Malabsorption

[joeblogs1]

Hello,

I wanted to know if anyone has a good knowledge of malabsorption disorders. I have had bowel problems and chronic flatulence for nearly seven years now, but i stopped eating fatty foods recently and saw a massive reduction in my symptoms. I think this is beacause it's malabsorption. I also had a blood test done recently that showed low floate levels, low calcium and low albumin. I think these are fairly typical of malabasorption, but the gasteroentorologist i saw seems to think my flatulence is caused by swallowing too much air. Its not.  Any advice from someone who is knowledgable in this area would apprciated. I don't think its coeliac, pancreatic insuffciency or lactose intolerance.

thanks in advance

[patient915]

Yes, there are other types of malabsoptions.  I would recommend finding a doctor who is willing to look further to figure out what is going on.

[joeblogs1]

also, thank you for your reply. your advise is greatly apprciated.

[joeblogs1]

I'm not sure how low my albumin is, the docotor just said it was low. I don't think it lactose as i've tried elimating it from my diet. What in did find really helpful was eleimating fatty foods. since making this change my flatulence has been confined much more to the evening, which has drastically improved my life. I wouldn't even get on a bus before that.
Before the blood test i said i thought it was malabsoprtion. I now feel pretty certain, i just wish i could find out whats causing it. Also, i pointed out to the doctor that my legs have bowed (he agreed) and i think this is related. I believe it's called osteomalcia and is often found with malabsoprtion. Having said that my vit d levels where normal.
to answer your other question my celiac test came back normal, but the doctor said he wanted to repeat it. If its not celiac or lactose do i have any options. I get the impression the doctor is reluctent to do any in depth testing.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  It could be a malabsorption problem.  How low is your low albumin?  Have you been tested for celiac disease?  Have you tried eliminating all lactose from your diet?