Please help! Gassy and in pain

[jimmmhare]

For quite a few months now, I've had a persistant gas bloat feeling after i eat, which makes me burp VERY OFTEN.  Not just the 14 times a day they say is normal, but i can often belch loudly (i'm embarassed to say) 5 or 6 times in a row, wait a while, and repeat.  I was also having some indigestion recently.  The indegestion and bloat happens almost immediately after eating.  I almost never feel it in the morning.  Drinking water seems to help.

Also, i get this odd cramp in my right side.  Sometimes it feels like someone is "folding my skin over" for lack of a better term or a mild burning sensation or the feeling someone is pressing me in the side (not hitting, but just pressing it in firmly).  There is also a substantial amount of lower back pain.  Sometimes the side pain correlates with the gas bloat.

My doctor (two days ago) thought it might be acid reflux coulpled with soft tissue damage.  He prescribed Prevacid and Bextra (i think) respsectively.

I've read these other articles saying that more fiber may be the answer or perhaps that i'm having trouble with lactose and was wondering if perhaps i just need to give these meds more time, or if its possible my doctor could be wrong.  I've suffered with this a long time and it really makes work (sitting in a chair all day programming) uncomfortable.  ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated!  The side pain really annoys me, i just hope it's something simple and not tumors or gallbladder or something, but want to make sure it's taken care of whatever it is.

Many thanks in advance

-Jim Hare

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are many reasons for the increased gas.  This can include irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, GERD or various malabsorption syndromes.  

A reasonable first test would be either an upper GI series or upper endoscopy to evaluate for ulcers, GERD or inflammation of the stomach or esophagus.  Tests for malabsorption, including lactose intolerance, a fecal fat test for fat malabsorption or serum tests for celiac disease can also be considered.  A CT scan can also be considered to rule out any masses that can be causing your symptoms.  

If those tests are negative, irritable bowel syndrome may be considered.  The articles that suggest increasing the fiber in your diet may have this in mind - since this is the initial step in treating IBS.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[jimmmhare]

As a follow up, sometimes after eating i feel slight nausea also.

-Jim

[kevinmd]

Hello - I will be on vacation until August 9th. I look forward to answering your question when I return.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[David02]

I was in a lot of pain and did'nt know what was wrong with me, I went to a Iridologist and found out I had candida which is a fungus which spreads through the body,
Anyway thought it might be possible that you might have something similar.

David Vanzyl.

Symptoms
Candida Albicans in an incredible destroyer of health and is the main missing link in many of our modern day diseases and sub-health conditions. The fact that Candida can rob the body of its nutrition and poison the tissues with it toxins is a major contribution, directly or indirectly to the following list of serious conditions:
Adrenal/Thyroid Failure
PMS Symptoms
Poor Memory
Bad Breath
Hyperactivity
Colds & Flu
Gas/Bloating
Irritability
Mood Swings
Indigestions
Lethargic/Laziness
Muscle Aches
Ulcers
Insomnia
Chemical Sensitivity
Constipation
Anti-social
Endometriosis
Diarrhea Puffy Eyes
Vaginal Yeast
Colitis
Suicidal
Respiratory Problems
Colon Cancer
Menstrual Problems
Hormone Imbalance
No Sex Drive
Allergies
Diabetes
Cold/Shaky
Dry Skin & Itching
Low Blood Sugar
FATIGUE (Chronic)
Cystitis
Food Cravings
Epstein Bar Virus
Burning Eyes Heartburn
Infections
Thrush/Gum Receding
Hiatal Hernia
Asthma
Infections
Intestinal Pain
Skin Rashes & Hives
Premature Aging
Dry Mouth
Hemorrhoids
Finger/Toenail Fungus
Headaches
Over & Under Weight
Over-all Bad Feeling
Depression
Lupus
Numbness

[raquelhldy]

My daughter had the same exact symptoms as you for years. Then it developed into VERY BAD NAUSEA with every thing else she was going through.
  She went in for a test where they put a camera down her throat and her doctor took samples of stuff in her stomach lining or something.....ANY WAY...we found out that my daughter can NEVER EVER have any dairy products in her life AGAIN. Her "MILK DIGESTING  enzyme" level is 2...and lactose intolerant peole are 11.
  SHe was put on an  anti-bacteria pill for 10 days to get rid of all of the bacteria in her stomach and colon from the dairy products. ANd she never has any dairy...including whey. She can eat cheese ( the kind that you cut with a knife).
    Dairy products make a forein acid in your stomach. It is not your acid.....so it makes you sick (I think I am explaining it right). Any drop of dairy she hadformented in her stomach and made her have pain and terrible gas and nausea. It turns into bacteria and grows..........if you do not have the right kind of enzymes to digest dairy.
  This could be what is wrong with you.