So Frustrated

[jennyj2008]

So, for the past year I have been having issues with my stomach. I am hesitant to see any more doctors because I have spoken to a few and the only responses I get are “try working out for 30 minutes”, “don’t eat junk food” and “eat fruits and veggies”. I am 22 years old, 113 lbs and 5’4”, also I eat healthy. I don’t eat sweets and usually snack on pretzels and 100 calorie packs. Occasionally, potato chips too. I eat plenty of fruits and veggies and I work out for 45 min, 3-4 times a week. I cut out rice, potatoes and white bread/pasta from my diet because a doctor recommended it so I only eat wheat bread and occasionally eat potatoes. Obviously my next step is to see a gastroenterologist but I’m a little nervous about any tests to be done. I get Hemorrhoids because it’s usually difficult to go to the bathroom so I have seen blood on the tissue. I hate being bloated all the time and feeling fat when in reality it’s gas and this stomach issue not being resolved. I’ve search IBS (which sounds close) and celiac disease and candida disease. Any help would be appreciated! thank you!

[marymagdeline]

Hi, I'm a nutritioniat. Try seeing a holisitc dr. that does a test called a Heidelberg Gastrogram (google this).  And make sure your eating lots fo fiber..ie.whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, etc for the constipation.  Also, try take eating Activia.  It can take up to 2 weeks to help with constipation.  Good luck!

[jennyj2008]

thanks for responding! I should have mentioned that I have tried those fiber supplements but they didn’t do anything for me. Also, yogurts don’t do much either but I do regularly eat them. I was researching the other night and I read something about large meals so I’m trying to eat smaller meals this week. I work in retail part time so it always ruins my eating schedule so I usually eat a large breakfast and large dinner and snack throughout the day. I don’t think I am lactose intolerant because I’ve always drank milk and yogurt and I never have a problem so I’m guessing that isn’t it. I’m mostly constipated and sometimes I feel like I haven’t completely emptied my intestines (if that makes sense). Do you take anything for having IBS because I looked up the symptoms and I’m worried I might have it too! I have a cream for the Hemorrhoids which I hate using but I am in so much pain just sitting down, it’s so frustrating. I get nauseous too especially in the morning after breakfast but sometimes I feel like it’s because I’m so bloated and the food is just sitting in my throat. My next step is to go to the doctor but it’s so expensive and I really don’t have the money to go through tests and various procedures they do.
thanks again for any advice/answers!

[Jessie76]

It is hard to really give much input without knowing what type of issues you are having with your stomach...I mean is it constipation only or are you having other issues?  I have IBS with more bouts with constipation than with diarrhea.  Trying some of the many fiber supplements may go a long way.  I have been seeing a specialist for over a year and had a number of other issues, I was nauseated all the time and really thought celiac, but it wasn't.  I just had my gallbladder removed, but can't tell if it has helped since it has only been a week.  I have been in and out of dr's since I was a little kid and have researched lots of issues with stomach and may be able to offer some direction, but without knowing more about the symptoms it is hard to say.  The fiber will prob help with the hemorrhoids and make it easier to go, also the new yogurts out there like danactive and activia have gotten great reviews from a number of people I know with those type of problems, I have not tried them because of a milk allergy.  Hope you can post again tonight because I will not be online for the next 2 weeks, work trip.

Good luck & if you don't post tonight I will look when I can get back online