Stomach Concerns

I've had ongoing stomach problems almost all my life. In the past 4 years though they are starting to interrupt my daily life.  I've been to a gastroenterologist and he has diagnosed me with IBS and a mild case of gastritis.  I've had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. The doctor told me that all he can do for me is to suggest I treat my symptoms as they come along.  I've been diagnosed also with GERD and I'm taking prevacid daily for that.  I have been having more frequent flair ups.  The most recent addition to my symptoms is bloating and sulfur tasting belches. I haven't been able to pinpoint what initiates the flair ups. But i'll start belching and they'll have like a rotten egg taste, then i get extreme nausea, then i'll get gas, and I also get a pain on the left side of my stomach right under my breast close to my rib cage, i also get mouth sores,  and then i'll try going to the bathroom but won't be able to. Eventually I'll end up going to the bathroom and some of the symptoms go away.  The symptoms last about 2-3 days.  I frequent between flair ups of diarrhea and constipation normally, but the addition of the bloating and the sulfur belches are a very big disturbance in my life. I would just like to know what's going on and how to live a life without these stomach problems.  Do you have any idea of what will help me?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The endoscopy would rule out many of the major stomach disorders.  Further evaluation would include imaging the abdomen with an ultrasound or CT scan, as well as more specialized tests like a 24-hr pH study and/or a gastric emptying scan.  The latter tests can definitively rule out GERD and gastroparesis respectively.  

If the tests remain negative, IBS can certainly be considered, and appropriately treated.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
kevinmd_

[SAFIRE]

I have the same symptons, except that I have started having really 'bad' gas, too and I have gained 20 pounds in less than 2 months. My gastrenologist gave me Elervil which is an antidepressant but he said he was giving it to me for the pain. My regular doctor keeps telling me it is an upper digestive problem but merely tells me not to eat anything spicy, citrus, acidy, and to quit smoking and drinking coffee. I did quit smoking and only have 1 cup of coffee a day..no change. I have taken the round of medication for H-Pylori 7 times in the last 3 years. Nothing helps. If you find out anything, please let me know. I am desperate to feel like my old self.

[Nikv5758]

OMG you are the first post I see with H Pylori and weight gain,  I have gained 32 since June 21st to be exact-stepped on scale right before vacation.  Anyways shorlty after Aug 10 had bad stomach pains and went to Doc and diag with H Pylori took meds but weight is creeping like crazy yet I can't really eat anything becuase I get sick and throw up.  I have a closet full of size 2/4 clothing to fit that again would make me happy!

[teripec]

not going to the bathroom can cause the body to attempt to and or absorb the stool, this can cause malsorption of nutrients and anti-acids long term can cause malsorption, can cause nausea and that can cause gerd. When the body is trying to reabsorb constipated stool to it turn its to thick pudding which allows it to move, but nausea occurs and acids back up, gas builds up because of the constipation and malsorption causes extreme weight gain. Colonoscopies are very important. If it is stress than it is important to treat stress because there can be serious outcomes.