stomach problems for 8 yrs -bile reflux?

Hello,

I am a 33 year old female and I live in Europe. I am trying to find help through the internet, because I am very desperate with my stomach problems that have now persisted for almost 8 years. I feel that research and awareness in Europe is not as advanced as in the United States and I am hoping to find new information through this website.

My symptoms are the following:

- nausea, especially when my stomach is empty
- nausea gets much worse after bowel movement and improves when eating neutral food (low fat and non-spicy)
- feeling of disgust and aversion when I smell certain food
- bloating
- soft stools, sometimes diarrhea
- burning sensation in stomach (has improved a lot since taking Lansoprazol)
- general feeling of weakness

So far I have done the following tests:

- gastroscopy
- coloscopy
- food allergy tests
- MRCP
- CT
- blood tests

Results:  

- slight inflamation (inflammation) and gastritis in the corpus and antrum part of my stomach and esophagus, no inflamation (inflammation) in duodenum
- very large amount of bile in my stomach and refluxing into my stomach
- coloscopy showed no inflamation (inflammation) or anormalities in my intestines
- no food allergies, no lactointolerance
- MRCP and CT showed no anormalities in liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas
- blood tests revealed that I have anemia due to iron deficiency

I am currently taking Lansoprazol, iron supplements and a medication containing fumaria officinalis (phytotherapie) to improve bile flow. However, I still do not feel much better and I am not sure what else I can do.

- Do you believe that most of my symptoms are due to bile reflux?
- Do you have any idea what other medication would help to treat bile reflux?
- Would you recommend any further tests that I can discuss with my doctors?
- Have you ever heard that bile reflux gets worse after bowel movement?

Many, many thanks for your time and help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a comprehensive evaluation, similar to the tests you would have received in the United States.

If bile acid reflux is specifically suspected, esophageal impedance testing can be considered to test for this.  This is an investigational test, and can be discussed at your local major academic medical center.

There are specific medications used to treat this condition, including the addition of sucralfate to the treatment regimen.

I am not aware of cases of bile acid reflux that are associated with bowel movements.

These questions can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd