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← Return to Vagus Nerve: What helped you?
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About 35 years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS as well as Hiatal Hernia (Gerd). I also have lots of abdominal adhesions. I don't take any prescribed medications for either, and have been fortunate enough to manage my symptoms (bloating, slow moving food through intestines, diarrhea, constipation (sometimes in the same day), and left sided abdominal pain). I use diet, quiet meditation, and conscious elimination of any stress that I am able to. I am dairy and gluten-free for the most part. I have eliminated red meat from my diet, and now only eat well-cooked vegetables, chicken, fish, some fruit, and salads. I try to eat smaller meals slowly and chew well. I have recently found a method of manually manipulating my stomach while lying down, (slowly pressing down from just under the ribs on the left side, several times, moving toward my belly button) when I have discomfort. This helps me... My guess is that when my stomach goes up into my chest cavity, it presses on the Vagus nerve, and causes discomfort accompanied by shortness of breath. I just thought I'd throw this out there, My doctor looked at me kinda strangely when I told him. But hey, we are our own best advocates and I would try a non-invasive measure before any kind of surgery!
Replies to "About 35 years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS as well as Hiatal Hernia (Gerd). I..."
I do a lot of what you do for your symptoms…. I had two hiatal hernia surgeries & the last one is why I have the Vegas nerve problems…. 50% of my stomach was in my esophagus….Ouch…. Gasx & Rx Zofran helps me along with light eating or grazing throughout my day with no eating after 7pm. Only drinking after meals not before or during…. My biggest help is walking after eating to help move things along….. When we go out to eat I walk in the parking lot while my husband finishes up & pays for dinner etc. or at home I walk around in our home or I get on my treadmill….. I have a bigger problem with bloating etc if I don’t walk right after eating, because sometimes I’m just lazy & then I pay for it in much discomfort ☹️ Prayers For Comfort….
That’s also called Mayan Abdominal massage . I use it daily / but esp at night . I was taught by a massage therapist who specializes in that in NC .
I deep wet Belch over 2000 x a day and have 7 Chronic Gastro disorders last 9 years. It’s hell ., but I’ve tried everything. Next stop Functional Medicine Dr.
In Jan .
Right now I'm trying Lectin Defense
On the bottle it says , Intestinal Health Support.
It says Blocks Interfering Dietary Lectins
Reduces Gas Supports Intestinal Aids Against
And Bloating And Digestive Health Food Cravings
It is by / GoBiotix
I did a search one day why does my body not digest my food. I bought mine on Amazon. There are many out there, this one I keep going back to.
I seems to be about Lectins.
I have been like this all my life. The doctors have tried me on everything.
Hope maybe this will help you.
I get some of those same symptoms. I have had 2 fundo hiatal hernia surgery as well. Kudos to you for doing it naturally.
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Hello @mary6756 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I read with interest your post on managing symptoms of IBS and abdominal pain. You mentioned having adhesions. From that comment, I'm guessing that you have had abdominal surgery. I have had three surgeries for carcinoid cancer in the upper digestive tract and have similar problems of IBS, constipation and abdominal pain.
It was interesting that you mentioned the massage just under the ribs. I've had a consult with a pelvic floor therapist who promoted this same technique. She recommended massage starting on one side of the abdomen and working across (under the ribs) in a similar manner that you described and then down the other side of the abdomen. I've also found this very helpful in creating peristalsis. The doctor you saw, who looked at you strangely when you described this technique, must not be familiar with pelvic floor therapy techniques.
Smaller meals, chewing well and eating slowly are all very helpful. Your diet sounds like something that would help most people with these types of digestive tract problems.
Have you had pelvic floor therapy, or did you learn these techniques on your own?