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Need reassurance of symptoms:IBS, GERD, gastritis, sm hiatal hernia
Over the last 6 years I have been diagnosed with mild gastritis, sm haital hernia & possibly SIBO. Also GERD & IBS diagnosed 20 yr ago. (I was also diagnosed with lung issues of Bronchiectasis and nontuberculosis mycobacterium infection after coughing up blood - during the same time period 6 yrs ago). But my worst symptoms disrupting my life are from my gut. Meds: have been on & off PPIs for more than 20 years (try to stay off completely, but hasn't seemed possible), famotidine when not on PPI, and tried most every functional med & holistic remedy.
I have a very limited, mostly FODMP diet, fresh veggies, some fruit, nothing processed, no dairy but hard cheese, no gluten, limited grains (translate: boring 😆). I exercise regularly & am quite thin. ALL tests (blood work, endoscopy, colonoscopy, heart, etc. are "normal" other than what I listed and some benign stomach polyps).
But frequently I get horrible upper gut pains (in center right below sternum) and to left under lower ribs. Bloated (I guess that's what it is-extreme pressure in upper stomach making me short of breath even), horrible nausea, unable to eat, pooping 5-6 times a day, chest pressure/pain, exhausted, sweating, horrible gut noises top to bottom. It can wake me in the night with gut pains & leg tremors. It can go on for 1 or 2 days (the best), or has been up to 2 weeks or more at times. I describe it as feeling like I ate something that has poisoned me! It is usually a day or so later, so I'm never sure if it is something in particular I ate. When I feel like this it gives me anxiety (which I don't have at any other time), which I know compounds the issue. I never know when it is going to hit or why, so that is stressful too. When this is not happening however, I can feel almost like I am a normal person.
MY QUESTION: Can foods that might trigger my IBS/GERD/hernia really make me feel this awful? They make IBS sound so benign, but this is absolutely miserable and completely makes me non-functional when it is happening and I know it sounds dramatic, but I feel like I am dying. I keep thinking it MUST be something else to make me feel sooooo bad. And why can I feel almost normal at times? Could you please share your experiences with IBS/GERD/Hiatal Hernia/Gastritis/SIBO so I can get some perspective on this?
Thank you so much!!
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I have the same. Feel crappy on a good day. Nauseated all the time. Grateful to have poops most days with Amitiza. I have IBS C. Anything u take for gas and bloating. I too have been on and off PPI.
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1 ReactionHi, new to this whole format. Been reading your stories and can't believe there are so many of us suffering with these issues. I've had a sensitive digestive system most of my life. The last 20 years in and out of doctors offices, tests, meds I know are bad for me but I've been forced to take them. Sometimes they help. I even had a hiatal hernia repair along with a Nissan Fundiplication 2 years ago all to no avail. Can't remember the last time I laid flat in a bed or didn't have chest pain, gut pain, Bloating and wicked gas! I'm so sick GERD and feeling sick. I too exercise, don't drink or smoke or do drugs and am considered in good shape. Well at least on the outside I can fake it, my insides suck! I have sores in my mouth and a coated tongue again from a dry mouth at night. Yes I wear a strap to keep my mouth closed but it's still like the Sahara desert in there. Have a doctor's appointment in a couple of weeks and will be asking if it's possible I may have Sjogrens syndrome. Seems lack of saliva can maybe be causing some of this. I'm desperate to find a reason. Thanks for letting me vent.
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1 ReactionI have or have had all except IBS.
I took or take the following:
1. SIBO - antibiotic treatment from GERD doctor.
2. Pain, nausea upper quadrant- gallbladder surgery
3. Bloating/constipation- Atrantil, Gas-X, probiotics
4. GERD - PPI 40 mg. Also sleep with wedge
5. Chest discomfort/swallow- diagnosed with presbyesophagus. It's a hypomotility contraction issue - take 20 mg of amitriptyline at night. Doing alot better including GERD.
6. Dry eyes, mouth, & nose - Tested positive for COVID and has made everything worse. Being tested for Sjogren's. I was already on Cequa, warm compressions. and moisturizing eye drops on a daily basis
Wow! your problems are much more severe than mine. I have been treated for SIBI, Candida and excess histamine growth although none of the providers I have seen - mostly functional medicine types- have come up with a clear Dx. My itching is generally confined to my scalp and forehead. I had to give up booze because it made me itch really bad. Two weeks ago the APRN was seeing told me that she had no idea where my itching came from. I only know that my diet of oatmeal and blueberries for breakfast, eggs, egg whites and toast for lunch, a protean shake mid afternoon and some kind of chicken and veggies for dinner helps me from going nuts.
Another person who contacted me suggested taking the True Test Patch Test. Expensive- $1500- though mostly covered by insurance. It takes 5 full days with patches placed over the entire back torso for 5 days. After the test his eczema (three different types) has been in remission for five years and his Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia disappeared without treatment over 15 years ago without explanation or any treatment or change of diet. Also recommended the Yeast Connection handbook by Dr. Crook resulting in he's eliminated dozens of positive contact allergens. I am going to try the TTPT. Good luck.
Take care 💅