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Constant Stomach Indigestion
Hello All,
I have been experiencing stomach issues for a couple of years now. They kind of started out slow but have gotten worse a little over year ago. My symptoms include indigestion after eating or drink just about anything. I have moderate to severe bloating and gas that slowly is released from the top
and bottom after every meal or snack. Portion size does seem to make it worse but even small portions produce discomfort. I've also noticed high fat or starchy foods seem to be worse. For example peperoni pizza is really bad. It seems as though my digestive system has severly slowed down and my body does not produce enough enzymes in the stomach to break down food. I also have pretty severe constipation. I've been to several doctors and had an upper gi and a colonoscopy. Both came back with no issues and appear healthy. Recently a gastro doc has told me I may have IBS. I was told to over the counter laxatives and stool softener which have helped but not much. They seem to be treating the symptoms not the cause which I believe is in my stomach. I have an appointment in 2 weeks. I'm hoping they can do some kind of test on my intestines to see if there is maybe an infection. Anybody experience any thing similar?
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Welcome back to Mayo Clinic Connect, @jack10525.
I am sorry you are having these continued symptoms with no relief or explanation. I am hoping that @kidprodigy, @metonya, and @riflemanz64 can add some thoughts and experiences to this conversation as well.
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Symptoms, Causes, Diet, and ... : https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/indigestion-overview#1
Mayo Clinic Podcast - Irritable Bowel Syndrome: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/irritable-bowel-syndrome-1/
You might be interested in this discussion as well. Your experiences with IBS: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-experiences-with-ibs-mixed-i-feel-sick-and-alone-in-this/
Jack, Have you asked them about providing a stool sample to test for H Pylori?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/symptoms-causes/syc-20356171
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-right-diagnosis/?utm_campaign=search
Based on your description of the symptoms which are similar to mine, I believe there's a strong chance you have an H. Pylori infection in your stomach/duodenum.
To confirm it you'll need to ask your doctor to order a BreathTek urea breath test (UBT) which is readily available at any LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics testing site. If you decide to get tested, make sure you abstain from Pepto Bismol and antibiotics for 4 weeks and avoid proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for 2 weeks prior or you run the risk of getting a false negative result!
The UBT is now considered the gold standard for H. Pylori diagnosis since it has a higher sensitivity and specificity than the stool antigen test and the antibody blood test is no longer recommended.
I was getting indigestion really bad at night from my diet and H Pylori, and a bleeding ulcer. Get checked for a H pylori infection and then change your diet to a healthy one. No Booze, Soda, Spicy foods. No Mexican food, no Italian, No Fried fatty foods. Drink lots of water. Drink low acid coffee if you must. Eat a high fiber diet with lots of vegetables. See if that helps. No eating 3 hrs before bed.