Help

[ravens55]

Hi I am a 22 year old who has severe GERD for the past 2 years with no relief regardless of the different medications I've tried. For the past 3 to 4 months it has been worst and I've been belching constantly with pain under the lower side of my rib cage. I've also been have frequent bowel movements that are either loose or ribbon shaped. I've been having penile pain that my urologist can not find any reason. I'm starting to worry that with all these issues I may have some form of cancer. I have a DR appointment next week but this is causing me extreme anxiety and any thoughts would be helpful. I don't if this matter but I'm a frequent coffee drinker a light smoker and i consume alcohol about 3 times a week. Thanks for your time any ideas would help it just doesnt seem normal too me that someone as young as me would have all these issues without something serious being the underlying cause.

[ravens55]

Okay thanks for the replies i went to a gi doc and he is doing a blood test and also gave me a pres for dicyclomine although it hasnt seemed to help How exactly is a gallbladder issue looked at

[Londres70]

A colon issue (Colitis or IBS) could be causing what is known as "referred" pain meaning the problem isn't with the penis but pain being referred from your colon to your penis.  

Reason I mentioned about having a gallbladder issue ruled out as well is based on the symptoms of pain under your ribs and the frequent belching along with the loose stools, however, the stools (loose or ribbon-formed) can be an issue with IBS or Colitis as well.  

[ravens55]

I've tried quitting smoking but I always go back to it in stressful situations and I get terrible headaches when I don't have my coffee. Could you explain more how a colon issue coil cause penile pain and why exactly my gallbladder should be checked out thanks

[Londres70]

Colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine.  As I stated in my previous post, could be IBS as well.  This MIGHT explain the penile pain; possibly referred pain from the colon.  

Be nice to your colon/give it a rest; avoid the coffee, alcohol and the "light" smoking.

A gallbladder issue should be ruled out as well.

Keep us posted.  

[SassyLassie]

First, I would stop the smoking and coffee.

Second, try not to worry about cancer until you know for sure, I know it is easier said than done, but, the added stress does not help.

Third, it could very well be either IBS, which is Irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis, which is inflammation of the colon. Try taking a good pro-biotic to put some friendly bacteria in your system, also, try extra fiber, believe it or not, this can actually help with those problems.

Hope this helps.

[ravens55]

Thanks for all your comments what exactly is colitis and I'm just wondering someone as young as me would be having all these health problems no else I know does I've pretty much convinced myself I have some type of cancer

[Londres70]

Sounds like some sort of Colitis or IBS.  

[gymdandee]

send a message to  Red_Star If you scroll down to Top General Health Answerers you will see her name Red Star is very knowledgeable on this topic

[margypops]

pepcid ac can cause diarreha.if you research side effects it will tell you .

[cupcakequeen188]

I hope its nothing worse... and i don't know how much water you drink nor your weight or anything but if you cut out carbonated beverages, alcohol, fried foods and sugar and take pepcid ac twice a day i guarantee your gerd will improve... increase your water intake as well

[ripleymt]

Do yourself a big favor & give up the coffee. It can cause severe GERD. Smoking cigarettes (light or not) WILL (not CAN) cause a whole myriad of health problems. Quit now while you're young and avoid cutting your life short and having life-long health problems.