Bile in the stomach

Posted By chris w on June 02, 1998 at 22:15:29:







I'm a 34 year old female who for two years has had chronic periumbilical pain, sacroiliac joint pain, diarrhea and/or frequent bowel movements, and abdominal distension.  I've had a colonoscopy, small bowel series and an upper GI endoscopy. Colonoscopy showed very, very mild inflammation in ascending colon. Small bowel series showed transit time of less than 15 minutes; otherwise no abnormalities. Upper GI endo showed rather large amounts of bile in my stomach (despite fasting for 14 hours) and very, very mild inflammation of lower esophagus. Slight, hiatus hernia, and a stomach that does not contract.  No ulcers.  I'm currently taking Zantac, Citrucel, and Carafate. They are providing no relief of pain and symptoms.  My doctor is perplexed.  Any suggestions for paths to pursue?  My research suggests that bile is not ever supposed to be in the stomach. What would cause it to be there and how to get rid of it?  By the way, I have had no prior surgeries or intestinal problems. I apologize for the length; just wanted to make sure I gave you enough info. Thanks, in advance, for your advice. It's awfully kind of you folks to provide this service.