affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She has not expressed any great concern about the issue and made some diet modification suggestions and sent me an article on flatulence--telling me, basically, that this can be normal. She noted that if I was terribly concerned, I could come in for an exam. Of course, she asked about family medical history, and since I have none related to colo-rectal cancer, she didn't feel any need to react with urgency.
Since my problems are not chronic (however they are uncomfortable, embarassing, and annoying enough when they happen to get me to post this message), I don't know if I should press for more answers. I don't want to submit myself to a battery of uncomfortable tests only to find there is no real problem.
Your advice on what I might consider doing would be appreciated. My 35th birthday is upcoming in a few weeks, and I am thinking of making an appointment for a general physical...as a gift to myself. Should I press on the issue of the gas?
Thank you so much for you time and consideration. This is a disturbing problem, and I am fearful of it being a symptom of something awful.
what foods should i avoid after me recent gallbladder removal and why?
TO: DEVORAKINGERY, MESSAGE POSTED 2/8/00
Without any medical educational background, I wouldn't adequately advise you what to do. But, if these symptoms you've described are persisting beyond a week, you really must see an MD. I've been without health insurance periodically, too. The yellow pages (phone book) should provide a few medical/MD referral numbers. These people are generally very good about recommending a physician who suits your predicament and financial status. Many hospitals/private physicians accept a monthly payment schedule (like a layaway). There should also be a 24-hr phone number(s)where nurses can preliminarily diagnose the condition.
Also, search many websites. Although you probably don't have cancer, several cancer websites do go into detail about preliminary symptoms and they have links to hospital/association websites.
Switching between diets/eating habits might eracibate your condition.
Just from description, what I've read, and a few gastrointestinal exams (an excessive belching condition last six months) you should request a gastroenterologist appointment and possibly a gynecological one as well (pelvic discomfort and painful intercourse).
Hope you feel relief soon!!
Without any medical educational background, I wouldn't adequately advise you what to do. But, if these symptoms you've described are persisting beyond a week, you really must see an MD. I've been without health insurance periodically, too. The yellow pages (phone book) should provide a few medical/MD referral numbers. These people are generally very good about recommending a physician who suits your predicament and financial status. Many hospitals/private physicians accept a monthly payment schedule (like a layaway). There should also be a 24-hr phone number(s)where nurses can preliminarily diagnose the condition.
Also, search many websites. Although you probably don't have cancer, several cancer websites do go into detail about preliminary symptoms and they have links to hospital/association websites.
Switching between diets/eating habits might eracibate your condition.
Just from description, what I've read, and a few gastrointestinal exams (an excessive belching condition last six months) you should request a gastroenterologist appointment and possibly a gynecological one as well (pelvic discomfort and painful intercourse).
Hope you feel relief soon!!
TO: SANDRA STEPHENS
Three times in the past 2 years I've had bizarre symptoms following an unusually painful menses (period) and a stress related job assignment (excessive belching, abdominal discomfort, occasional constipation). Currently I've had belching on a daily basis since September '99. Request 2 ultrasounds:a pelvic and a uterine. Speak with a gynecologist, if possible. Also your general practitioner/family MD should diagnose a blood sample and stool samples first. After the diagnosis he/she may schedule an endoscopy or a colon exam.
Research these symptoms on medical websites and medical books. It helps to be informed before visiting the MD; you'll be better equipped to ask questions and suggest possible causes.
If you'd like to talk, my email is ***@**** (Anne-Marie)
P.S. I'm a 42yo female who has been in relatively good health much of my life.
Three times in the past 2 years I've had bizarre symptoms following an unusually painful menses (period) and a stress related job assignment (excessive belching, abdominal discomfort, occasional constipation). Currently I've had belching on a daily basis since September '99. Request 2 ultrasounds:a pelvic and a uterine. Speak with a gynecologist, if possible. Also your general practitioner/family MD should diagnose a blood sample and stool samples first. After the diagnosis he/she may schedule an endoscopy or a colon exam.
Research these symptoms on medical websites and medical books. It helps to be informed before visiting the MD; you'll be better equipped to ask questions and suggest possible causes.
If you'd like to talk, my email is ***@**** (Anne-Marie)
P.S. I'm a 42yo female who has been in relatively good health much of my life.
Reply for Ellen:
Saw your reply to my original post. I had my physical last week, and I told the doctor about my symptoms. She did not seem to be overly concerned and said that IBS and related problems can be very hard to diagnose and treat. We talked about diet and modifications to see if these can help pinpoint an irritating food.
In taking my family medical history, I noted that the women on my mother's side of the family have breast cancer problems. The doctor commented that can be a correlation between breast cancer and colon cancer in one's family. She did not think that my symptoms were indicative of any cancer problem, but we are doing an smear test for occult fecal blood. I'm waiting to hear the results and hope that they are good.
Saw your reply to my original post. I had my physical last week, and I told the doctor about my symptoms. She did not seem to be overly concerned and said that IBS and related problems can be very hard to diagnose and treat. We talked about diet and modifications to see if these can help pinpoint an irritating food.
In taking my family medical history, I noted that the women on my mother's side of the family have breast cancer problems. The doctor commented that can be a correlation between breast cancer and colon cancer in one's family. She did not think that my symptoms were indicative of any cancer problem, but we are doing an smear test for occult fecal blood. I'm waiting to hear the results and hope that they are good.
i here you i have unbarable lower abdominal pai and a lot of gas. done colon tests reviealed nothing I am also G E R D suffer and have had surgury to correct acid reflux that had led to nearly 50 ulcers that could have easly turned into cancer says the doc in my esophagus. but now have alot of gas upper and lower with dieareea and constipation with a burning sensation. I am olny 23 and still am suffering daily and taking alot of meds.
IBS - i don't know if you have it there, but there's a product called Mintec which essentially is peppermint oil. It is used to reduce the amount of gas, bloating etc.. most symptoms of IBS.
It is 100% peppermint oil in a capsule. Peppermint oil is meant to 'relax' the spasms you have in your intestine and thus reduce the amount of 'air' trapped.
I'm not a 'greenie' or naturalist, but I do find it helps me at times. Give it a go, what have you to lose?
It is 100% peppermint oil in a capsule. Peppermint oil is meant to 'relax' the spasms you have in your intestine and thus reduce the amount of 'air' trapped.
I'm not a 'greenie' or naturalist, but I do find it helps me at times. Give it a go, what have you to lose?
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