Gas

In 2001 I had a subtotal colonectomy for a redundant colon.
Eleven feet of colon was removed laparoscopically. Everything
was reconnected.  I had an ileus and was in the hospital 22
days. I have no problems with malabsorption. I am actually
pretty healthy. BUT I have terrific gas pain. It feel like
gas goes backwards at times causing small intestine/stomach
pain. I take Levibid which helps alot for the pain. I have
loose stools 10 times a day.  Stress makes things worse.
I'm a respiratory therapist and work 12 hr. shifts on my feet.
I even have gas when I sleep. The problems vary in intensity.
Diet does not always have an effect. Sometimes I can eat anything
and sometimes I cannot. This problem causes much embarrassment!!
I've tried anti diarreah (diarrhea) meds, anti gas, antiacids....
Please help me find a solution!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say exactly without examination.  Things like irritable bowel disease, malabsorption, bowel obstruction, and various types of infection can all lead to the perception of bloating and increased gas.  

I would consider an endoscopy to evaluate the upper and lower GI tract (possibly to evaluate for inflammation) as well as collecting the stool looking for any infection.

The fact that the Levbid is effective suggests that there may be an irritable bowel component to this.  You may want to discuss with your personal physician to optimize treatment for this.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[menghini]

I HAVE A QUESTION ON COLAN CANCER.  I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH COLAN CANCER STAGE 3 ALMOST 3 YEARS AGO.  HAVING CHEMO, RADIATION, AND SURGERY.  ALL SEEM FINE NOW.  MY LAST BLOOD TEST SHOWED THE CEA LEVEL TO BE 1.7. ALL THE OTHER MARKERS LOOKED GOOD. MY TESTS FOR CEA HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE FROM 0.5-0.9. WHAT TO I HAVE TO DO TO BRING MY CEA DOWN OR AM I WORRING MY SELF FOR NO REASON. I AM VERY CONCERENED THAT THIS IS RETURNING!