[tannor]

Hi everyone,I am 35 years old male, and about 3-4 weeks ago I have been having issues where even after a small meal I will feel like someone is sitting on my upper abdomen chest. It really hurts when I breathe in as well. I have gas but not flatulence, but belching, an while belching helps for a few minutes it comes right back. When this happens it can last 12-18 hours, and I cannot eat during that period becuase I feel so full.I do not have any diarrhea and or constipation. Can this still be IBS?I went to my primary care doctor and she ran full blood tests and checked for celiac disease and everything was perfect. She recommend I cut out dairy for 2 weeks and see what happens. I did and still have the problems. I am trying to isolate foods that are causing it but seems to be no ryhme or reason, though I will admit I am not the healthiest eater. At work I tend to eat fast food or pizza, but once in a while healthy, I try to rotate. I very rarely eat cheese, do not like it.My doctor and I have been emailing and she says I should go to a gastro specialist and she thinks it could be IBS but not sure.Do the symptoms without constipation or diarrhea can be IBS? I always thought IBS was having to go to the bathroom a lotThanks for any advice. Also if there are any home remedies you know I would be grateful. One thing I noticed I can eat yogurt no problem, and heard that is good for digestion so thinking maybe just eat yogurt for lunch everyday.I have tried gas-x and took double dosage does nothing. Thanks in advance

 

[Kathleen M.]

IBS is not the one and only functional GI disorder.Most everything worse than IBS has more symptoms rather than fewer. This sounds more like functional dypepsia (upper GI discomfort) rather than IBS. It could also be something like gastritis or a hiatal hernia so the GI doc may want to do a camera down the throat to see what is going on in there.However since for all functional GI disorders they treat based on what symptom bothers you and it is the same treatment no matter which disorder it is a lot of doctors in practice just lump it under IBS rather than figure out which way the researcher are dividing up the symptoms at this time and which subset has which name.

 

[tannor]

IBS is not the one and only functional GI disorder.Most everything worse than IBS has more symptoms rather than fewer. This sounds more like functional dypepsia (upper GI discomfort) rather than IBS. It could also be something like gastritis or a hiatal hernia so the GI doc may want to do a camera down the throat to see what is going on in there.However since for all functional GI disorders they treat based on what symptom bothers you and it is the same treatment no matter which disorder it is a lot of doctors in practice just lump it under IBS rather than figure out which way the researcher are dividing up the symptoms at this time and which subset has which name.

Thanks for responding.Out of curiosity I have tried several things out of desperation, I tried fennel seeds and it seems to work a little not a cure but it helps.I have been reading about Probiotics. think it worth it to try and see if it helps? If so any recommendation on which one to get? any particular brand or does not matter? I am still going to go see gastro but will take time to get an appt. So wanted to try something in meantime. I have tried all the other remedies, gas-x, antacid, nothing else helps.Thanks,

 

[tannor]

Just spoke to my regular doctor and until I can find a gastro scheduled me for an ultrasound of abdomen next week.

 

[Kathleen M.]

Probiotics mostly effect the colon, not the stomach.That being said, there are several brands that people have tried and seem to have a chance of working. Culturelle, VSL#3, Align, Digestive Advantage. I've had luck with some from GNC and the Vitamtin Shoppe (all for reducing fart frequency).Digestive enzymes with pancreatin in them may help with post eating bloating. The prescription pancreatin has been found to reduce bloating in normal people eating a meal that should bloat anyone.