unsolvable stomach ailments

[dgp]

My mother has been suffering most of her adult life with chronic stomach problems. At this point (she is 75) she gets diarreha
after every meal and it is also much worst in the mornings.  She has had every gastrointestinal test imaginable multiple times throughout her life.  She is lactose intolerant and allergic to certain other foods which she avoids.  She also says she now has a severe pain in her lower left side.  She also has taken every kind of medication but due to her overly sensitive stomach she cannot take many medications.  Her sister also suffers from stomach problems.  Is it possible that she is sensitive to food
additives  and how can that be tested?  We need to find a solution because her quality of life is deteriorating.  Please help, we are desparate>

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[KFI]

I have just come from the doctors again to review the results of blood work, Upper GI, and ultra sound all negative thankfully.  He suggests I see a Gastroenterologist which I will schedule next week.  My symptoms are constant nausea, frequent vomiting (from the top of the stomach) sort of like burping up food, frequent pain in the upper stomach area, gas and sometimes dirreha others constipation.  These symptoms have been on and off for years with more of the upset stomach/burp-vomiting almost regularly now.  I have bouts of sudden explosive dirreha with sweats that instantly exhaust me but soon after I feel much better. 10 years ago I cut my 2 cups of coffee to 1/2 caffine and 3 weeks ago I gave it up altogether and now drink tea usually green or herbal.  I also began taking an iron supplement about the same time which doesn't bother me too much.  About a year ago I began taking Super Colon Cleanse 2 pills a day instead of the 6 recommended on the bottle.  I constantly feel hungry but I can eat only a little.  I weigh 125 height 5'4".  My family history includes mother with colon cancer at age 60 (which is why I take the colon cleanse) she also had her gall bladder out in her 50's.  My sister had her gall bladder out in her late 20's she is overweight.  My doctor put me on Protonix which has made the symptoms more tolerable but they are not gone. Any idea what might be causing my discomfort. I am only 42 but there are days I feel I must be in my 50's.  I have had a lot of stress dealing with my teenage son but we are all in therapy now and I have enjoyed a more calming family life for the last month or so.

[dgp]

My mom has had all of the mentioned tests many times throughout the years and all have been negative.  It is very frustrating
because all the doctors do is prescribe the same medications one even said it was caused by depression and prescribed anti-depressants.  Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I'm not sure what tests have already been done - but I would make sure that an upper endoscopy, blood tests for H Pylori, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, as well as 24-hr pH study all be considered for a comprehensive evaluation.  

Left lower quadrant pain can be caused by many things - including diverticulitis, polyps, or a mass.  Make sure that a colonoscopy is considered.

Food allergies can be tested via an allergy referral.  RAST testing as well as pin-***** testing to specific foods for the specific IgE antibody can be done to evaluate this.  This 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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b