I'm wondering if I'm experiencing IBS or celiac disease. For several years, I've had a very spastic gallbladder, but all the tests have shown nothing abnormal (at least by my doctor's interpretation). If I bend over or put any pressure on that area, my liver or gallbladder will go into an extreme muscle spasm/cramp that only subsides if I push down and gently move it back into place. I know that sounds weird (totally discounted by my dr), but I know of at least one other person who has the same experience. This began after my second pregnancy, which ended in an emergency C-section.
My stomach area has become much more tender and raw over time, so that now, all around my ribcage is tender to the touch and prone to spasms or cramps. This past week, I began having leg cramps and then cramps throughout my stomach/ribcage/intestines/belly. It got much worse yesterday on an airplane, coming in for a landing through turbulence, which made me throw up (sorry!). The additional pressure from leaning over then created a series of spasms/cramps throughout my entire midriff, which added to the pain and misery. Reading today about IBS, it seems like that may be it, but could there be more to the story? I'm currently taking Armour for low thyroid and progesterone, but no other medications. I eat a fairly "normal" diet but am overweight. I would appreciate any input! If it is IBS, what is the solution? Better found through dietary change than doctor care? What about celiac disease? Any doctor recommendations for either issue? TIA.
All I can say is... get a second (or third, if necessary) opinion! If your doctor's tests don't show anything abnormal, find another doctor. You clearly are suffering with some sort of issue, and you shouldn't have to, so find a doctor who can find out what your digestive issues are. Good luck!
It could be many things. You could have food allergies. You would probably benefit from a probiotic, which I would be happy to recommend.
Whenever I fly in an airplane I must be very careful what I eat. If you are prone to indigestion, the high altitude will make it worse, etc... You certainly could have IBS. I don't know what type of doctor you have consulted , but it appears to me you need at least a second opinion. Consider a digestive health specialist, possibly having a colonoscopy, or possibly visiting an allergist, or both. Have you discussed this with your OB-Gyn?
You need a diagnosis you can believe in. Then you can decide whether to take meds and or try alternative solutions. I have a great weight loss program if you are interested in that, but.... I really think you need a diagnosis. If it is the gallbladder then you should be on a restricted diet, and if you don't do that I believe it is likely to get worse.
Hang in there S.!
P.
Hello, I have suffered with stomach issues, reflux etc for over 30 years. I have had the reflux surgery etc. I have been through many tests, my gallbladder was removed in 2002. I have IBS and colitis too. My suggestion is first get an appt with a Gastroentrologist to run some tests on the gallbladder area. Before my gallbladder was removed I felt like someone punched me in the stomach and an elephant was sitting on my stomach. If you would like to talk further please feel free to contact me.
If it's IBS or celiac disease you need a major change in diet. No wheat, wheat gluten, barley, rye or oats. No fried foods. No carbonated drinks. You'll need high quality nutritional supplements including probiotics and Essential Fatty Acids. Call "Doc" Wallach on the Dead Doctors Don't Lie radio show for more details. 1-888-379-2552, M-F, 2-3 PM CT. To be sure you get on I recommend you call as close to the starting time as possible. Be prepared to be on hold for a while. Have your story ready; you need to be as brief, but as specific, as you can. I know that sounds contradictory but you only get a minute or two to talk. Doc may ask several questions so be prepared with as much information about the situation as possible. He will always ask for the person's weight; he may ask sex, height and age and he may ask about related conditions, although they may not seem related to you. Have pencil and paper ready. When Doc gets going he talks pretty fast. If you don't get it all down the shows are recorded and you can listen to it online the following day. Go to:
http://radiotime. com/program/ p_20163/Dead_ Doctors_Dont_ Lie.aspx
and scroll down to the date you want. It'll stay on there for about 3 weeks and you can listen to it as many times as you want until it drops off. You might even want to go listen to a day or two of the shows before you call in so you'll know what to expect.
hello S.,
Sorry to hear you've been feeling so miserable and doctors have not been able to help you. you may need a multifaceted aproach to figure this one out. I might ramble....these are in no particular order.
1. get tested for allergies
2. if you suspect problems with wheat/gluten, go on a gluten-free diet for a few days and see how you feel. trust me, you may even see a difference in 24 hours.
3. enzymes... you may need digestive enzymes (NOW brand has complete enzymes) to help you digesting your foods.
4 chiropractic adjustments
5. omega-3s
6. pro-biotics
7. do potatoes give you a bloated feeling?
8. keep a food diary and write how you feel every day
9. milk intolerance?
10. avoid artificial/diet sugars/high fructose corn syrup
11. limit sugar intake
12. drink enough water
13. see a GI doctor
14. get more info about the meds you're taking and check the side effects.
15. are you taking any other supplements/vitamins, etc?
16. avoid sodas
17. check your vitamin D levels
18. eat papayas
19. avoid artificial fats
20. use olive oil for cooking, baking, etc.
21. do you eat enough fiber?
22. do you get enough healthy fats?
23. avoid nitrites (procesed meats)
24. see a nutritionist
25. drink tea (ginger, anise are nice ones)
26. avoid MSG / monosodium glutamate
Well, that should get you started....
avoiding high fructose corn syrup, diet sugars & MSG should clean up your diet big time! btw, have to read EVERY label... every time.
sorry this list got so long.
Good luck and keep going until you get the right answer for YOU! ~C.~
