I have had numerous tests, yet still experiencing severe abdominal pain which has become more frequent?

Question

I went to a Gastroenterologist last year who did an endoscopy and said that the opening from my esophagus to my stomach does not close properly, thus causing pain. He saw no sign of an ulcer. I managed it somewhat with a low fat diet, no soda, etc. I also get chest pains and trouble breathing sometimes, which he attributed to heartburn. I had a Barium swallow x-ray which showed nothing irregular, so it is not a hernia. I also had an ultrasound which showed no gallstones. I also have lower abdominal pain each day, which they attribute to endometriosis. But it seems to worsen after I eat. So the past 2 weeks, it has been extremely intense and constant. It hurts the most in the early morning when I am asleep and my stomach is empty, it wakes me up. Sometimes food soothes it somewhat, sometimes food just makes it worse and makes me nauseated, and I have never been one to experience nausea. I have not had any diarrea throughout this experience, the pain is the main symptom. I take methotrexate for my arthritis and so cannot take any Pepto Bismol or other salicylates. I have run out of ideas for tests and after the gastro sent me on my way last year with a PPI and said if this does not help there is nothing else I can do for you, I had no idea where else to turn. I don't believe I have lactose intolerance or allergy to gluten as I get this pain no matter what sorts of food I eat. I live in Holland and so it is not easy to be sent to a specialist nor receive tests as they try to keep health care costs down, so I hope I can come up with an idea and maybe they will send me to another gastro for a 2nd opinion. Any ideas?

Answer 1

you definitely have to eat smaller meals. One supplement that would be very good for you is digestive enzymes. They will not interfere with your medication. You need these every time you eat. Also you should be taking twice daily on an empty stomach acidophylis capsules as this will help balance out many of the problems that are in your intestinal area. I believe you have intestinal problems not just endometriosis. You can always use a heating pad for twenty minutes to help with reducing the pain.



I suggest following a change of diet for a week and see if this helps.



As a general rule, the grain and cereal foods at the top of this list make the safest, easiest, and most versatile soluble fiber foundations for your meals and snacks.



Rice, Pasta and noodles, Oatmeal, Barley, Fresh white breads such as French or sourdough (NOT whole wheat or whole grain)* Rice cereals, Flour tortillas, Soy, Corn meal, Potatoes, Carrots, Yams, Sweet potatoes, Turnips, Beets, Squash and pumpkins, Mushrooms, Chestnuts, Avocados (though they do have some fat), Bananas, Applesauce, Mangoes, Papayas (also digestive aids that relieve gas and indigestion)



*Please choose a baked-daily, high quality, preservative-free brand. White bread does not mean Wonder.



If you have any questions please let me know.

Answer 2

What kind of medication did your doctor put you on? What does he think you have? You didn't tell us. An upper GI will only test just that, your upper GI. If you are having problems in your lower colon area that is a lower GI. I think we need more info, since your doctor ordered and upper GI, maybe he suspects something else?

Answer 3

Eat smaller meals & not within 3 hours before bed. Take an antacid before bed. Watch the hard to digest food like cabbage. Eat less high acid food like tomatoes & raw onions.

Check your blood sugar, diabetes can cause arthritis.

Answer 4

What kind of medication did your doctor put you on? What does he think you have? You didn't tell us. An upper GI will only test just that, your upper GI. If you are having problems in your lower colon area that is a lower GI. I think we need more info, since your doctor ordered and upper GI, maybe he suspects something else?