Well, Here It Is...

[Horndog]

I've had Irritable Bowel Syndrome for a while now, but for the past month, the symptoms have posed a greater problem for my health. I feel blockage in my throat when there isn't anything, in my throat, to cause that other than acidic fluid consuming my esophagus. I've been experiencing intense stomach pain, though in actuality, it's just extreme gas build-up. Now for the relevant part. The pain in my stomach is severe, and the only way to reduce the pain is to literally mess whereever I am. Now I don't have that 2-3 minute warning cramp. It just happens with and without acid reducer medication, so I'm basically incontinent now.

Does anyone else have IBS, or acid reflux, or something similar that can give me some pointers on how to manage this?

[dmavn]

I have acid reflux, ibs and gird. Though personally I think my problems are more linked to some neurological issues I have.

When it comes to ibs and acid reflux, a majority of the problems can be alleviated by taking things out of your diet. For me that means most acids to include tomatoe based products, orange juice, pretty much any spice, sodas, etc.

I have problems with the valve at the top of the stomached not wanting to open or close properly. At times you can go and grab a glass of water and lay down afterwards and feel everything in your stomach rush up to the back of your throat. And at other times, you can be swallowing that water and have the valve at the stomach NOT open, tends to be pretty painful.

If I eat anything spicy, a majority of the time, I will fill up with gas and I just can not burp. This will get extremely painful, spread up through my chest in to my jaw, and some people have remarked as sounding like having a heart attack. In your case it sounds like the bottom valve of your stomache is weaker then the top. That pressure has to get out somehow. Unfortunately it pushes things along with it when it escapes.

As an example to the uninitiated, the pain was so bad that I physically tried to swallow a length of tubing to see if I could get it in my stomache to release the pressure. You know what happens if you throw a bird an antacid.. They blow up because they have no mechanism to burp.

[Horndog]

I have the opposite problem. I burp all the time, but the acid is still churning inside my stomach.

It's been bad for the past two weeks, and I can't shake it, even when I dramatically alter my diet.

[wetman]

Horndog,

a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole or an H2-antagonist like ranitidine might help with the acid. You might also try the more common calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (practically baking powder) acid neutralizers, although the latter have a tendency (because they just neutralize the acid and the stomach might just get the idea of producing some extra) to have a very temporary effect and sometimes make it worse afterwards, whereas the first two actually decrease the acid production. Ranitidine should be available over the counter and is pretty safe. Omeprazole is probably the benchmark drug for acid overproduction but will most likely be prescription only. There is also buffer-neutralizer-combinations that also contain gelling agents which will produce a layer of 'foam' on top of the stomach contents, so that, if some reflux occurs, this neutral matter touches the esophagus and not the acidic fluids.

A quick household remedy against acute acid reflux pain is half a cup of cream. This won't have any therapeutic value, but the pain vanishes astonishingly fast.

These are only a well meant suggestions and should not be taken instead of expert advice. Do see a doctor, OK?

Good luck, and I hope you get better soon!

Oh, by the way: An overacidic stomach can lead to irritated bowels and can easily be caused by stress.

Rereading your first post I just saw that you already took some medication so my suggestions will probably be a bit lame now. But if you can find something new in this it might be worth a try if the other stuff didn't do the trick...

Edited December 17, 2011 by wetman

[babykeiff]

Horndog,

from reading your post, and evaluating the cacophony of symptoms, I strongly suggest that you see a urologist. You have the same list of symptoms that a baby would suffer from when they have little to no control of their anal sphincter and the cure is usually gripe water or a bottle of warm water to allow the child to relax, in specific their anal sphincter.

When the bowels are in spasm, the peristaltic action of the digestive tract is disturbed and causes a number of problems. From the start, the stomach is unable to empty, the digestive tract gets engorged, and the bowels compact the faeces. Symptoms include acid reflux, cramping and severe pain. When the stomach is unable to empty, the acid can start to attack the stomach lining and in extreme cases, the valve seal at both the top and the bottom of the stomach cavity.

A strong anal insertion laxative is normally prescribed. From what you are talking about - I.B.S., it is possible that in order to control this, you have subconsciously stopped allowing yourself to vacate your bowels.

For you, I suggest first a warm water enema, followed by drinking warm water with at least one or two spoons of honey dissolved in it. This should shift the build up within your digestive tract. If, within 4 hours you haven't vacated your bowels, you need to visit the emergency room for manual extraction.

[midl2006]

I have acid re-flux. I have to take Prilosec. I've tried the off brands but they don't cut it. I've changed my diet, but I think my biggest problem is with my valve on my stomach not closing all the way. I also have very loose always runny stool. Been two times this year I didn't make it in time to the bathroom.

I haven't been to a doctor due to the fact I have no insurance because I can't afford it. As long as I take Prilosec everyday at the same time and watch what I eat, I'm good.

[Horndog]

I'm even having trouble swallowing. Today, I felt like I was choking, even though nothing I ate would result in choking. Yikes!

[anned]

I have acid reflux, ibs and gird. Though personally I think my problems are more linked to some neurological issues I have.

i tend to agree with neurological the vagus nerve controls all these.

And at other times, you can be swallowing that water and have the valve at the stomach NOT open,

tends to be pretty painful. this also sounds like the vagus nerve and may be a spasm of the nerve.

Have you tried different temperatures of water. for me cold water is worse.

A take a medication called Gabapentin for my neuropathy's and this seems to help with the symptoms i have like yours.

[Horndog]

I was able to reduce some of the pain with a few chewable antacids. For some reason, that actually took the edge off. Still feels like someone is sitting on my stomach.

If problems persist, I'll probably go for some ranitidine.

[Horndog]

Here's an update!

I went to the doctor, and had the urologist look at me as well.

As it turns out, I had two separate issues. I had a ruptured lining in my esophagus as a result of not chewing my food properly, hence my difficulty swallowing. I got treated for that, and I'm feeling good there.

The urologist said that I was suffering from IBS, but that the acid was so painful that it would push anything it wasn't able to fully digest further down my digestive tract, and add tremendous pressure to my sphincter muscles to expel waste. I'm now taking Prilosec OTC for that, and should be back on the road to recovery.

[Repaid1]

Lesson learned Chew your FOOD and just go to the drug store! Glad you are Betters

[wetman]

That's good news then, isn't it? Now you can have nice holidays without worrying too much; just still take it easy on the grease and booze.

Merry Christmas!

[Hookedondiapers]

I had GERD for as long as I can remember. I was on zantac and prilosec for years, which helped, but if I missed a dose, I was screwed.

I had surgery (laproscopic fundoplication nissen) in 1998, and haven't had heartburn since.

[dljim95]

i tend to agree with neurological the vagus nerve controls all these.

tends to be pretty painful. this also sounds like the vagus nerve and may be a spasm of the nerve.

Have you tried different temperatures of water. for me cold water is worse.

A take a medication called Gabapentin for my neuropathy's and this seems to help with the symptoms i have like yours.

I was just put on Gabapentin for my neuropathy pain this week, did it you have any side effects from it. Reading the instructions that came with scared the crap out of me.

Thanks

[wetatnight]

Horndog;

you should see a gastrologist if your having trouble swallowing and stomache issues.

I have had acid refluf disease since 1997 and have been on prilosec and nexium.

[Horndog]

Well, it does look like two separate issues.

First, the swallowing. Now I'm not as bad as I was before, but when I swallow food, it feels like some of that food -- no matter how small the food is once processed -- gets stuck to the lining of my esophagus. That "sticky" feeling is mucus, and I've had a long medical history of bronchial problems. To visualize it, imagine a clear passageway in the throat. Something miniscule gets stuck in there, which creates that "stuck in throat" feeling of discomfort, but other food goes down just fine. That's untreated bronchitis/post nasal drip.

Second, the digestion. When I eat food, I have this intense acidic build-up, and the heartburn just sits there right on my chest. I take Prilosec in the morning, and it takes away the sting. The acid is still there, though. To tie this in with the incontinent situation, it's like the acid -- instead of breaking down the food for my digestive system -- turns it all into waste, and pushes down so I get that "Oh snap! I have to poop!" feeling. Then there's a 2-3 minute window, and if I don't take the opportunity to use the toilet within that duration, guess what?

I am feeling better, though. I just need to, again, chew my food, and R-E-L-A-X.

[sarah_ab]

GERD includes difficulty swallowing - feeling like food is struck in your throat and needing to have a drink to get it down. It also includes chronic acid reflux and most people with gerd have a very strong gag reflex.

IBS - you can either be chroncially constipated or have chronic diarrhea... both are oft accompanied by extreme abd. tenderness and cramps. I have the one that causes chronic diarrhea... had it for years and years... Finally found a dr on the up and up.. i take a low level SSRi (anti depressent) and have gone from having diarrhea daily to having maybe 1-2 days every 8-10 weeks of the symptoms. She also gave me hyomax, a sublingual that clears up my stomach pains.

Go see a Gastroentrenologist. Ask if they are familiar with the use of SSRIs to treat IBS.. I never thought i would be able to travel without having to take 15 immodium a day just to not have to run to the bathroom every 20 minutes. Now I don't even carry immodium in my purse anymore!

FOr the gerd, i actually take three different medications, two are PPI's and the other is ... i can't remember the name, but it basically binds everything together... essentially i'm taking 8 pills a day, at least one every two hours... but i've had GERD since i was born, and now had an ulcer in my esophagus from it.... so i feel like its pretty essential to take it as prescribed so i can heal this ulcer.

but seriously, never ever ever take medical treatment advice from a fetish website.. or any website... i'm only telling you what has worked for me... it may not work for your symptoms.... the only way to know is to see a specialist, and under medical supervision have them see about a trial.

[Horndog]

I'm seeing a doctor (see my previous posts), so I'm not solely seeking advice on a fetish site. Only reason I posted on the forum is because of the strange incontinence side effect.

It's getting clearer to me that I have GERD. All the symptoms line up with that. I'm on Prilosec, and it's day four. Still feeling the difficulty swallowing and heartburn, but not as bad as the time I made the OP.

Gastroentrenologist will be the next person I see if symptoms don't improve.

[sarah_ab]

If you have GERD and symptoms with bowel incontinence, a GI dr should be the primary doctor creating a treatment plan as they specialize in disorders of the gastrointenstinal system.. including the stomach, esophagus, small and large intestine, colon/anus, etc....

[dlsmd]

If you have GERD and symptoms with bowel incontinence, a GI dr should be the primary doctor creating a treatment plan as they specialize in disorders of the gastrointenstinal system.. including the stomach, esophagus, small and large intestine, colon/anus, etc....

i agree with this a urologist and a Gastroenterologists deal with different parts of your anatomy so see a gi for for your ibs and see what thay have to say

[Horndog]

GI, huh?

Because I don't have several hundred dollars to spend on that kind of doctor -- at this very moment -- I've stripped my life down to the barebone essentials: cut out the carbs, eating smaller meals (instead of two large meals a day), and exercise (spent several hours today, in fact, jogging). My chest feels less enflamed, and the throat irritation is minimal. Didn't need to take aspirin today, and I haven't been able to do that for two weeks. I'm just trying to be smart. My lifestyle has not served me well. Have to be aggressive in getting better.

[sarah_ab]

Sorry with seeing dr's i assumed you had health insurance... which if it covers a urologist would usually cover a GI.... but yeah, w/out insurance it is expensive.

[Horndog]

I spent a chunk of money already, and I don't have health insurance. Next year, I'll be able to get some. Not now, though. That's what makes my medical problems so agonizing. Treating it is one thing, but the costs are another.

[anned]

I was just put on Gabapentin for my neuropathy pain this week, did it you have any side effects from it. Reading the instructions that came with scared the crap out of me.

Thanks

I love Gabapentin as it helps with so many things i have

But you have to start slow and raise the dosage slowly if you are going over 900 mg a day.

The higher the dosage the more risk of side affects.

[Horndog]

Today marks the end of my 14-day treatment on Prilosec. I'm doing much better now, but I still have sticky lining in my esophagus. In other words, some food actually sticks to my throat, but it goes down eventually. Not choking, but a little uncomfortable. Only happens with harder foods. No incontinence. No accidents. I've been off of padding for a few days now. Things are stabilizing.