Excessive Gas/Flatulence

[Phil C.]

Good day:

I was glad to find your site on the web the other day, and have some questions about a problem that has been troubling me, on and off, for about a year now.

I get bouts of extremely bad smelling and frequent gas...from time to time.  These bouts may last for about a week or so.  The gas is always in the lowest part of my abdomen.  There is no pain associated with the bouts, just the need to pass the gas, to relieve to build-up, as it were.

When I am plagued by these bouts of gas, I do notice, however, that my bowel movements tend to be more "sticky" and not well formed (flaky...some formed, the sticky part when cleaning myself up, and some flakes).  The color is usually a medium to dark brown (twice, many months apart during bouts I noticed the stool had a greenish color.  In fact, the first was when I was travelling on business and was in Florida.  I was gasey and my stomach felt upset at the time; I thought it was related to the change in food or water.  My stool was greenish several times then.  That was over a year ago.)  I do not see any presence of blood; occasionally there is a trace of mucus.

At these times, I often feel the urge to defecate more than my usual once a day (after my first cup of coffee in the morning).  Sometimes there is bowel movement, other times very little is produced.  Gas is usually expelled; however, I can get up after the bowel movement and feel, almost immediately, the need to expel gas again.  It's very frustrating.

I also find, at times, that I can be eating a meal (it's usually when I'm eating out) and I can sense the build-up of gas occuring even before I finish my dinner.  It's very awkward and uncomfortable as I have to wait until I find some privacy to relieve the gas.

I was troubled my great amounts of gas earlier this week.  Today, Thursday, it appears to be much less.  When I am in the throes of a bout, I can wake-up and have to pass gas almost immediately.  Again, it's very pungent and embarassing.

I have tried all the things I know to reduce my problem.  I eat slowly, avoid gas-producing foods, have taken charcoal capsules from a health food store, and tried Bean-o.  I don't believe myself to be lactose intolerant, as dairy does not seem to trigger any problems specifically.

Following the above-mentioned bout in Florida, over a year ago, I noticed that after I returned home, before the holidays, I was also troubled by what I would compare to a muscle spasm around my rectum/anus.  It was sore (during sitting, bowel moving, etc.) and I could feel tiny contractions at times.  I tried warm water soaks (helped somewhat) and even Tucks pads...thinking maybe it was hemmoroids.  Eventually  this passed.  I have had this problem once again...maybe six or eight months ago.  Again, it passed.

There is no history of bowel problems or colo-rectal cancer in my family.  I am otherwise in good health.  My weight is normal and I eat healthy foods.  I've tried to increase my fiber and grain intake, as I read an article touting their benefits at staving off colon cancer.

I have also called--when I have been in the throes of two gas bouts--the nurse practitioner whom I see for my minor health care needs; she is a staffer at a medical practice of doctors affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.  She has not expressed any great concern about the issue and made some diet modification suggestions and sent me an article on flatulence--telling me, basically, that this can be normal.  She noted that if I was terribly concerned, I could come in for an exam.  Of course, she asked about family medical history, and since I have none related to colo-rectal cancer, she didn't feel any need to react with urgency.

Since my problems are not chronic (however they are uncomfortable, embarassing, and annoying enough when they happen to get me to post this message), I don't know if I should press for more answers.  I don't want to submit myself to a battery of uncomfortable tests only to find there is no real problem.

Your advice on what I might consider doing would be appreciated.  My 35th birthday is upcoming in a few weeks, and I am thinking of making an appointment for a general physical...as a gift to myself.  Should I press on the issue of the gas?

Thank you so much for you time and consideration.  This is a disturbing problem, and I am fearful of it being a symptom of something awful.

[nancy]

For flatus and gas I used Charco Caps, activated charcoal,internal detoxifier. Helps  to reduce the oder and  gas.

[Marie Deets]

I suffer from excessive gas on a daily basis.  it begins at the beginning of my day, especially worse after breakfast.  this is also followed by watery, mucusy bowel movements. the gas is very sulphuric in smell and is very embarressing.  These symptoms usually continue throughout the day.  i was diagnosed with parasites, and was given antibiotics.  These symptoms returned shortly after.

[Dave B.]

I have been dealing with a great amount of gas, especially in the late afternoon or evening hours!  I was just admitted to ER because of extreme pain on my left side next to my sternum.  It wasn't my heart, so I have to have an Upper GI tomorrow.  Both of these combined makes my life very unbearable at times.  It is a social disgrace to releave yourself, but I can double over because of holding-back the urge.  Any ideas to rid myself of this gas would be greatly appreciated!

[Ann]

does anyone know how to tell if it's gas or a ulcer?  I have
had left sided pain under the rib also. I have been to 4 drs.
Colon test/ok.  So far no answers.

[Ellen]

Dear Phil

I am on the Net (again) because I am really concerned about a problem or rather problems I am having with my digestive system. Many of the symptons you have described I am presenting - when I went to the Dr's she said I was depressed.
For the past six months I have been worrying myself silly wondering what has caused this change - I have no history of any digestive disorders and often would joke I had a stomach like cast iron.

I would be really interested to hear if you have had a diagnosis or if there has been any developments in your condition.

Many thanks

[beverly]

I have had seven attacks of Pancreatitis in six years requiring  hospitalization. My Gastroenterologist is recommending gall blader removal. However there is no guarantee that this will solve the problem.I would appreciate any input.