GAS RIBCAGE PAIN IBS BLOATING - Bowel Disorders Message Board

LieutenantFrost · 10-06-2003, 02:33 PM

My Main problem seems to be caused by the tremendous amount of gas my body is producing, wait.. don't laugh. Im 24 now and was 22 with it started. I'd never suffered with it in my life before but I've had this problem going on two full years now, the pain usually starts in my stomach, just behind my second last rib on my right side and has a stinging or burning sensation which I first assumed was an ulcer. I feel bloated constantly, I have serious belching episodes that occur weather I ingest food or not, which I can only liken to drinking 2 or 3 cans of soda without taking a breath, These are often proceeded by large amount of grumbling noise from my stomach, the pain that corresponds with this I can only describe as the feeling of being incredibly hungry and the dull ache down inside that such feelings bring. Eating does seem to relieve the ache or stinging but does nothing for the gas or pain as it moves thru my digestive system. The worst part is that the gas and air that my system produces moves both ways, and my system is producing so much of it that it creates incredible feelings of pressure along my lower abdomen which mimics the symptoms of IBS, and is only relieved by either passing gas or a bowel movement.

I've had, bloodwork, stool culture and urinalysis done, barium x-ray and ultrasound all of which came back clear. One of my dr's suggested my problem was stress related but I have zero stress in my life currently and the problem is constant weather Im relaxed or not.

I've moderated my diet sufficiently in the last two years, screening out dairy, bread, sugar, and red meat, I even eat very little chicken, and have tried to switch almost completely over to vegetarian cuisine. None of this has had any real effect. I've researched this extensively and can find no ibs sufferers who complain of the serious gas problems I seem to be suffering from. It is not GERD or heartburn related as I have no food reflux from my meals or burning in my chest after eating.

Two days ago I came across a post of a study done in India about fluoride poisoning, and how those who suffer from it have symptoms that very much match my own and are often mis-diagnosed as having IBS, because western dr's have no experience with this condition. what Im wondering is if anyone knows anything about this,has experienced anything similar or has any ideas of further tests I could go for or try?

This has essentially crippled my life, any advise or assistance would be much appreciated.

thanks

Harry · 10-06-2003, 10:32 PM

Most gas in the stomach is not the result of eating but swallowing air just in the natrual process of swallowing saliva.

The esophagus is a very unusual muscle --- when you swallow the upper sphincter closes and food/ drink or saliva ripples down 9 1/2 inches to your stomach where another sphincter opens to let the contents enter. Unfortunately both sphincter are not air tight and every time you swallow this action takes place -- air can enter the stomach causing trapped GAS.

Alot of people just belch the air up but it can pass both ways.
The gas that goes lower can cause bloating in the intestines.

Another possibility is that your intestinal bacteria is out of balance and needs to be re-balanced. You can use a probiotic supplement or eat a good brand of yogurt to re-colonize your friendly bacteria. When the bacteria is out of balance or you have an over growth like a yeast infection--- it really messes up your digestion producing gas. This type gas is usually smeelly.

I wish you well---Harry

LieutenantFrost · 10-07-2003, 10:37 AM

Unfortunately I've already tried to re-balence my friendly bacteria using pro-biotics, the yogert and the capusle form both have had no real effect.

Harry · 10-07-2003, 10:59 AM

As you may know alot of times the esophagus does not function well because of lack of magnesium & calcium in the diet.

If you are not taking a supplement --you may want to try taking one along with an A&D supplement. The D for calcium absorption an the A for mucus membranes.

Since you have tried diet changes and the test haven't come up with anything wrong --- it's got'a be caused by something they are just not testing for--- and they sure don't test for vitamin/ mineral defiencies.
God Bless--- Harry