Underlying cause of multiple digestive symptoms

[kel74]

I am a 31 y.o. Caucasian female with a hx of being underweight.  I am now 5'8" and weigh 105 lbs.  I am lactose intolerant.  8 yrs. ago, I experienced an onset of digestive problems c/b occasional vomiting after eating pasta or pancakes, (I didn't have fever so didn't feel that I was virally/bacterially ill), stomach rumbling after eating, dyspepsia, weight loss of 20 lbs, acid reflux, general fatige and malaise of unknown origin.  This lasted several months.  In time my weight and condition improved to normal. Since then, I have lost 20 lbs. over the past 5 years, (125 was my max) and have difficulty gaining weight no matter how much I eat.  In the past I have had bouts of nausea, lack of appetite, early saiety with the reflux.  My current problems consist of reflux, excess gas, frequent bm's (up to 6x's day), abdominal rumbling (depends on the food, morning intestinal spasms, fatigue, sticky, light colored, and/or or floating stools. If I eat pasta or pizza, soon after I feel like something is poking my stomach, just above or below my navel. It's a dull gnawing, pressure feeling.  The area varies from just above to below my navel.  I have rumbling noises in my intestines(below navel) after consuming foods with High Fructose Corn Syrup, or carbs. I have had reflux treated twice successfully, but this time medication (Nexium after switching from Aciphex) isn't working. Just after I eat, I feel bubble sensations or a pressure in my chest and feel like I can't breathe in deeply. (pretty sure these are not palpitations)  I don't get typical heartburn.  I have occasional regurgitation.  I have tested negative for H. Pylori as ulcers have been suspected with the GERD, but not confirmed.  I would like to know the cause of the "IBS"/GERD but my MD doesn't seem concerned.  Are these 2 problems related or isolated?  What tests would you suggest? Could i have some degree of malabsorption?  This morning I had diahrrea with a gel-like consistency.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would suggest tests to evaluate the upper digestive tract.  This can include an upper endoscopy or upper GI series, to look for GERD as well as an ulcer.  

More specialized testing can include a 24-hr pH study (looking for GERD), a gastric emptying scan (looking for gastroparesis) as well as esophageal motility studies (looking for esophageal dysmotility).  

If there continues to be suspicion of malabsorption, you can consider a blood test to look for celiac disease.

Irritable bowel syndrome can be considered if the tests continue to be non-revealing.

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_b

[kel74]

Oh, and I've also had my TSH tested which is normal.

[Little Dogie]

kel74, Hi,  i found this web site only yesterday and am very excited.  I agree with the previous comment to have the endoscopy.  I'm 62 and just found out I have Celiac Sprue. I'm trying to deal now with controling it, but it has almost been the death of me.  I can't understand why more is not detected sooner by Doctors, but we have to educate them.  It is a tolerance to gluten and wheat and is in so many foods, so you mentioned pasta-- a big no-no unless it's gluten free. Do not try to do this without a diagnosis.  It's a simple precedure and you don't even know they do it.  They take a biopsy, and do blood test.  My blood test did not support Celiac, but that is not unusual.
It is a hereditary disease and is usually triggered by an illness or possibly stress and even viral infections.  I have messed with doctor's for years and even now am getting strange looks from my MD and Lung Doctor. They don't even know exactly what it is.  Mine has consisted of being told I have fibermyalgia (fibromyalgia), RA, etc. and I do have Lung disease due to severe osteoporosis, and spine pressing on lungs and have an S shaped spine. I have had most since a child and sculeosis.  Wouldn't you think someone would have thought to check the intestenal track.  I've had the bottom part 2x's and a berrial, but it took the upper and I had to insist on that to find out, no wonder I've been tired and sick all my life.  My malsbsorption has done a lot of damage.  I'm working on trying to learn the right foods and it's been three months and been anemic for over a year and have been anemic several times in my life.
Sorry for the length of this, but it will be worth it for you to find out and i hope and pray you will not have it, but it may be a god-send to find out either way. Little Dogie

[kel74]

thanks, little dogie.  just to give you an update, I had some bloodwork done and things found were: h.pylori infection, candida, severe vitamin B12 deficiency, and gluten intolerance.  My bloodwork was positive for gluten intolerance, so I am having a biopsy tomorrow.  I will let you know what the results are, but I have been advised to go on a gluten free diet and will do so after tomorrow :) thanks for your prayers, either way, this is a godsend.

[ingridkea]

The Celiac Disease and Gluten-free Diet Support Page provides important resources
and information for people on gluten-free diets due to celiac disease:  www.celiac.com
Yopu can find many info there:
Safe & Forbidden Gluten-Free foods,Frequently Asked Questions and more.
Another very good link and info: Celiac Disease Foundation
Support, information and assistance for people affected by Celiac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis (CD/DH):
www.celiac.org

www.csaceliacs.org

It is interesting, just by reading about your symptoms, docs didn't even think about testing you for celiac disease/Sprue! On this pages, you will find a lot of info about testing and you can persue your docs to do so. Don't give up! It's worth it, once you stop eating gluten you will feel much better! And life will be much easier for you than with all those symptoms. You can be happy and funstioning again.
Good luck!

[kel74]

Thanks, Ingrid.  Do you have Celiac/Gluten intolerance also??  I basically had to be really proactive about my health- Celiac was my suspicion and that very well may be correct!  I did have a biopsy, and don't have the results yet.  But, "mild flattening of the villi" of "unknown significance" was noted.  I will check out those websites!