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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
PLEASE HELP - PAIN IS DRAINING
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D. Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

PLEASE HELP - PAIN IS DRAINING

by allicat2002, Mar 10, 2004 12:00AM
I am really starting to reach my limit here.  I am 28 and have been suffering with stomach/digestive problems my entire life.  I have always been constipated, able to go literally weeks without passing a stool, severe gas pains and unable to pass gass at all (no matter how hard I try which causes hemroids).  I have been through several tests and ultrasounds (everytime I have an ultrasound the x-ray tech complains b/c they can't see the organs through all the gas!).  I had the "egg test" and doc said I have a very slow digestive system.  Been told I have a slushy gallbladder and fatty liver.  Very high cholestoral (but very low triglicerides, high good chol).  I'm 5'1", 102 so not overweight.  Watch fat intake religiously, eat high fiber, stay away from any carbonation and yet still the pain continues, I'm doubled over with it.  Lately pain is mostly lower abdomindal with severly bloated stomach and specific really sore spots around left side but in past the pain has been higher, under ribs, lower, starting in back, starting in side, basically all over the place (except never heartburn, don't really get that) Been hospitalized several times, only relief on those times is severe vomitting to relieve the pain.  Always have elevated white blood cells at hospital.  last time had pain but not hospitalized was last week, started while at client's office (i'm an attorney) and wanted to cry, has lasted all week and into this week.  I feel like i'm popping gas pills constantly.  This is ruining my life and I can't take it anymore.  I get so frustrated because everytime I go to the docs, they start tests, come back with the comments above but no solutions, no real diagnosis, no causes, and nothing seems to solve the problem.  It isn't funny hearing the x-ray people joke about my gas and yet not find the problem.  Can anyone help???
Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 13, 2004 12:00AM
There are a variety of reasons for increased gas and bloating.  This can include dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption, or gallbladder disease just to name a few.  



Here are some specific tests that your physician can consider to work up and GI diseases that can increase the amount of gas in the digestive system:



* Examination of stool to detect the presence of blood, abnormally increased levels of fat (steatorrhea), or the presence of Giardia lamblia.



* A lactose tolerance test, during which patients are provided with a test dose of lactose by mouth. After receiving the test dose, those with lactose intolerance may soon develop abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and excessive flatulence. Breath or blood samples are obtained during the test to confirm the presence of lactose intolerance.



* X-ray examination of the small intestine.



* Upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy (in which the inside of the stomach, upper intestines or colon are examined via a tube with a camera at the end).



* Antibody tests for celiac disease.



If all the tests are negative, irritable bowel disease should be considered and treatment optimized.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.



Bibliography:

Goldfinger.  Patient information: Gas and bloating.  UptoDate, 2004.

Member Comments (10)

by yoshi, Mar 10, 2004 12:00AM
you said the gas is coming from lower abominal area etc etc.

this is coming from the feces fermenting and creating gas,you need to find a way to move your bowel.

if you are taking acid reflux medication,the chemicals in the medicine could have interact with the content in your lower intestine and creat gas (the reason i suspect this is because no one moves their bowel every time they eat,it is not unusual not to have daily bowel movement,but it does not mean feces will ferment and create severe gas problem,so what changes??may be it is the acid reflux medicatiion??)

just my own observation/

by allicat2002, Mar 11, 2004 12:00AM
To: Everyone/Yoshi
thank you for your response.  I do not take acid reflux meds because don't really have heartburn.  If I take anything it is gas reducer meds with no acid reflux additives.  Also, a little revision to original comment:



1) I was not diagnosed with fatty liver but at one point (can't remember when now) the doc, after doing blood work, did mention something about my liver enzymes and something about not breaking down fat well.  It is all vague in my head now.



2)  the tests I can remember having are: ultrasounds, pelvic ultrasound, kidney x-ray, egg test, blood work.  (I have had millions of ultrasounds).  I think that's it but mind you this has been going on for years and years.



Thanks again!

by yoshi, Mar 11, 2004 12:00AM
folks who suffer from acid reflux problem watch their diet and avoid fatty food,chocolate,peppermint,caffeine,softdrink,peppermint,spicy food,nuts and dairy food.

you said you dont have problem with acid reflux but your liver cant handle fatty food,so what happens to the fatty food once it enter your body??

has anyone suggested you go see a gastro doctor and get endoscopy and colonscopy .

what if part of your large colon is obstructed with polyps or restricted narrow passage and make it difficult for matter to pass thru?? a colonscopy will reveal if this is the problem.

good luck.

so how are you moving your bowel now,you said high fiber is not effective??

by allicat2002, Mar 11, 2004 12:00AM
To: Yoshi
Thank you very much for your insights!  Yes, I watch what I eat very carefully for the reasons you listed.  In the past I never had heartburn but I used to have the intense stomach/gas pains throughout (starting in high abdomen and going lower).  That still happens but more often it is mainly in the mid and lower abdomen.  What happens is, I have almost contstant gas and pains, pretty much anything can set