I'm new here, and need help
#141717 - 01/23/05 08:41 PM
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Hi,
Sorry if this is the wrong place to post, I just wasn't sure where to begin for Q and A. Well, I'm 27 years old and I have been dealing with digestive problems for about three years or so. I had sonograms done and even seen a gastrointerologist, who diagnosed me with IBS, but didn't perform tests. He prescribed Zelnorm which I took for months but found the affects to be the same as a laxative, but more expensive. My problem isn't sudden urges to use the bathroom, it's more bloating and uncomfortable pain in the lower left part of my abdomen near my pelvic bone. And whenever I get suddenly nervous there's like one particular area there that immediately flares up causing exteme gas. The gas or air just moves around but never moves out! I often have to massage the area with hard pressure to make it physically move. Could this be something other than IBS? Ulcer maybe? I've done tons of research online and seen doctors but I just can't pin point the problem. Please can anyone give me any advice? I have increased my intake of fiber and also included Metamucil on a regular basis. I have this bloated gassy feeling almost instantly everytime I eat no matter what it is, and I just don't think that is normal. I also don't think it's safe to take too much over the counter meds for a long time, and I have tried it all including natural things from health food stores. Can anyone help? Thanks. 
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Welcome!
#141719 - 01/23/05 08:53 PM
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atomic rose
Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
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First of all, yes, it can be IBS. IBS has a wide range of symptoms, and you can definitely have bloating and gas as your predominant symptoms. But if you haven't had all the tests, and your symptoms are persisting, you really should have the tests done, to rule out things like celiac. Be insistent with your gastro, or seek out a second opinion.
Second, I'm not sure what you mean by "fiber", but if you're talking things like raw vegetables and bran - the things doctors typically tell you to eat - you're definitely doing more harm than good. Those are insoluble fiber foods, very necessary in our diets, but also hard to digest... your diet should be based on soluble fiber, things like pasta, white bread, potatoes, and rice. Eating foods like that makes eating vegetables a whole lot easier and less painful.  You can read more about the diet here.
Third, you're actually on the right track by using Metamucil. Heather recommends a soluble fiber supplement such as that, and many of us have found that taking 12-15g a day is very helpful in stabilizing our insides. But it could be that Metamucil isn't the one for you - it's notoriously gassy. Heather's acacia is much gentler, and Benefiber, I've heard, is a good one too.
Finally, welcome to the boards! Don't be afraid to jump right in with questions - we love to help!
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Welcome and I think you got the answer above as well as I could have written it=- I spent years getting worse following doctors advice because they weren't putting me on the right diet...
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Dietetics Student (anticipating RD exam in Aug 2010)
IBS - A
Dairy Allergic
Fructose and MSG intollerant
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Re: Welcome!
#141861 - 01/24/05 09:20 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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I think Casey answered most of your questions.
However, it is very important that you get properly tested. It does sound like IBS, but you should have a colonoscopy.
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A couple of years ago I was suffering with the same gas problem. I would have a pocket of gas that would 'bang' around my stomach and sometimes it was loud. My gastrointerologist put me on Pentasa and it went away immediately! There is a name for the gas that does that .... I am sorry...all that I can remember is that it starts with a 'b'.
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Here Here, and Welcome to the Boards!
Lene
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God never promised life would be easy, but he did promise to provide a way out!
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