Do you know of an uncommon stomach/digestive disease??

Hi again -
I totally get it. My stomach can do back flips when I'm stressed or have not eaten correctly. At times, I hardly eat, so when I do eat, my stomach is not ready or used to digesting the foods. And if you want to loose weight, that can play a big factor. My sister lost a baby when she was 8 months pregnant. I don't know what that feels like or can even fathom what my emotions would be, but my sister has 3 beautiful children - sounds like you do too! Ease up on yourself, take your time about the weight, enjoy this time. I only, once in a while, take pills for bloating, gas and digestive problems (over the counter). Maybe you should go to a gasterlogist - I did that too! That's how I ended up with the colonoscopy. But, I'm thinking, you might have a stomach like me. I do much better when I eat consistant meals - even if it's light meals throughout the day. When I hold back food (because I'm too busy, or eat too much the night before), I end up with an upset stomach. I put much pressure on myself to look perfect, and I end up paying the price. I hope this helps - keep me updated! Thanks!

Hi, Yankmum,

Have you ever noticed any pattern at all about when you get the stomach pains? Johannes' idea about a food and pain diary might be a brilliant idea for you. I wonder if any particular times of day, events, food (or lack of it) are contributing to your pain. And I am wondering if it is more prevalent at certain times in your monthly cycle?

Are there ever any other symptoms that accompany your pain? For instance, do you ever have problems with constipation or diarhhea?

My doctor did mention he thought it all could be stressed induced. My third baby was stillborn 2 years ago. Pretty stress-inducing! But he said he would have expected things to calm down by now and the pain really only started last year, after my (4th) baby was born (happy and healthy!)

I've tried pills that help with bloating/gas, but while they help me not feel bloated, they have no effect on the pain.

But thanks anyways!!!

Hi again!
Do you think it could be nerves or stress? I know when I get stressed, my stomach goes crazy, especially when I eat. I just started a new job and had to take bloating/gas pills for 2 weeks. Maybe if you keep a daily log of everything you eat, along with the time of day you eat and time of day you have digestive problems, you can figure this out. If I think of anything else, I'll write back. I'll cross my fingers!

Thank you both so much for a speedy answer (I've never tried one of these forums...but I'm sort of at my wits end!)

I forgot to mention that I HAVE been tested for both Celiac's and Chron's. Maybe I should add poor memory to my list of symptoms! lol

Let's see what else I forgot to mention- I've had a normal abdo ultrasound and normal bloods (don't know what they tesed for.) I do not have gallstones as I've already had my gallbladder out (8 yrs ago.) I've done some breath test to check for bacteria (helio- something) and that was negative too. I'm only 30, so I hope it's NOT just a case of my body getting older.

Hi yankmumof4 - Joannes brings up a good point in mentioning celiac disease, which can cause major digestive issues. This is far more than removing wheat products from one's diet. It's is an autoimmune disease of the digestive tract. With Celiac, eating food with gluten damages little protrusions in the small intestine. These protrusions, called villi, absorb nutrients from foods. The condition affects absorption of all nutrients. Untreated patients often become malnourished.

You may want to explore whether celiac disease is causing your health issues. Good luck to you! Pat
In Adults

* Bloating
* Gas
* Diarrhea
* Foul-smelling, light-colored, oily stool
* Weight loss
* Hearty or a poor appetite
* Fatigue
* Abdominal pain
* Bone pain
* Behavior changes
* Muscle cramps and joint pain
* Seizures
* Dizziness
* Skin rash
* Dental problems
* Missed menstrual periods
* Infertility
* Altered sensation in the limbs
* Anemia
* Osteopenia

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. It may take a long time to get a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of complications.

Tests may include:

* Blood tests—to detect the presence of gluten antibodies (produced by the immune system) and look for evidence of malabsorption (anemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies)
* Stool tests—to check for evidence of malabsorption
* Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the intestine
* Biopsy —removal of a small sample of tissue during endoscopy to test for inflammation and tissue damage
* Repeat biopsy—a biopsy performed several weeks after treatment begins to confirm the diagnosis

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing celiac disease because the cause is not understood. If celiac disease runs in your family, ask your doctor about a screening test. The earlier you start the gluten-free diet, the less damage there will be to the intestine.

Treatment

A life-long, gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. Fortunately, it is very effective. Symptoms usually go away within days of starting the diet. Healing of the villi may take months or years. Additional intake of gluten can damage the intestine, even if you have no symptoms. Delayed growth and tooth discoloration may be permanent. Nutritional supplements, given through a vein, may be needed if the intestinal damage is significant and does not heal. Since gluten is added to many foods, the diet can be complicated and often frustrating. Some patients find support groups helpful.

Dietary Changes

You must avoid all foods containing:

* Wheat
* Rye
* Barley

This includes most bread, pasta, cereal, and processed foods. Special gluten-free breads and pastas are available. They are made with potato, rice, soy, or bean flour. Patients who are lactose intolerant before their small intestine heals need to avoid milk products. A dietitian can assist you with meal planning.

Gluten is found in some unexpected foods and beverages. Carefully read all labels. Other foods with gluten include:

* Flavored coffee
* Beer
* Tuna in vegetable broth
* Packaged rice mixes
* Some frozen potatoes
* Creamed vegetables
* Commercially prepared vegetables, salads, and salad dressings
* Pudding
* Some ice cream
* Many other products

Ordering at restaurants can be especially challenging, since many foods on the menu may surprisingly contain gluten.
Screening and Supplements

Patients with celiac disease should be tested for nutritional deficiencies. Bone density testing may also be needed. If vitamin or mineral deficiencies are found, the doctor may recommend taking supplements. Once the disease is under control with a gluten-free diet, however, this is often not necessary.

Hi -
I work with a woman who has Celiac Disease. She went to her doctor numerous times and with no success. Her stomach was mess (would blow up like a balloon) along with her digestive system, no energy to the point she couldn't get out of bed, and her muscles were so tight she got cortzone injections. In the end, she ended up in the hospital. She and her husband did research and insisted that she be tested for Celiac Disease. Her doctor somewhat resisted, but she was tested and found positive. She is also glucose intolerant. I have had problems in the past with my stomach and digestive issues. I went to my OBGYN and had an ultrasound, sonogram and then a colonoscopy. At one point, I did end up in the emergency room with a CT scan. My doctor was looking for female issues instead of digestive issues. Overall - I didn't have much success. Also, my brother-in-law had problems with his stomach/digestion - his doctor told him he was just getting older (early 40's). My sister researched and found he is glucose intolerant. I think our bodies are constantly changing, especially after having children. Please keep updating and good luck!