Digestive problems...?

phuckMFP
phuckMFP Posts: 58 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I've been on and off with MFP for over a year, and the community is always my go-to when I have health related questions...usually regarding food, exercise, etc. What MFP doesn't know is that I've been battling digestive problems and severe pain from it for a couple years now, with no explanation from any doctors. I know that you guys aren't doctors and whatnot, but I'm desperate and maybe someone has some suggestions. I apologize if this is the wrong forum or altogether inappropriate to post, but please help through a comment, message, etc. if you can!

My symptoms are very severe and include: constipation (can't go AT ALL unless I have help with laxatives), excruciating abdominal pain that is worsened when I eat or when pressure is put on my stomach, and 24/7 bloating that is also worsened when I eat or drink. I used to come home from school every day in high school crying because of the pain, but now I'm so used to the pain...which is unfortunate because I'm so young.

I've tried everything. I've gotten a colonoscopy, so I know that my bowels are supposedly working fine. I've treated my thyroid gland, so my hormone levels are stabilized. I've changed my diet and added more fiber to my meals, nothing. I've gotten my blood tests done very recently and know that I do not have sensitivities to any foods (gluten, soy, dairy, etc.). I've seen countless doctors and stomach specialists and haven't gotten any answers.

Has anyone had or know someone who has had these kind of symptoms? Could it be my appendix? Peritonitis? Cyst/tumor of my ovaries? Any possible explanations at all?

Thank you to anyone who read this and may be able to help. I want to have my life back and not be in pain every second. I know MFP is more about fitness and not health problems so I do apologize for this possibly unrelated post, but like I said I'm desperate.

Thanks again <3

Lacey

Replies

  • jeme3
    jeme3 Posts: 355 Member
    Have they done a biopsy for Celiac disease? Different from the blood test, and the only way to know for sure.

    Have you talked to an allergist about possible food allergies? Are you taking any medications at all for anything?
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  • jeme3
    jeme3 Posts: 355 Member
    Celiac can cause all sorts of symptoms including all of yours and is very difficult to pin point. But you can definitely have all those symptoms and NOT have celiac. The only way to know for sure is the biopsy test.

    An allergist will do more/different tests and may help. It's something to consider.

    Eating clean has helped my digestive issues a lot. No one ever figured out why I was have pain, diarrhea, bloating, etc. fairly often. Since i started paying more attention to what I eat, it's gone.

    Definitely talk to you gyno about the ovary thing.
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  • sleclair89
    sleclair89 Posts: 5
    I have the same dilemma as you...I was told it was a gluten intolerance (much less harsh in most cases than those with Celiacs) but I still have problems while trying to maintain a mostly gluten-free diet. I would suggest trying to eat completely gluten free for a week and see how you feel at the end. Even if you don't have a sensitivity to gluten, you mayl feel more energetic, and less bloated and cramped up. It's hard to do, but when I'm feeling outta whack I go completely gluten free and in a way detox my body--it helps me a lot and might be a worth a shot. Having done the week without wheat, it would also be a good evidence tracker to show your doctor if you decided to continue down that road. Good luck!
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    My lactose intolerance produces the same symptoms and lactose is in so many things other than just dairy. They actually use it as a filler in a lot of things.
  • fattypattybinger
    fattypattybinger Posts: 337
    not for sure if you new that fresh papaya helps hope you try it
  • wcftlotiasftmswthsb
    wcftlotiasftmswthsb Posts: 9
    I have this problem too! I have no clue what it is though..
  • MuddyEquestrian
    MuddyEquestrian Posts: 366 Member
    Your symptoms and mine sound very similar. My issue turned out to be severe endometriosis which had spread into my appendix and caused adhesions on my intestines. My suggestion is talk to an endometriosis GYN specialist and get their opinion! Many times this is closely related to digestive issues, espeically constipation and it's often overlooked by internal med doctors and GI doctors. Good luck!
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  • kmshred
    kmshred Posts: 393 Member
    i think you just need more fiber, girl.
  • G__Force
    G__Force Posts: 280 Member
    is the pain in your upper stomach and radiate into you back? if so you might have you gallbladder checked, my wife had some of the same before her gallbladder had to be removed. some times she would fell better after she ate and other time she would through up and she would fell better for a couple of hours then it would state over.
  • wesmith2
    wesmith2 Posts: 37 Member
    I feel ya! I am in the same situation....I have logged my food for months and am VERY strict about getting enough fiber....that doesn't work...I drink water ALL day! I've tried Miralax....that didn't work. I take probiotics daily....exercise 6x a week. I have had blood work, xrays, the whole nine yards and those came back fine..I have been taking AMITIZA (prescription laxative) for the last week and it isn't doing anything...It is enough to make me cry...so frustrating. I am sorry you are going through this b/c I am too. The ONLY thing that works for me is a green tea called Smooth Move...and I usually take it once a week and that is usually the only time I have a full you know what! :( I feel like this is holding me back from losing weight and it is really depressing! I think I am about to start eliminating food to see if it is a food intolerance problem. Good luck to you.
  • jeme3
    jeme3 Posts: 355 Member
    OP, what did you find out?

    Feeling any better?
  • Bethbr00tality
    Bethbr00tality Posts: 36 Member
    Remember: a reaction with everything you eat can be because of preexisting inflammation. If you have a reaction to something, it can take a while for it to clear up, hence everything being problem food. I have crohn's disease, and once i have a flare up, it doesn't matter WHAT i eat, everything induces symptoms. if you have celiac & have a reaction, until it has a chance to clear up, everything you eat can be problematic.

    good luck!
  • macelmer
    macelmer Posts: 55 Member
    Have the doctor's checked you for IBD--both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis? I have had CD diagnosed for about 6 years, but they believe I have had it around 17 years. I too had constipation as one of my main problems as well as severe abdominal pain. My suggestion is to go to a gastroenterologist and get checked. If you do have one of these diseases, medication and diet will help; but non-treatment will not. Best of luck.
  • wesmith2
    wesmith2 Posts: 37 Member
    Success Report! None of my medicines worked!! BUT, my Paleo lifestyle has worked tremendously!!! It took a good 6 weeks but once I stopped eating grains and dairy, I am soooooooooo regular...Like every day regular. Super happy! And if I slip and eat bread I can tell a difference.....I can't believe my doctors did not go over this with me....
  • freddi11e
    freddi11e Posts: 317 Member
    bump bc I have the same problem and docs dont know why either.
  • StacyReneO
    StacyReneO Posts: 317 Member
    Success Report! None of my medicines worked!! BUT, my Paleo lifestyle has worked tremendously!!! It took a good 6 weeks but once I stopped eating grains and dairy, I am soooooooooo regular...Like every day regular. Super happy! And if I slip and eat bread I can tell a difference.....I can't believe my doctors did not go over this with me....

    THIS!!
  • lokidip
    lokidip Posts: 7
    If they haven't tested for coeliac disease, try that. Though the tendency for an undiagnosed coeliac is to gain weight. Coeliac disease isn't an intolerance to gluten in the same sense as a food intolerance. It's an autoimmune condition where you body produces antibodies that damage your own intestines.

    I found peppermint tablet eases my digestive symptom somewhat if I eat something wrong by accident. Thankfully that's not happened in a couple of years.
  • scookiemonster
    scookiemonster Posts: 175 Member
    Success Report! None of my medicines worked!! BUT, my Paleo lifestyle has worked tremendously!!! It took a good 6 weeks but once I stopped eating grains and dairy, I am soooooooooo regular...Like every day regular. Super happy! And if I slip and eat bread I can tell a difference.....I can't believe my doctors did not go over this with me....

    Sounds likely that might really have been a gluten intolerance after all, especially if it flairs up again if you eat bread. My understanding is that there isn't a blood test that can reliably diagnose non-celiac gluten intolerance, and the only way to really know is to try an elimination diet. Glad to know you had success!
  • lemonmon1
    lemonmon1 Posts: 134 Member
    Have you done the elimination diet? My friend did it and found out that both gluten and dairy bothered her. She avoids both and feels great now! Those are two foods that cause a lot of problems for many people and are just not worth eating!
  • wesmith2
    wesmith2 Posts: 37 Member
    I am reporting AGAIN that the Paleo lifestyle has worked wonders for me! So many test were ran and nothing was "abnormal" to my doctors. I sleep better. I have more energy. The most important....I use the bathroom daily not by meds once a week :( That was horrible! Before you get on meds, if you have not tried it....try cutting out wheat and dairy. You have to be a little creative w/your meals BUT it is so worth it! Do the research and try it. Good luck!
  • EmilyOfTheSun
    EmilyOfTheSun Posts: 1,548 Member
    I didn't get to read this. Hopefully someone has answered your question.
    But wow, your hair is so purdy!
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    apple cider vinegar
    cayenne pepper
  • rachface1234
    rachface1234 Posts: 227 Member
    Just a thought, but anxiety and stress can lead to extreme digestive problems sometimes without physical reasons! Take care of yourself friend!
  • ginakiki
    ginakiki Posts: 226 Member
    I have the same issues I have IBS and I am Lactose intolerance. Have you done the elimination diet, I also have Interstitial cystitis which is a chronic condition characterized by a combination of uncomfortable bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pain in your pelvis, which can range from mild burning or discomfort to severe pain. Its basically a ulcer in your bladder. Its horrible I was getting kidney infection all the time. Plus I was peeing 30 times a day...no joke. My bladder was inflamed and my bladder could only hold the size of a coke can. Diet is the only way I got better. I had to eliminate all spicy foods, chocolate, Acidic foods, soda...etc. When I did this I got better and I lost a lot of weight. I try to still keep that diet but I do cheat sometimes. My body is a mess right now cause I have really bad asthma and was sick in the hospital 2 times this year and was put on steroids and gained
    30 pds. I really think you should do the elimination diet. Also did you test for food allergies, not the blood test the skin test.
  • ginakiki
    ginakiki Posts: 226 Member
    also what r u eating...your food diary is empty

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