Gas/Bloat Syndrome

[CGTMHI]

Hello I was diagnosed with gas/bloat syndrome s/p nissen Fundoplication two years ago. My abdomen distention was comparable to a ninth month pregnancy, Doctors were amazed. September 29th I had the surgery taken down. Since the take down my symptoms are less severe and less frequent. I tend to distend to a sixth month size now and it happens every week and a half to two instead of daily. I also have been told I have colonic inertia to chronic pseudo-obstruction. I take 3-4 ducolax and 17gr. of miralax nightly. I have a movement daily but after a week and a half I distend. On xray the large and small bowel has some stool and gas throughout but basically unremarkable while I am extremely distended. I take cytotec 200mcg four tabs at hs when this happens along with my regular meds to get releif. It seems as if I have to have diarrhea daily be very cleaned out in order to avoid this bloating. My Doctor wants me to cut back on the laxatives and stopped the cytotec a month or so ago. I only take it now when I need relief from the distention. I do distend somewhat nightly, but tollerable. When I distend very large I have pressure in the rectum and low back pain and even breathing tends to be slightly labored. My meds are also propulsid 20mg four times a day, prilosec 20mg twice a day. I do have reflux back with mainly throat symptoms since the Nissen take down. Have you ever heard of Gas/ bloat syndrome? Can diet help? If so what kind. I need help . My doctor says there are no answers for this. It is rare and not much treatment. Is there any information on this or support groups for this. I really want information on what I can try to help me. Please help with any insight on this you can and any direction you can give me. Thankyou ever so much
Jane

[Mary]

I am 31 and have had gastro problems for the past four years.  My GI said I have a "tortuous, redundant colon".  In other words, it's twisted.  I have tried the high fiber diet, Citrucel, and Lacturose syrup.  Nothing has worked too well.  It's frustrating because the doctors I've seen want me to just eat fiber and exercise more.  I consider this a serious problem like all of you with gastric pain.  I'm thinking of going under the knife as a last resort.  I was wondering if anyone out there has had colon surgery and could tell me the pros and cons.

[Jim]

I FEEL MUCH BETTER ABOUT MY SWOLLEN BELLY AFTER READING ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE'S PROBLEMS. WHEN I FIRST GET UP IN THE MORNING, BELLY IS WASHBOARD FLAT,BUT AS DAY PROGRESSES SO DOES STOMACH.  MY NINE MONTH PREGNANT LOOK, GETS WORSE IF I DO NOT EAT RATHER THAN AFTER EATING. LITTLE OR NO PAIN, MOSTLY DISCOMFORT.      TRIED DOCTORS AND SPECIALISTS,HAD ENDOSCOPY, COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. FRIEND SUGGESTED PEPTO BECAUSE OF SOME BUG THE BISMUTH WOULD KILL, STOMACH STOPPED SWELLING FOR 3 WEEKS, NOW IT IS BACK.

[Lynn]

I also have excessive gas and bloating. I also have thyroid problems. Could it be that my thyroid levels are affecting my body s ability to produce digestive enzymes?

[nancy]

Their is a disease called Celiac Disease.  It is the inability to digest gluten.  What is gluten?  It is a product of most grains.
I have this disease and was dx'd 20+ years ago...after going thru years of the symptoms described by many of you.  The bland diet of fiber and grains made me sicker and sicker.  Another symptom of this disease besides nausea and loose bowels, is iron poor anemia.  You must also avoid alot of fat in your diet.  It is a disease that Dr's seem to think is rare, but I can tell you that I know many, many people on the net who have this and it took years to get a dx because most Dr.'s never even think of it.  With all the additives in our foods, it is difficult to avoid gluten.  AND....of course bread is the #1 culprit.  On this diet for life....you cannot eat bread, cake, etc. that is made from regular flour.  You can eat rice and rice flour.  This is just a thought for some of you to consider.  Now, finally, there is a blood test for antibodies for this ailment.  It is sometimes not accurate.  You have to have a small intestine biopsy to confirm if your villi are damaged from ingesting gluten.  It is not painful, just uncomfortable. If you continue to ingest gluten and have this...it can cause serious damage.  Just a thought to consider if nothing else seems to help.

[Jack]

I am having lower abdomen bloating.  I take 20 mg of Lipitor a day and am wondering if this could be causing the problem.  Each time I eat I fill up quickly.  I also occasionally feel nausas.

[Sherri]

I have not yet been diagnosed with Gas/Bloat Syndrome or Gastroparesis, but I do have extended stomach,difficulty breathing,lower backache and gas.When my stomach gets very extended it can last a week and even a laxative doesn't help (unless I take more then one dose).Most times I just wait it out but after a week of not being able to bend or move easily I need some help. My doctor has me on Prilosec, once a day. Any food tips would be appreciated as would any general information.