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Digestive issues
I started having digestive issues last fall. By December I was told I had bilary dyskenisa and had my gallbladder removed.
That did not fix my problems.
I sometimes have traditional heartburn but mostly I have sour stomach and stomach pain mostly middle immediately below sternum and to the left. Increases after eating. I often feel like food did not make it into my stomach. Like it's stuck down there.
I will get this weird fast quiver like spasm deep inside. I can feel it with my hand I push down and so can my husband and it goes on for hours at a time. Anyone have that before? It's very strange but something inside is not working properly. I also have postprandial hypotension and intermittent difficulty swallowing.
My blood tests show slightly elevated liver enzymes but doc said they are not dangerously high. My stool is frequently bright yellow and liquid:(
Also I cannot seem to get a straight answer but do those of you with experience with ulcers did it cause excessive burping?
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Look at it this way, it can’t hurt! One of my close friends has IBS-D and she has discovered her triggers using the FODMAP approach. I follow an IBS-C diet that makes things like beans, whole grains, lactose based milks forbidden. All have helped some symptoms. I need to follow a bit closer. And be extra careful (that shake of the parmesan bottle over pasta is not a great idea.) give it a shot and let us know how it works!
I had 40 yrs of horrendous IBS. I tried many remedirs, prescriptions, diets and other "cures"....none of them helped . I reluctantly decided to try the Monash FODMAP approach. Within a month my symptms improved 75%%. I have remained on this approach ever since. That was 5 yeats ago.
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5 ReactionsTake a look at the Monash University FODMAP diet App.
The FODMAP diet worked for me but you need to be careful as it can be hard to get enough to eat . Need to plan your shop and meals and then gradually add things back into your diet to rule out things that may be causing problems so you can feel a bit more freedom. I lost too much weight and got anxious trying to measure and prepare food. It’s easier to take out the main culprits first and see how you react. There are a couple of very good apps and a dietician visit is worthwhile.
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3 ReactionsI suffered with IBS for years, and finally at age 67 felt the need to go through a comprehensive battery of tests with my Gastroenterologist. Based on the results, he was able to rule out most of the usual suspects, which all came back negative. However, he suspected that I possibly had SIBO, and treated me for it with antibiotics. I had noticed that before all the tests, that one of my biggest triggers for GI distress was white wine. I also seemed to have an allergy to beer. After even one beer, which I drank rarely, I would get hives, and after one or two glasses of white wine, it would trigger painful cramps and diarrhea. I had regularly been drinking white wine exclusively prior to all the tests. No other alcoholic beverages. So after the SIBO treatment, I completely eliminated white wine. I watched for a few months to see if any other foods caused me problems and didn't find any. So I reintroduced red wine after a bit, which I really had enjoyed with dinner. In two years now I have never had an episode of the crampy IBS and only very rarely have loose stools, usually my stools are now perfectly normal.
My Gastroenterologist told me that white wine was very acidic, and it had likely screwed up the healthy flora in my small intestine. The red wine, in moderation, does not seem to be doing this at all, and possibly the resveratrol which is found in red wine may be the reason why, and may actually be providing some benefits.
Anyway, hope this helps. We all have to figure out what our triggers/allergies/sensitivities are, and if we have SIBO, it is possible to recover and maintain a healthy gut with a little due diligence.
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3 ReactionsHi everybody. Thank you all for your replies. They are really helpful.
I already started low FODMAP diet yesterday ( Wednesday)..I was actually planning to start next week but after having terrible gas and cramps and sone painful diarrhea over the last few days, I decided to start immediately and to not wait.
I got some resources and did some (studying) on the subject and I think I will be able to manage the first weeks , even with some difficulties. The worst part about this diet is the very limited options regarding fruits as I love fruits and most of the summer fruits are not allowed on the first stage.
I also need to lose weight (15 kg at least) so I need to adjust low FODMAP diet to this goal ( I wish to reach a healthy weight before I turn 40 in a few months).
I have some confusion about some types of food l, listed as low FODMAP in some websites and as high in others. I didn't get the Monash university app as I am not in the US and the method of payment is not accepted from here. I will be on the cautious side anyway.
If anyone has something to add please do
Thans again
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1 ReactionPatience is key! Try the elimination phase for at least 2 was to a month and see if you feel better( or what is recommended)
Then you can go to the next phase.
I think it helps
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2 ReactionsFodmap saved me…took the second GI doc to do the tests all in two weeks to see what issues were. First GI didn’t test for anything, dairy, gluten, SIBO etc…second GI found SIBO was the culprit. Had all of your digestive issues, but the worst was the abdominal swelling, about an hour after a meal. Lasted for hours. Until the next meal. I am fit and not overweight. (8 months pregnant in 90 minutes 🤣)
The fodmap diet is challenging, but doable. Get creative with proper foods. Carry your phone everywhere and check if something you want to buy or eat is low Fodmap.
It was recommended that I follow diet for 4 months, although I have read that 3 months is ok. I did 4 months because I wasn’t taking any chances…then slowly add other foods in small doses.
Buying inexpensive Fodmap cookbooks online can give you some ideas, and then work off of them.
My husband never complained, as kosher salt can make almost anything taste good! And he didn’t have to cook it. Over and over and over…
Turns out that SIBO swelling caused several hernias that had to be surgically repaired, so if you suspect you have SIBO, take it seriously.
3 years later, I am still somewhat careful, ( eat pretty much what I want, but careful with the worst foods) as I don’t want to repeat any of this process, but all is good!
I can give you a few simple, tasty recipes if you decide to commit.
It is definitely a commitment to heal… no cheating-the SIBO love cheaters!!
Best…
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7 ReactionsIt was the best advice my Gastro gave to me. It worked beautifully. I was very strict and followed the guidelines.
My best to you. It is worth trying.
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4 ReactionsI have battled Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS) for years with the same symptoms you listed. Sometimes I still have very bad flare ups several times a year and I'm not sure why but.....taking a Probiotic has helped ( I had to try several to find the right one for me) and I do not eat gassy foods like beans or cabbage ( I can eat broccoli though!). Also I avoid extremely high fiber foods ( I tried fiber pills once and I thought I was going to die of stomach bloating and pains).
Good luck to you!!
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1 ReactionThe Fodmap diet is a wonderful tool to help cure SIBO. Miserable disease, as you know. I was diagnosed with breathing test.
Don’t cheat, seriously stick to the plan, then slowly add other foods. Try to avoid sugar items, and foods that turn to sugar when digested. It was recommended for 4 months, although I have heard 3 months was ok. I wasn’t taking any chances…
It worked beautifully, but I am still somewhat careful with my diet. I think that a proper diagnosis is essential if possible.
Good luck!